7 Favorite Hardscape Materials According to Landscapers Near Me in McFarland, WI

If you’re looking outside dreaming about enjoying your backyard all summer - but you feel that something is missing - you may need some inspiration. Hardscape materials are a great starting point to get the creative juices flowing. Here are 7 favorite hardscape materials according to landscapers near me in McFarland, WI.

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The materials you choose should harmonize with the surroundings, the home, and they should reflect the feeling you want to achieve in your outdoor space (relaxed or sophisticated; informal or formal; intimate or grand; serene or vibrant). To help you achieve the perfect blend of function and beauty, let’s begin with the patio. 

You will get the most satisfying, stylish, and enduring results if you choose high-quality natural stone, traditional clay brick, porcelain tiles, or concrete pavers that mimic the look of these areas. While today’s poured concrete patios have come a long way - including the ability to add custom colors - you won’t get the rich and natural feel that comes with using natural stone or concrete pavers that mimic natural stone. 

Natural Stone

Natural stone gives you unparalleled character. No man-made materials can match the uniqueness of natural stone, and part of the charm is that no two stones are ever alike, even from the same quarry. Bluestone, granite, flagstone, and limestone are the most popular choices for outdoor living. 

Clay Brick

Clay brick is a time-honored building material that gives your home a historic touch. This warm and inviting material can be used for formal or relaxed spaces, and pairs surprisingly well with nearly any architectural style from ultra-modern to rustic.

Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers significantly expand your decorating options. Whether you choose concrete pavers that mimic the look of natural stone, brick, or even wood, you also have a huge array of size, color, texture, and finish choices to give your outdoor space the perfect look.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are chic, and surprisingly durable (they are not your grandma’s china!). Porcelain tiles are made with a dense clay that’s stronger than the clay used for clay bricks or tiles. It’s also a much less porous clay, which makes porcelain ideal for outdoor kitchens and kitchen counters. 

Veneer for Walls and Verticals

While some structures are still constructed with stone (through-and-through) many are constructed using concrete blocks and then faced with an attractive veneer. Today’s homeowners are blessed with many choices of veneers for facing outdoor fireplaces, retaining walls, pillars, water features, and kitchen islands. 

You can find a huge variety of materials suitable for walls and verticals, including rustic stacked-flagstone veneer, tumbled quarry stone, manufactured stone such as river rock, smooth-finished wall units, and even plank-like concrete wall panels for a simple modern look. Both natural stone and concrete are well suited to walls and verticals, although concrete wall units are typically lighter in weight, which makes it a great choice for veneers.

Fieldstone

Fieldstone adds a charming historic touch to your landscape. It is suitable for dry-stacked walls, fire pits and edging, but its irregular shapes make it more challenging to work with in mortared applications.

Gravel and Decorative Stone

Gravel and decorative stone can be used in place or organic mulch; as walkway materials; or in-between large paving stones. Various colors, shapes, and sizes mean that you can match your color scheme and bring a more natural touch to your outdoor spaces.

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