Choosing Low Maintenance Materials for Your Hardscape

Hardscape refers to the permanent structures in your yard such as patios, walkways, decks, fences, and retaining walls. Like landscaping, hardscaping plays an important role in the design of your yard. You want a retaining wall or fence that is properly constructed with the best materials so that you do not end up having costly and time-consuming repairs in a few years. Although low maintenance materials cost more, they are well worth the money, because they last longer, and are easy to clean and maintain. Below is a list of structures and their recommended low maintenance building materials.

Patios and walkways

An excellent material for patios is concrete, because it requires no maintenance, except for a good power washing and an application of sealer every three to five years. Although you can mix and pour the concrete yourself, it is best to hire a professional. A lot more beautiful, especially for walkways, but a bit more expensive, are interlocking paver stones. Because these stones and the processing of laying them can be costly, you may want to do your project in stages. This too is a job best left for professionals because if the underlining is not prepared properly, you could have weeds sprouting up in between the stones.

Decks and fences

Cedar is a good choice for decks and fences because with proper care it has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. An even better choice would be Ipe. Ipe, a tropical wood, is best known for its insect and rot resistance, and can last up to 50 years. A new composite material made from a combination of plastic and pressed wood, is also long lasting and low-maintenance. Although costly, composite materials are fast becoming the products of choice when constructing decks and fences. The color of some composite materials may fade overtime, so a sealant may be needed as well as a power washing now and then.

Retaining walls

Although landscaping timbers can be used to construct retaining walls, concrete blocks provide a more durable and decorative barrier. Concrete blocks can be expensive, but they last a long time and are easy to construct. Most contractors would agree that if you wall is not over three feet high you can build it yourself. Once your wall is built, the only maintenance you may have is a power washing every few years.

Other hardscapes

Other items that can be constructed from composite materials, cedar, and concrete are benches, gazebos, fountains, birdbaths, and trellis. If you want decorative, low maintenance hardscape items for your yard, consider the above materials.

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Source: Time Life Series, Lowes