For too many families, the backyard is simply a lot of hard work. There’s always something that needs to be done: mowing the lawn, pulling the weeds, repairing the “toys” you bought for your weekend bashes (the pool, the grill, etc.). Too often, the yard becomes just another hassle that needs to be dealt with – but it doesn’t have to be that way. Here is the best hardscape ideas for a low-maintenance yard with porcelain pavers.
If you want to have a yard that looks great and requires little upkeep, hardscaping just might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
What Is Hardscaping?
Simply put, hardscaping is any kind of outdoor design that does NOT involve plant life. Your pavement, your patio, your manmade pond – it all falls under the hardscape umbrella. These elements are common in most people’s backyards, largely due to the many benefits they can offer the average homeowner.
Benefits of Hardscaping
Firstly, we wouldn’t be talking about hardscaping today if it was a low-maintenance design option. With hardscaping, keeping your yard in pristine condition is so much easier! There is no grass to cut. There are fewer weeds to pull (if any). In their place, you simply have beautiful paver tiles that are resilient, durable, and quick and easy to clean.
Additionally, hardscaping helps add functionality to your yard space. With a hardscaped yard, it is easy to divide your yard into a grilling area, outdoor seating space, or games area for any little ones in your home. By adding pavers or other manmade delineations to your yard, you’ve effectively made it a better space for all your family members and guests.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that hardscaped yards are often more eco-friendly than traditional lawns – after all, less grass means less watering! If you’re looking for a way to do your part for Mother Nature, conserving water with a hardscaped yard is a great option. You’ll probably appreciate the savings on your water bill, too!
So, what kind of hardscaping is best for your low-maintenance yard? Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
Use Porcelain Pavers
[displayGallery id=109]If you’re going to have a hardscaped yard, you need to make sure that you’re using the very best pavers possible. This is why we recommend Italian porcelain pavers. These tiles are exceptionally beautiful, and they always look great in an outdoor space.
In addition to their incredible beauty, porcelain pavers offer a wide range of benefits to the average homeowner. They’re skid resistant (which is great when you have kids or pets running around the yard), very easy to clean, and incredibly durable. With porcelain pavers in your yard, you can be sure that your space will keep looking beautiful long after you’ve finished installation.
Set Up Outdoor Seating
[displayGallery id=110]As we mentioned earlier, hardscaped yards are great for families who want to get extra functionality out of their space. One way to do this is by creating designated areas in your yard for different activities. If your paved yard is separated visually into sections, it will appear larger and more functional – and the best way to section off your space is with outdoor seating.
You can find sets of patio furniture at just about any home improvement or home décor store. Arrange this furniture around a focal point (like a small table, pool/jacuzzi, or fire pit) and it will create a sort of “living space” where you and your guests can gather.
Landscape with Bark
Not everyone wants to have a completely paved-over yard. We get it; a huge part of being outside is enjoying nature, so it’s only natural to want some natural elements in your yard. However, if you want to incorporate plants AND keep your yard low maintenance, there is an option for you.
Bark mulch is a great option for many hardscaped or partially-hardscaped yards. The bark traps moisture in the garden soil, which means you don’t need to worry about watering quite as frequently. Additionally, bark provides weed protection, which means you don’t need to spend your afternoons pulling up garden intruders!
“Plant” a Rock Garden
Not into the bark look? Not to worry! Another great way to bring plants into your yard without too much work is by creating a rock garden. This hardscape design uses rocks and pebbles to cover the soil while a few plants (usually desert plants like cacti and succulents) add a delightful pop of color.
These gardens require only a few plants to look exceptional (which cuts down your watering time). Also, because they often feature hardy plants from harsh environments, they are especially durable and can look great all year round!
Add Artificial Grass
[displayGallery id=111]Let’s say that you want to have SOME form of lawn in your yard – but you don’t want to spend your weekends weeding and mowing it. What do you do? One option is to install some artificial grass! Today, there are a wide variety of synthetic mulch options that both look and feel natural.
Artificial grass can give your kids a place to play sports, your pets a place to “do their business,” and a touch of greenery in your yard. But best of all, it ALSO provides you with a beautiful, grassy area that you don’t need to maintain. Everyone wins!
Give Your Yard the Elegance Touch
Hardscaping is a great way to make your yard more attractive – without adding to your already busy daily routine. Whether you want to prevent weeds with rocks or bark, replace your lawn with artificial grass, or beautify your space with porcelain pavers, there are many options available to turn your yard into the outdoor space of your dreams…
And best of all, you have the Elegance US team right here to help!
