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Hardscaping Ideas and Designs for Your Yard

Michelle LeBowUpdated: May 17, 2019

It's that time of year to spend relaxing moments in your yard. Hardscaping your yard can include outdoor dining, fireplaces, walkways, decorative stairs, and even water elements. Adding a hardscape design to your yard using natural materials both increases property values and spaces in your home to be enjoyed during the seasons. Here are 10 hardscape designs to consider for your yard.

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Outdoor Boho Side Yard

Outdoor Boho Side Yard

If you don't have a backyard, no problem. A side yard makes a delightful outdoor retreat to enjoy nature's fresh air. Elements that make this outside bohemian yardscape an eclectic surprise to the senses is the overhead pergola, the stone patio, and the comfy couch swing. For how to build a DIY swing, visit here. Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces
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Outdoor Tea Room

Outdoor Tea Room

Tired of the samo-samo in outdoor spaces? Try something different for your hardscape design by using Japanese architectural influences in an outdoor tea room. The space utilizes clean lines and simple natural elements of cedar and a metal roof. The tea room is furnished in traditional eastern style – perfect for quiet meditation and deep conversation. Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces
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Decorative Outdoor Stairs

Decorative Outdoor Stairs

Entering and exiting spaces is one of the most important hardscape design elements. Ascending the stairs to the deck via this outdoor staircase is a beautiful experience in itself. The wired stair railing not only makes this visually appealing, it also is virtually maintenance free – one of the main considerations in any hardscape design. Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces
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The Quintessential Backyard Hardscape: Outdoor Fireplace

The Quintessential Backyard Hardscape: Outdoor Fireplace

Forget the rusty fire bowl. A real outdoor fireplace gives your yard the homey feel of an inside cozy den. The best part of building an outdoor fireplace into your backyard hardscape design is the ability to use the space in your yard for friendly gatherings late into the fall or even winter evenings. Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces
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Natural WaterfallCourtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces

Natural Waterfall

Water is one of the most relaxing sounds in an outdoor yard space. In this natural waterfall, the water from the rain spout is funneled to fuel the waterfall – both ecological and delightful. A hardscape waterfall can be built in one day, and you can see how to build a stone fountain right here.

Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces

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Outdoor Dining: A Must for Backyard Hardscape Design

Outdoor Dining: A Must for Backyard Hardscape Design

The best part of the warm months is grilling and being able to share an outdoor dining experience. In backyard hardscape design, the outdoor dining space is all about the table. Consider all different types of materials for your outdoor dining table. Here are some ways to build an outdoor dining table yourself. Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces
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Modern Backyard Pergola

Modern Backyard Pergola

Airy coverings in yard spaces are one of the most important hardscape design elements in protecting you from the sun and rain. Sarah Susanka, architect and designer author of the Not So Big House, explains that humans feel safer in spaces that are covered. In this hardscape, the pergola serves as a space to shelter bikes and canoes. Want your own? Here is how you can make a pergola yourself.

Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces

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Stone Outdoor Walkway

Stone Outdoor Walkway

Getting from one area of your yard to another is all about the experience. Hardscape walkway designs make the experience something extraordinary using natural stone, clay, or brick. The most important thing about a walkway is to mix up textures, colors, and even the materials used and here is a DIY how to build an outdoor path yourself.

Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces

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Hot Summer Courtyard

Hot Summer Courtyard

Have an unused space in your yard where you want to enjoy the sunshine? A simple courtyard is easy to maintain and easy to build with pavers for the patio. See how easy it is to build a patio courtyard into your backyard hardscape design. Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces
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Patio PlanterCourtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces

Patio Planter

A hardscape wall in your yard doesn't have to lack flowers or vegetable plants. The wall butting up to the patio serves double duty as a beautiful garden planter. A yard wall planter is an easy DIY project. Here are some plans to build patio wall planters yourself.

Photo courtesy of Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces

Originally Published: May 17, 2019