Hardscaping refers to using non-plant materials to enhance your backyard landscape design.
Incorporating hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, fences, and benches can take your outdoor living area to the next level.
If you’re looking for backyard hardscape ideas this year, this article covers 25 gorgeous options to inspire your space.
Table of Contents
1. Natural Stone Patio
A paved patio made of natural materials like flagstone or bluestone makes a beautiful hardscape addition.
The irregular shapes and earthy textures provide a nice contrast to planted beds and lawn areas. Opt for permeable joints so rain can drain between the stones.
2. Gravel Garden Path
Instead of pavement, use gravel or decomposed granite to create a soft garden pathway. These permeable materials allow rainwater to soak into the soil and are easy to maintain. For gravel, choose rounded river rock for a smooth walking surface.
3. Brick Walkway
Classic rectangular brick pavers make a timeless walkway material. Set them on a sand or gravel base, leaving gaps for drainage. For color, try earthy reds, warm browns or eye-catching greys. Brick patterns like herringbone add visual interest.
4. Timber Deck
A backyard deck expands your living space and connects the indoors with nature. Use cedar, redwood or treated lumber for durability, and accessorize with built-in benches, rail planters and overhead structures.
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5. Stamped Concrete Patio
Mimic materials like stone, tile, brick or wood using stamped concrete. After pouring, the wet concrete is imprinted with patterned stamps. This is an affordable way to get an elegant paved look for your patio.
6. Limestone Block Retaining Wall
Use natural stone blocks or pavers to create terraced retaining walls in sloped yards. This prevents erosion while lending rustic charm. For a cohesive look, plant stone-loving alpines like sedum in the gaps.
7. Weathered Wood Arbor
An overhead wood arbor covered in flowering vines makes a pretty garden focal point. For a timeworn look, use salvaged wood planks in grey, brown or black tones. Plant climbers like wisteria, grapes or roses at the base.
8. Pea Gravel Fire Pit Seating Area
Create an inviting seating space around a fire pit or chiminea using pea gravel as filler. It’s smooth and comfortable underfoot. Keep gravel contained with plastic or metal landscape edging.
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9. Intimate Seating Nook
Use hardscape elements like gravel, pavers, edging and decorative stones to define intimate seating nooks tucked into shady garden corners. Add a bench and side table for resting and relaxing outdoors.
10. Modern Fire Feature
Contemporary outdoor gas fire tables, columns or pits make a stylish backyard focal point after dark. Choose sleek materials like glass, steel and stone. Integrate seating on one or more sides.
11. Rustic Wood Privacy Fence
Define and enclose your yard with a privacy fence made of natural wood. Rough-sawn cedar planks in varied widths and lengths have a beautiful, rustic look. Leave gaps between for airflow.
12. Outdoor Kitchen
Take your al fresco cooking to the next level with a dedicated outdoor kitchen space. Use materials like stucco, stone and weatherproof cabinetry. Include amenities like a grill, sink, fridge and countertop dining area.
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13. Stone Fire Pit Circle
Gather around a round or square fire pit lined with natural stones like fieldstone or river rock. Leave gaps between stones for drainage, and keep the pit itself a few inches below grade. Add Adirondack chairs or benches.
14. Gravel Driveway
For a softer alternative to pavement, a gravel driveway offers a timeless, natural look. It also allows rainwater to filter through. Use crushed stone layered over a porous geotextile fabric base.
15. Modern Steel Edging
Sleek steel garden edging keeps planting beds and gravel pathways neatly contained. Choose dark colors like black or bronze for contemporary contrast against greenery and florals. Install flush to the ground.
16. Flagstone Stepping Stones
Spot-stepping stones made of flagstone through garden beds provide decorative interest underfoot. Opt for irregularly shaped pieces in earthy hues. Leave patches of soil or moss between each stone.
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17. Cobblestone Walkway Border
Line either side of a garden path with small, smooth cobblestones. This creates a visually defined border that’s attractive when viewed from patios or windows. Plant low-growing herbs or flowers between the path and cobblestones.
18. Circular Outdoor Seating Area
Create a focal point in your backyard with a circular seating area, paved in stone, gravel, pavers or concrete. Keep the shape simple or embellish it with pie-shaped patterns. Center around a fire pit or water feature.
19. Mortared Stone Patio
Achieve a seamless paved look by setting stone pavers in mortar, with tight joints between them. This works well for geometric shapes and patterns. Allow the mortar to dry before grouting. Use darker grout for contrast.
20. Built-in Planter Bench
Maximize patio seating and greenery by installing benches with built-in planters on top. Choose weather-resistant materials like timber or composite, and include drainage holes. Plant succulents, ornamental grasses or herbs in the planters.
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21. Pea Gravel Patio
An affordable patio option is to pour a shallow pea gravel layer over a compacted base. Contain the rounded gravel with landscape edging. Add a pergola overhead for shade and style.
22. Stone Garden Stairs
Stone steps make a stylish transition between different yard levels. Opt for sturdy blocks or pavers at least 16 inches deep, and set them over a gravel base. Leave gaps between for drainage.
23. Modern Steel and Wood Pergola
A mix of wood and steel creates a contemporary pergola perfect for providing shade over a patio, deck or walkway. Use weather-resistant woods like cedar for the overhead framing, and sleek steel posts.
24. Decorative Garden Fencing
Wrought iron, aluminum or steel garden fences lend elegance wherever used. They provide boundary definition while allowing views and airflow. Choose black, bronze and dark metallics for modern appeal.
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25. Textured Concrete Slab
For industrial vibes, install a single large concrete slab patio. Use stamping techniques to mimic stone, wood grain, tiles or other looks. Stain, etch and polish the concrete for more visual interest.
FAQs
Q: What’s the most budget-friendly hardscape?
A: Gravel and mulch are affordable DIY-friendly options.
Q: Which hardscape is the easiest to install?
A: Loose materials like gravel and mulch are beginner-friendly and require less work.
Q: Should I hire a pro for hardscapes?
A: For poured concrete, retaining walls, etc. it’s often wise to hire a professional installer.
Q: How do I choose hardscape colors?
A: Stick with earthy natural tones that complement your home’s exterior.
Q: What are budget-friendly hardscapes?
A: Stepping stones, gravel, mulch, stamped concrete, and pea gravel are wallet-friendly.
Conclusion
The wide range of beautiful hardscaping options available means you can customize your backyard oasis to match your vision, lifestyle and budget.
Use these inspiring backyard hardscape ideas as a jumping-off point for designing your perfect outdoor living space. Mix and match materials, colors and textures for added appeal.
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