Tag Archives: hardscaping

backyard hardscaping

How Hardscaping Your Backyard Can Change Your Life

Your home is your sanctuary. It is a place to relax alone, with family or with friends, so it is important to make sure it is as comfortable as it can be – including the backyard. Transforming your suburban backyard into an amazing and comfortable living space that you can share with family or friends is amazing. In fact, it can even change your life! Here are some of the reasons why you should consider hardscaping your backyard today.

You Will Have More Space

The number one reason to consider adding a patio to your backyard has to do with increasing the amount of livable space you can access. While a backyard is always a livable space, a hardscaped patio can convert it into a more functional, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and private space that you can use for any purpose. Imagine inviting your entire family over for a barbeque and having enough outdoor seating to keep everyone comfortable. Having plenty of space to enjoy your family and friends really is a life-changing experience.

It Will Increase Your Property Value

The housing market is always fluctuating, so it is important to do what you can to improve your home’s value as much as possible. According to the experts at Better Homes and Gardens, something as simple as a patio or deck can add $20,000 or more to the value of your home. The Chicago climate changes with the seasons, so be sure to consider hardscaping options that are functional throughout most of the year like adding a fire pit our outdoor fireplace.

Your Backyard Will be More Versatile

While grass provides an exceptional foundation for lots of activities, especially if you have pets or kids, hardscaping at least a portion of it makes your property far more versatile. Patios and decks – especially decks that are screened-in – are incredible extensions of your home’s living space, and they can add significant beauty, too.

Hardscaping adds Comfort and Privacy

Finally, hardscaping is one of the best ways to make your home more comfortable while improving your privacy at the same time. Whether you choose something as simple as a privacy fence or a natural-looking rock wall, that privacy can completely change your life. You can even utilize hardscaping to create an elegant garden area that is perfect for an afternoon escape with an exciting book and a glass of wine.

Hardscaping continues to grow in popularity among Chicago-area residents due to its functionality, privacy, and versatility. If you plan to sell your home in the future, you can rest assured that you will see a return on your investment. Hardscaping really can change your life when it is done correctly and according to your unique needs.

Front Yard Landscaping Ideas to Provide Serious Curb Appeal

A poll showed that 46.2% of respondents touring homes were turned off by an unappealing front yard. Curb appeal is considered to add a great deal of value to a home.

Whether you are selling your home or not, you want it to be appealing. The first step to doing this is focusing on your front yard landscaping.

There are many front yard landscaping ideas you can take advantage of when living in the Chicago suburbs. These can help you to transform your front yard design into something more appealing.

1. Edge Walkways

If your front yard has a walkway, you need to make sure it is edged. Edging helps to remove grass from the sides so that it is not growing over the walkway. Edging walkways gives your front yard a polished and refined look.

Even if you keep your front yard tidy, a walkway that is not edged looks unfinished. It will have a messy appearance and will not do your walkway justice. Even if the grass is kept short, it will still look like it is trying to take over.

Edging creates a definitive separation between your walkway and your lawn. This helps it to stand out and look more appealing for your overall curb appeal.

2. Have Flower Beds

One of the best ways to boost your curb appeal is with flowers. Everybody loves flowers, and they instantly make the outside of your home look more beautiful.

You can hire landscaping services to plant and maintain flowerbeds. These can be made up of different annual flowers depending on what you want growing year-round. These add a pop of color and immediately attract the eye. If you are trying to sell your home, this is going to be something that stands out to potential buyers.

You can also plant flowers according to the color of your home so that they are complementary. Make sure you have a variety of short and tall flowers to create a beautiful balance.

3. Use Mulch or Pebbles

Another important way to elevate the look of your front yard is to keep is free of weeds and a clean look. You can do this by having mulch or pebbles over areas where there isn’t any grass.

This is typically going to be around walkways, porches, or trees. These areas are usually left bare, with just the dirt visible and are prime areas for weeds to grow. Adding a good layer of mulch or pebbles helps prevent weeds from growing and gives your front yard a polished, professional look.

4. Expand Greenery

Greenery is not just something that needs to be just be kept to your front yard. You can expand greenery all the way up to your porch and at your door.

If you really want to boost your curb appeal, this is a great way to do it. You can have hanging plants or small bushes around your door to attract the eye. This creates the look of a larger front yard as the greenery is expanded towards the house. This also gives your home a more elevated look since it is well-kept.

Keep in mind that you will have to be well-informed about the kinds of plants you use. Depending on your home, you may need to choose plants that don’t require much sunlight or watering.

5. Have Container Gardens

If you want to make your front yard look nicer, you can invest in container gardens. Container gardens are where you plant different plants in pots and containers.

