Hardscaping is a great way to add value to your outdoor space. If you are not familiar with the term, hardscaping refers to any element of your outdoor landscaping that is manmade, including anything made from cast stone, concrete, brick, metal or even wood. It includes everything from paving and patios to retaining walls and fire pits.
If you’re looking to improve the function and value of your Kansas City yard and property, hardscape plans are a great idea for you. Outdoor design that combines soft natural elements with hard features can make for a beautiful and functional extension of your living area into the outdoors. If you need help to begin your hardscape planning, here are some places to start.
Do your research
It’s important to do your research before jumping into specific hardscape plans. Make sure to look around both in person and online for the kinds of hardscape features you most enjoy. Once you have a sense of what you want, set a budget to figure out what is within your reach. After you determine your budget, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional on design options before committing. While some lawn projects are great candidates for DIY work, hardscaping is best left to those with years of experience in working on these types of projects.
Measure twice
The first things the experts will ask when consulting you about hardscaping projects are the dimensions of your space. Be sure to measure carefully so you know exactly what you are working with when it comes to designing your patio, outdoor fireplace or other hardscape features. Scoping out how much room you have will also help you to determine what your budget can cover when it comes to building hardscaping.
Design decisions
Now that you have a budget and a sense of the space you’re working with for your hardscape plans, it’s time to make some design decisions. When it comes to hardscape planning in Kansas City, your design should always prioritize functionality. It doesn’t matter how beautiful you make your yard if its design is inconvenient for the way you actually live.
Functionality is important when considering budget restrictions as well. If you never grill, an outdoor kitchen is probably not the best investment when it comes to hardscaping plans. Along with your personal habits, consider other environmental concerns. If you value privacy, it’s probably not the best idea for you to build a gigantic patio near the street.
After you know how you want to use your space, be sure to take aesthetics into account when working with your contractor determine a design. Think about the ways you can incorporate soft landscaping with your hardscape plans. How will your design best complement your garden and yard? Also consider how you will style your new hardscaping features—think about incorporating planters and other details that will work with the whole of your design.
Trust the experts with your hardscape plans
Whether you’re planning to add a retaining wall, garden pavers, a gorgeous patio, a fireplace or even a whole outdoor kitchen to your property in the Kansas City area, the experts at MSE Hardscape Design and Installation can make your dream design a reality. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation!