Like with any home improvement project, you need to determine which materials will best suit the style and goals you have for your property when it comes to hardscaping.
If you plan to install a hardscape, you will need to choose between asphalt, concrete, or interlocking pavers.
How to Choose the Best Hardscaping Material
When browsing hardscape materials, you want to look for materials that are durable and easy to maintain. You also need to determine how easy it will be to repair the material, whether or not it offers a good value, and whether or not it fits into your budget.
The material that checks all these boxes will likely be your best choice for your hardscape. Let take a look at three of the most common hardscape choices:
Asphalt
This is one of the least expensive options for hardscape material, but it
typically is only available in black. While you can purchase asphalt in other colors, it can be very expensive to do so.
Asphalt can fade and crack, requiring regualr sealing, patching, and resurfacing to maintain a fresh look. Fortunately, it is easy to clean, and you can easily remove dirt and debris from the surface.
When it comes to asphalt, it is a cheap, reasonable choice. Keep in mind that while durable, it can crack easily, is difficult to repair seamlessly, and does not always offer the most aesthetically pleasing look.
Concrete Slab
Concrete has remained a staple in hardscaping for years due to its
affordability and durability. Aside from the traditional gray, concrete can now be colored, stamped with a pattern, acid-washed, or stained to your liking. Keep in mind that colored concrete will cost significantly more than the traditional gray slab.
While stamped concrete adds a unique touch to a hardscape, it can cause the concrete to be slippery. Colored concrete, just like traditional slabs, is prone to cracking.
Interlocking Pavers
Paver stones are a versatile and durable hardscape option for homeowners. They are available in a number of varieties, including concrete, brick, and
natural stone, allowing you to customize your space.
The affordable and durable paver stones are designed to interlock, and then sand is placed between the joints. This creates a strong system that can withstand more than four times the weight of a traditional concrete slab. When properly installed, your pavers can last a lifetime.
Interlocking paver stones come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns to match the style of your home. You can also get in them in a variety of textures to add eye-catching detail to your space. They can also be installed in a variety of patterns for a visually interesting space.
Interlocking pavers require little maintenance aside from sweeping up debris and may just need to be sealed on occasion. If a paver is damaged, repairs are as easy as removing the damaged paver and replacing it with a brand new one.
Pavers can cost you more upfront than other materials, but they will last much longer. In the end, you will spend less on pavers than you would on asphalt or concrete.
Create Your Hardscape with Treesdale
The Treesdale Landscape Company specializes in creating beautiful paver patios and hardscapes. We can properly design and install your hardscape to boost your curb appeal for a lifetime! Contact us today to learn more!
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