Have you already decided to match your flawless Interior Design Scheme with your upcoming Exterior Spaces? The first thing that you can consider looking at is the variety of available options. We will be discussing the various types of hardscape materials that are around the scheme of work.
Firstly, what is Hardscape? Hardscape refers to the non-movable scheme of design of your House’s exterior work such as the Patio, Deck, Walkways, Parking surfaces. Basic materials used for Hardscaping are wood, stone, composites of metal or wood, concrete, tiles, bricks, clay, and many more.
Let us go through these various available options of materials with their viability in spaces and conditions.
Hardscaping Materials For your House
1. Wood
Wood is the instinctive response to the material palette by most designers. Think of decking and platforms in a garden, the foremost material that is popular amongst clients.
But, Wood does not withstand harsh weather effects while considering hardscapes. Thus, it is preferred in semi-open spaces. Wooden surfaces can be restored and sealed through stains and protective finishes for better feasibility.
2. Wood Composites
Hardscapes must withstand harsh weather conditions, thus Composite wood or Faux-wood can provide an effect of a wooden surface. As compared to natural wood, it does not splinter, warp, or fade much.
Wood composites can be a high initial cost but serve the price value with their durability. Although if the surface requires continuous trampling of foot movement. It is advisable to consider even harder options for surfacing.
3. Concrete
Interior Schemes flaunting polished concrete surfaces as an Industrial Style are also gaining popularity for exterior hardscapes too. Trends have stated concrete as a contrasting context against the greens.
Concrete Surfaces are staples for Hardscapes as it pulls off industrial looks. Designers can opt for polished concrete slabs, concrete tiles, and unfinished concrete walls for design schemes.
4. Brick
Classic approaches are the most pleasing ones. As wood, Brick is the major Hardscape option that is available around the globe. But as pleasing wood is, Brick also shares the vulnerability too.
Brick is also vulnerable to wear and tear, thus cannot withstand long exposure to harsh weather. It provides natural porosity which helps in seeping water and better cooling effects.
Not the proper brick block, Design schemes also portray the use of broken bricks in the form of brickbats, closers, and rubble.
5. Tiles
Most of the Landscape schemes are beautified with various types of tiling options available. Options are in plenty, whether it’s about the material, pattern, color, texture, or sizes.
Yet, Tiles can be a costlier option for Hardscaping because of their repairs, replacements, and maintenance. Like brick, tiles can also be used for exterior applications as indoor. While choosing tiles for outdoors, Keep in mind that glazed ceramic tile can be slippery when wet.
6. Stones
Solid stone slabs have always been the show stopper for designers. They add dimension to the design scheme through material finishes like granite flagstones, Kaddapah Stone, and many more. The basic difference between Stone and Tile is the rustic nature of the stone and tonal variations. Not the look, also the durability of Stone seems to be better for weather effects.
7. Loose Stone
Choosing Hardscape materials can be tougher than expected. Loose Stones are versatile in design schemes; Elements like these can be used in walkways, pathways, Garden rubble, and Border strips.
8. Pavers
Pavers are sturdy materials that are meant to bear the load of the Tread. These pavers are designed for pavements and pathways. Paver blocks are available in different sizes, variable shades, and tonal variations with different sturdiness. All these factors sum up to the cost differentiation.
Pavers can be made of various materials- concrete, brick, and flagstone. Pavers can be placed over pea gravel or sand bedding or grass bed too.
Despite having a certain list of available options, Designing and choosing the right available material for your Hardscape is dependent on factors like Cost, Viability, Durability Factor, and Scale of the project.
Clients and Designers can check upon the available options to narrow down the choices to plan your envisioned Outdoor Space.
-ANSHUL KULSHRESTHA