This is a popular option since it contains these natural elements in specific spots. You do not have to worry about that creeping plant going to places where it does not belong. This also makes yard maintenance easier since you are not landscaping around plants. You only have to water these containers and keep them free of weeds.

Container gardens are a great option for small front yards that do not have much room for planting. It can also be a good option if your soil is very hard or not ideal for planting what you like.

You will need to research the plant you want to make sure you get large enough containers. They will need to accommodate the root size as well as how many plants will be in it.

6. Keep it Tidy

Maintaining a professional looking front yard that brings serious curb appeal takes a lot of work and effort. If you don’t have the time to keep up with all of the maintenance needed to keep your curb appeal at a high level, hire professional landscaping services. A landscaping company will take care of all of the maintenance for you so that your home always looks its best.

Chicago Front Yard Landscaping Ideas

If you want to elevate your home, you need to start with your front yard. These front yard landscaping ideas should help you to do that.

Do you want to hire landscaping services? Contact us today at Martin John Company to schedule a free consultation.  From Glenview to Lake Forest to Libertyville to Barrington, we can help you with all of your landscaping needs.

Landscaping Concepts

Landscaping Concepts: Our Very Best Backyard Fire Pit Ideas for Chicagoland Homes

If you are looking for a reason to spend more time outside, giving your backyard a makeover could be the perfect incentive. Most American backyards are underused, but a bit of landscaping is often enough to lure people outside for their rest and relaxation.

One of the best ways to improve your outdoor space is by adding a fire pit. We will give you a few key backyard fire pit ideas for Chicagoland homeowners. With the right fire pit design, you can create the ultimate outdoor space for friends and family in your backyard.

If you are not sure where to begin, here is some inspiration with our fantastic landscaping tips.

Simple Brick

When you start talking about fire pit design, getting carried away is easy. If you just want something simple and clean, build a round brick fire pit with brick that matches your home.

These types of fire pits look good anywhere in the backyard, but allow you to keep a cohesive appearance with your home and backyard landscaping. The best part about a sturdy brick fire pit is the price tag. They are easy to build and the materials will not break your budget.

Fire Pit Pathway

If you have a spacious backyard, take advantage of the space by creating a separate fire pit area away from your home or patio. This can provide extra privacy or a cozier place to relax in. Add extra landscaping appeal by creating a pathway leading to it. You will have the opportunity to use a variety of materials that appeal to you – step stones, landscaping lights, arbors, etc. – to create your pathway.

Modern Patio Pit

People have been gathering around the hearth since we discovered how to use fire. It can be a temptation to take the rustic approach to the fire pit because of this, but it is unnecessary. If you’ve got a beautiful modern home, you’ll probably want a modern fire pit to go with it.

There are all sorts of handsome fire pits and tables to choose from that contribute to a modern backyard aesthetic. A lot of these are connected to your gas line or a propane tank, so you don’t have to worry about buying wood and starting fires. You will have them on demand when guests come around.

Fire Pit Landscaping

When you have an amazing landscaper at your disposal, you should take every opportunity to use their expertise. You can do a lot of landscaping around a fire pit to give the space the feel of a gorgeously designed room outdoors.

You can use a mixture of materials to achieve an amazing effect. Using paving stones and gravel around your fire pit can give it a casual yet nicely textured look. Around that, you can create a small stone wall that doubles as a planter for a combination of perennials and annuals.

Keeping It Rustic

As we mentioned above, there is something about a fire pit that makes you want to go for the rustic look. You can take numerous routes with rustic fire pit design, but what’s better than a simple circle of stones on top of a circle of gravel?

All you really need is enough room to put some Adirondack chairs around the pit and you’re done. It is a laid-back feel for those wonderful Chicago land summer nights with friends and family all around.

Family Hearth

Having a fire pit in your backyard is the perfect excuse to hold more family gatherings this coming summer. When you are inviting the whole family over, however, you better make sure you have enough space around the fire. You will also need a fire pit big enough to keep everyone warm.

For these types of fire pits, it is always good to keep them close to the house, right on the patio. This makes it easy for people to go in and out of the house as needed and you will be closer to the barbecue. All you really need to do is create an extension off the patio and install a fire pit big enough for everyone to gather around. 

Build Into the Wall

If you have stone-walled planters in your backyard, you can integrate the fire pit right into one of them. This gives the fire pit the look of a traditional fireplace and allows you to enjoy your garden as well as a nice hot fire.

Building the fire pit into a wall also gives it a natural wind barrier. It is a great choice for smaller yards to maximize your space.

A Natural Look

Some homeowners really want their backyard spaces to feel like a part of nature with lots of flowers, trees, and garden planters. You can simultaneously seclude your fire pit and implement native plants by surrounding the fire pit with trees and shrubbery.

