Whether you are starting from scratch and doing an all-new landscape design or if you are just wanting to make a few minor changes or upgrading a thing or two, it is always a good idea to have a well thought out plan based on the vision you see in your mind when it comes to your homes landscape design. Having a strategy for how you will go about completing these changes or while you are creating your new landscape design is also not a bad idea either. With so many options it can seem like the number of materials that can be used in a landscape design is almost endless.

Hardscape Materials

Without hardscapes, there would be no such thing as landscapes for what they truly are. Hardscapes in a landscape is usually something in the landscape that is manmade and is considered a permanent structure or surface. Paved walkways, decking, and fences as well as retaining walls and much more are all great examples of what a hardscape is. Hardscapes can be created using a wide variety of landscape materials in dallas tx.

Concrete is one of the less expensive ways to go in a hardscape but could be beneficial to those who are looking to cover a large area with it. In recent years, concrete has been becoming more and more popular in modern designs as it provides a “natural” appeal.

Interlocking Pavers are extremely durable and are more resistant to cracking the concrete is. They also allow for water to drain through the spaces in between each paver eliminating puddles. Not only are interlocking more attractive and can give an outdoor patio a unique look but they also offer up more traction then concrete does.

Porcelain Tile has been a growing trend for landscape materials in dallas tx and is a great alternative especially in climates that experience freezing temperatures. Ceramic tiles absorb water but since porcelain doesn’t absorb water as ceramic does, water can not enter the tile, freeze and expand, then break due to the tile to temperatures.

Pea gravel can be found in a variety of colors and is usually fairly priced. It also provides excellent coverage due to its small size.

River Rock is a popular choice because it brings a natural look to any landscape and river rock provides excellent drainage. These rocks don’t have jagged edges like most hardscape rocks and are smoothed by moving waters. River rock can range in size from as small as 1/2 inch to 5 inches and can be found in a variety of colors.

Faux-Wood which is also known as composite wood allows homeowners to have the appeal of a wooden surface but doesn’t splinter or warp as natural wood does.

Travertine is a form of limestone and is becoming more popular in outdoor applications. Travertine is on the higher side of pricing so the initial cost would be higher but it is perfect around pools as it remains cool to the touch and naturally has a non-slip surface due to all of the small holes all through it.

Pennsylvania Bluestone can only be found in the northeastern region of the United States but mostly found in Pennsylvania and upstate New York, It is the most expensive hardscaping material that is on this list but it is sought after for hardscaping purposes.

It seems as though the trends that 2020 will bring this summer may be more like an evolution of outdoor living and how we value the environment around us.