Pavers
Everybody knows them, and everybody likes them. We are talking about none other than pavers. If the cons of your favorite hardscape materials are too inopportune to ignore, pavers can save the day and your project!
Pavers are essentially your favorite hardscape materials in the form of blocks. These come in different styles, shapes, and sizes. They come in various materials, such as concrete, stone, or brick pavers, and they can also be used in different patterns and applications. They are also certainly problem solvers because:
- Since they’re not stuck together, they are great for areas with drastic season changes, allowing for movement without getting ruined.
- They can be easily repaired, replacing only the damaged piece, which isn’t common because they’re resistant.
- They’re easy to maintain.
However, you do have to consider that pavers need a well-prepped subfloor and sealing to protect them. When you complement your landscape with pavers, be aware of weeds. Lastly, the cost upfront might be slightly high, but in the end, it’ll be cost-effective, with a lifetime guarantee.
Concrete
Concrete may not seem like a big deal, but it still holds an important place among hardscape materials because you can truly squeeze its potential.
First and foremost, it is incredibly cost-effective. You’d think that that would decrease its performance, but it doesn’t. It holds up nicely for years when facing critical conditions like weather, fire, and even time. But what about looks? It has got them too. Concrete can be:
- Painted and stained
- Stamped into patterns that mimic other materials
- Topped with various finishes
- Poured into any original design you like!
Some downsides you should be aware of are cracks. These, of course, can be repaired, yet it can seem off-putting if you don’t know how to care for concrete.
However, even the maintenance required to avoid cracks isn’t complicated. Product quality and installation is the ultimate key to determining whether your concrete hardscapes last or flop. If you are choosing it, make sure to cover these aspects.
Stone
Nature’s resources never disappoint, and it provides one excellent option, a more organic one, of all hardscape materials: stone.
In nature, there’s durability, strength, and variety; all of these are traits that stone certainly has. It is easily one of the strongest hardscape materials, and each piece is unique in shape and color. The most used stones in hardscaping are limestone, slate, flagstone, and travertine. Their form can be either left as is or made into paver blocks.
Whatever form natural stone comes in, it’ll withstand every element being pretty much untouched. All you have to do is install them, which, even though it may seem more costly at first, for the little effort and for having it forever, is worth it.
Brick
It may be the last on our list, but brick has been around even longer than our business. To this day, it remains solid in many ways:
- Structure-wise: Brick structures are sturdy and long-lasting.
- Eco-friendliness: Brick, in its rawest form, was one of humanity’s first creations. Back then, processes were more sustainable, and they have been maintained in terms of process and materials. It can also be reused.
- Resistance-wise: Speaking of reuse, a reused brick is as good as new, meaning that they’re extremely durable and fire-resistant.
Brick has been made into hundreds of applications. Achieving your hardscaping project won’t be a problem (they make up an excellent no-slip surface too). It also grants you options. You can choose from burnt clay, sand lime, fly ash, and more, which vary in color and style.
While brick can also pose a greater investment than other hardscape materials, it is lifelong, whether you’ll enjoy it or for resale value. All you have to do is ensure proper installation and treatment, so it delivers and enhances the features you require it to have.
What Is The Best Hardscape Material?
When you know all about how hardscape materials behave, with their ins and outs, you will more intuitively find the one that fits you, as you’ll have to prioritize what makes sense for you the most: the upfront and periodic costs, the ease of maintenance, the durability, and the appeal.
Guerrero Landscaping knows hardscape materials, and you know your needs. With this guide, you can see which one suits you the most. Another thing we help you with if you truly want these to live up to the expectations is to install them correctly. We’ll make the most out of whatever option you go with. Contact us today!
