Just Outside Your Door
Retreat to your amazing outdoor living space. Hardscaping is all about creating
your personal escape.
Courtesy Tinberg Hardscapes, Johnson County LIVING WELL Magazine
Today’s homeowners are looking beyond the backyard deck as just a place to barbeque. Instead, the focus is on creating an outdoor space that is well designed, has ambiance and amenities. Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas and fountains all reflect the move toward creating a backyard oasis.
“There has been a return to the traditional patio to create outdoor living spaces and with good reason,” says Gabe Tinberg, owner of Tinberg Hardscapes. “Decks require significant maintenance, have a definitive lifespan, and the homeowner can be limited by size and placement.”
Instead of a concrete slab, clay brick or flagstone patio, Tinberg recommends using brick pavers. Unlike flagstone that requires more preparation and creates an uneven surface for furniture placement, brick pavers are made from concrete, which creates a durable and even surface. Additionally, brick pavers are weather tolerant, require minimal maintenance and come in almost every color imaginable.
When asked about the lifespan of a brick paver patio, Tinberg responds, “If properly installed and maintained – it could last over 100 years.”
So what are the first steps needed to take an outdoor living space from concept to reality?
1. Consider location and size. Make sure that you look at the area you want to develop both during the day and evening; especially consider the times you plan to use it the most. Look at it in terms of exposure, privacy, elevation and flow. Make sure that the size of your space is in proportion to your living needs and topography.
2. Dream big. Identify everything that you would like to have in your outdoor space and then highlight the must haves.
3. Locate a reputable hardscape professional. Using a hardscape professional can help you translate your wish list into an executable design. They can help you navigate through the logistics and potential pitfalls such as drainage issues and proper
site preparation. They can also offer suggestions for enhancing your vision including lighting design and sprinkler systems.
“An outdoor living area is a day-to-night space and lighting is key to keeping it functional and enhancing its appeal. Today’s LED lighting uses 70% less energy than the old lighting and creates added security benefits for the home,” observes Tinberg.
Your hardspace professional will also help you design the landscaping around your outdoor living space. Landscaping is fundamental to creating a natural flow, softening the overall look and enhancing color and texture. It is best to use plants native to your area and to think in terms of creating season-long color by integrating spring, summer and late summer-blooming plants. Incorporating native plants that are drought-resistant and tolerant of weather variation will ensure continued landscape success.
It is also a good idea to add a sprinkler system to maintain the lush look of your landscaping and yard. In Tinberg’s experience, “When clients call me with landscaping problems, it’s usually because the plants are over or under watered. A sprinkler system on a timer allows for the right amount of water at the right time of day without the homeowner having to think about it.”
Hardscaping is not only great design and stonework. It is knowing how to orchestrate stonework with lighting and sustainable landscaping. The options are limitless and the results are awe inspiring. Step outside and turn your dream into a reality today.
