A backyard is a great place to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. Like any other part of your home, it should be designed for your needs, which might mean including features for entertainment or relaxation. One great way to take the backyard experience up a notch is with features like hardscape patios. Patios come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. While you may be able to afford to hire a professional patio hardscape builder, you can save money by doing some of the hardscape work yourself. The key to planning a yard hardscape patio is based on knowing your budget and the time you have to complete the project.
The following are great patio ideas to consider for your yard.

Retaining Wall

Retaining walls are used to create level terraces or support sloping ground. They are also used around swimming pools to create a level space for decking or paving. They can be designed with stone, brick, concrete blocks, and other materials you might have around your property. This is a great DIY project for the weekend warrior who needs the tools or experience to tackle more complicated landscaping projects.

Trellis

If you want to add height and interest to your patio hardscape, you can use horizontal strings of wood or metal latticework, also known as trellises. These can be hung from stakes in the ground or posts mounted on the patio deck. You can even string them horizontally across your yard or garden space and tie them into a lattice-style design. This creates a beautiful trellis, which is the perfect spot for outdoor dining.

Garden Stone Patios

You can use a decorative garden stone to create a more formal look for your hardscape patio. This is a natural material similar to slate, and some of the same properties that make it so nice for hanging on walls can be applied to hardscape patios. This can be used as an attractive barrier or as a walkway along with flowers or plants. Depending on how you want to use your patio hardscape area, you can even draw a line that separates areas where people are not allowed to walk.

Brick or Stone Paving

If you don’t mind a rougher look, brick and stone pavers offer an attractive, more traditional look for your hardscape patio. Bricks and stones are commonly used for sidewalks and can be purchased in bulk at most home improvement stores. If your soil is soft enough, you can lay it on a raised patio hardscape like your garden. This can be a great way to create an intimate atmosphere in the backyard while still enjoying the outdoors.

Outdoor Fire Pit

Chilling near a fire pit is an excellent way to spend time outdoors. Evening gatherings and family cookouts are much more relaxed when a fire is burning in the backyard. If you don’t have a fire pit in your backyard, you can purchase an iron one for around $100 at a store.

Outdoor Fireplace

Building a fireplace in your hardscape patio area is a great way to add character and enhance your yard. The fireplace may be constructed from stone, brick, concrete blocks, or other materials that allow it to be used as a patio hardscape feature. As with any other outdoor project, ensure that you carefully consider the materials you intend to use and the area where you plan to build the outdoor fireplace.

Outdoor Spa

An outdoor spa combines a hot tub and an outdoor fireplace. Often these are constructed from brick and stone, but they can also be made using other materials like aluminum or fiberglass that will help keep them cooler in the summer. Most homeowners choose this as an easy way to add relaxation to their backyard without designing an entire spa suite for their homes. This can be an excellent hardscape patio investment for the whole family.

Herb Garden

You can create a beautiful herb garden for your patio hardscape area if you have a green thumb. It is simple to build a raised bed with wood slats, and you can fill it with earth and various herbs. You may want to include some low-growing plants that attract butterflies or other delightful insects like brightly colored flowers. An herb garden also provides a beautiful backdrop for tea and lemonade.

Fire Pit Basket

You can build a fire pit basket with concrete, and in most cases, it will look just like an outdoor fireplace. You can even include an outdoor bench around the fire ring for comfort. Outdoor fire pits have become a trademark in various regions of the USA, so this is another excellent design idea for your hardscape patio.

Gazebo

A gazebo is a small structure often used as an outdoor dining or relaxing area. These are mostly made from wood and fiberglass, but you can also find some that use aluminum or steel for the frame and others that use plastic coated with fabric. There are many ways to achieve this dream patio design. You can even build a gazebo out of scrap materials in your garage.

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is an excellent addition to just about any home. You can have a grill, refrigerator, and sink all in one space. This is perfect for summer cookouts with friends and family. You can purchase an outdoor kitchen or build your own using brick and stone materials.

Waterfall

A waterfall can be a beautiful addition to any landscaped area. Before adding the water, you should construct the waterfall structure into a rock wall. The water can cascade over rocks, stones, or wood, and you can use light-colored rocks to create an attractive water feature. If you include a waterfall in your patio hardscape, consider using heated stones for the base to look just as pretty on cold and gloomy winter nights.

Outdoor Fire Amp

Outdoor fire amps have become quite popular in various parts of the country. It is not only a spectacular design feature, but it can also add to the relaxation level of your backyard. This is a magnificent idea, even if you have a covered hardscape patio. If you can’t find one made specifically for your area, you can search online for a fire amp that is ready to install. With proper planning, this can become a beautiful enhancement to your yard.

