Publication date: 04/09/2010

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Hardscaping can be functional, appealing

Last week, my column focused on landscaping. So when you are walking around your yard thinking about ways to upgrade your landscaping, make sure you also consider new ways to improve both the look and enjoyment of your yard with hardscaping.

Hardscaping is a separate area of outdoor decor that is very popular these days. Everything from brick and stone pavers to huge boulders, retaining walls, waterfalls and outdoor fireplaces are becoming just as important for outdoor decoration as plants and trees. Integrating landscaping with hardscaping is a great way to enhance the look of your home and add to your outdoor enjoyment.

One category that always seems to be popular with homeowners is brick and stone pavers for patios or walkways. These can be considered a do-it-yourself project, and retailers can provide homeowners with helpful how-to instructions and advice. A good source is Oaks Concrete Products in Wixom, (248) 684-5004, www.oakspavers.com, which manufacturers its own line of pavers and retaining walls. The company even has a line of ecological pavers for those who want to be more environmentally friendly.

With so many choices, it can be confusing. According to Marco Scappaticci from the Rock Shoppe in Plymouth, (734) 455-5560, www.rock-shoppe.com, the most important part of designing a hardscape is to do it with your lifestyle in mind.

"Whether you like to entertain in your backyard or just sit and enjoy the outdoors, we can help homeowners design the perfect hardscape to fit their needs," Scappaticci says. "Hardscaping is really the framework of everything else in the yard."

Scappaticci says while retaining walls with steps remain popular, the trend these days is moving toward real stone versus block retaining walls and steps. He also sees a lot of people interested in an outdoor brick or block fireplace for the patio.

While the Rock Shoppe will come out to a home to help people design their hardscaping, Scappaticci says homeowners also can just bring in a picture of their yard and he can help them decide what items will work.

Meanwhile, Jason Fendt of Rocks and Roots, (586) 752-4900, in Washington, says while he still sees some people doing big projects such as aquascaping with ponds and waterfalls, he is seeing a budget-conscious trend.

"Right now, we are seeing people who want little add-ons for their yard, such as a smaller pond feature, night lighting or a bubbling rock on the patio instead of a waterfall," Fendt says. "People want to enhance what they already have and enjoy their yard more, but really don't have the budget to spend on bigger projects. Many of these items can be added for under $500."

Fendt also details how manufacturers are realizing budget concerns, and are starting to develop cultured stone retaining walls that look like the real thing and synthetic rocks that are less expensive and lighter than the real thing. He also says that the "natural look" is huge these days, so flagstone or smaller rocks and boulders that can be placed as an outcropping from landscaping are very popular.

The great thing is that there is a rock, wall, fountain or paver solution that will fit just about every yard, from the smallest budget to the biggest. And since we are improving instead of moving, hardscaping is a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal while adding to your enjoyment and the functionality of your outdoor environment.

Note: This article was accurate at the date of publication. However, information contained in it may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

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