Birdhouses

Birdhouses are a classy addition to your yard and patio hardscape. They provide an added element of rustic beauty. The following materials can be used to build birdhouses:
• Plastic
• Wood
• Plywood
• Metal
You can even paint them or cover them with trelliswork or other creative designs. If you purchase a birdhouse, make sure it will work with the type of feeder you intend to use. Some birds, such as cardinals and finches, prefer a tray feeder, while others, like orioles, prefer a hanging feeder. You should also consider the placement of the birdhouses in terms of seating and viewing vantage points so you can enjoy the view from every angle in your yard.

Cool Pool

A pool does double duty by providing a place for your family to relax on hot summer days and serving as an excellent area for entertaining guests. You can build a deck around the pool and let it spill into the yard. This way, you have the option to enjoy your lawn or garden after you are done swimming. Terraced gardens alongside the stairs are also an excellent addition to this patio hardscape design.

Dog House

A dog house is an excellent gift for a family pet. Dog houses can be small enough to fit underneath decks or out of the way on most patios. Most dog houses include insulation and ventilation features so as to keep pets comfortable in the yard. They are simple to build, and you can choose exterior building materials that match your existing patio hardscape design.

Lawn As Patio

This modern and minimal hardscape patio design features a level lawn area and a variety of plants and trees. You can choose grasses, flowers, or pretty shrubs that you like. The hardscape patio is replaced by an area that is cool to walk on with bare feet in the summer and a nice addition in the winter when there may be more snow than grass.

Outdoor Lighting Displays

There are several ways to add light to your hardscape patio. You can use lanterns, string lights, or larger lights. The key is to add a nice ambiance that complements the surrounding area and your particular patio hardscape design. You can use all white light sources or mix them up with some colored lights too. Just be sure to choose low-wattage bulbs so they won’t cause any issues with your neighbors.

Privacy Fence

You can turn a part of your yard into a private sitting area. This is especially important if you live in a crowded city. If this is the case, consider building a privacy fence to make your outdoor living space more comfortable and intimate. This helps prevent people from looking into your yard and gives you a sense of security when relaxing.

Heavy-Duty Furniture

This includes hardscape patio chairs made of thick, heavy materials. You can use them instead of regular patio hardscape furniture or use them in addition to your ordinary furniture. Either way, they are fun and add a unique retro charm to your backyard.

Table Made From Tree Stump

This is a unique idea for a patio hardscape table. If you have a large tree stump in the yard that you can’t seem to get rid of, you can use it to make a beautiful table. The process is pretty simple and uses the original wood from the stump as an accent. This makes it an even more unique piece of hardscape patio furniture and accent table for your backyard living area.

Potted Plants

Small potted plants provide more color and life to a typical patio hardscape area. You can add flowering plants to the pots for beauty and charm. Some varieties include:
• Bamboo
• Ivy
• Baby’s breath
• Chinese evergreen
Just make sure the types of plants you choose match your patio design so that you have a little color in one spot.

Tree Houses

A tree house is a unique feature that every child wants. If you have kids, you can add one to your yard. You can even provide a sturdy structure for an adult to use too. There are plans available online to help you design and construct a tree house. However, if you cannot find the time to build one yourself, you can have someone build it for you. A tree house can be fun for people of all ages and make a lovely addition to any yard, especially if you have plenty of trees on your property.

Paths for Strolling

If you have a bigger yard than a typical hardscape patio, you can set some space aside for walking paths. These paths are great for families with young children or pets. They make it easy to reach the seating area from any part of the yard and provide added safety. They can also provide insulation from the hot pavement during warmer months. Planting fragrant or colorful perennials along the paths can also be a nice touch.

Outdoor Study

This is an excellent patio design concept if you live in an apartment or have other minor space limitations. It accomplishes the same goal of creating a nice, serene place to read outdoors. It also requires less room. You can set up your laptop on a table resting against the wall. This option provides an outdoor workspace but won’t block your view of the yard or peaceful atmosphere while reading outdoors.

Colorful Flags

Flags can add fun and flair to your yard or patio hardscape. You can use small flags or large, decorative ones. Some people choose to use their country’s flag, while others choose flags with patterns and images that capture the spirit of their home. You can place flags near seating areas or in areas visible from the yard.
Pergolas and Arbors

Pergolas and arbors add instant shade and interest to a hardscape patio area. You can use them to frame an entry to a seating area. They can be mobile for extra versatility or sit stationary. You can plant some vines on them or paint some on the surface for added charm.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to spruce up your patio space, reach out to us at Hydro Dynamics Corp. today!