You will get the privacy that the plants create, but you’ll also get that sense of calm that comes from being around plants.

Sunken Fire Pit

Most people decide to build up out of the ground with their fire pits, but you can dig down just as easily. If you do not want your fire pit on show all of the time, this is a great option.

By using similar landscaping features all around the fire pit, you can almost hide it from view. Enhance it further by building a matching cover for it so you can unveil the fire pit when guests come over.

Getting Inspiration from Backyard Fire Pit Ideas

These are just a few backyard fire pit ideas that we have implemented to great effect. You can use them as inspiration to create something completely unique and all your own.

Backyard landscaping can be overwhelming for most Chicagoland homeowners, whether you are talking about planting foliage or installing fire pits. Having an expert landscaper help you take your ideas and bring them to fruition is a real game changer.

At Martin John Company, we have been providing northern Chicagoland homeowners with landscaping services since 2001. From Evanston to Lake Forest to Libertyville to Barrington, we can help you with all of your landscaping needs. To start talking about your new fire pit designs with one of our helpful designers, contact us today.

What is hardscaping

What Is Hardscaping?

The average US home has about 0.5 acres of yard space that need to be taken care of. When you have a large yard, it is tempting to just focus on maintaining the grass, but there are plenty of other ways to make your space appealing.

Hardscaping will turn your yard into an outdoor living space that is beautiful and functional. Your lawn will always be the perfect environment, whether you are hosting barbeques or relaxing with your family.

But what is hardscaping, and how can it make your home the envy of the neighborhood? Read on to find out.

What Is Hardscaping?

The question, “What is hardscaping?” can be answered in a variety of ways. The most basic definition is that it is the use of hard landscaping materials within your yard design. It can refer to any man-made structure in a landscaping project, such as a patio, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, walkways, stone walls, etc.

Landscaping vs Hardscaping

Hardscaping uses materials like concrete, stone, and wood to improve the visual appearance of an area. Landscaping, on the other hand, involves plants and other soft materials that add value to a space.

Benefits of Hardscaping

Hardscaping can complement your existing landscape, or it can completely replace softscape elements like ferns and bushes. The goal is to add stability to a yard design by providing structure and definition for other features—like decorative lighting or outdoor furniture sets.

But the benefits of hardscaping services go beyond visual appeal. Here are some of the reasons why it is one of the best ways to update your home.

Outdoor Entertainment Areas

A brick or stone patio is a great choice for adding space outside your house where you can spend time with friends and family. Take your patio to another level by adding an outdoor kitchen. You might even consider building a fire pit to have s’mores in the summer or roast marshmallows during winter evenings.

Privacy

Privacy is essential to many homeowners and homebuyers. Stone, brick, and wooden walls can offer the seclusion that many people desire. You can also use these materials to hide intimate areas, like a backyard hot tub.

Increase Property Value

A professional hardscape design will add beauty and elegance to any outdoor space. Having a charming backyard can dramatically increase your curb appeal. When it is time to sell your home, the beauty of your hardscape will attract buyers and you’ll close a deal faster than you could imagine.

You also do not have to worry about selling your home right away. Enjoy the beauty of your hardscape designs for as long as you want. The durable materials will maintain their value and appeal over time, so you will not have to rush to move.

Direct Traffic

Patios, walkways, and retaining walls create a clear path for people to follow around your lawn. It makes it easy for guests to find their way from one part of your yard to another without damaging your plants or tripping over your furniture.

Types of Hardscapes

The type of hardscape you choose for your yard depends on the style you want your home’s exterior to reflect. A patio can be built using concrete to symbolize the strength of your family ties. If you are looking for something more artsy, gravel and brick can create a walkway that’s as unique as your personality.

Here are some popular types of hardscapes to use as inspiration for your yard.

Gravel Paths

Gravel lends an organic look to even the most cultivated landscapes. Choose gravel for your flower beds or walkways to add some texture to your yard.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are large structures that support plant life or act as the back of a patio area. They are also useful for keeping soil from washing away during heavy rains.

Fountains

Fountains are a great way to bring the tranquility of water into your yard. You will also enjoy the eye-catching butterflies and birds that will flock to your property for a drink of water.

Not all hardscaping companies offer fountains as part of their services, but those that do will usually construct them with stone because it’s a particularly durable material. Consider how a stone fountain will complement the existing hardscape in your yard before committing to one.

Hardscaping Ideas

Before deciding on your hardscaping materials and layout, consider any drainage issues that may arise when installing new surfaces. Account for how much water will flow through your hardscape designs during heavy rains before making any final decisions about what type of surface should go where.

This said, there are several ways to create a hardscaped yard that will complement your landscaping and protect it. Below are some ideas that combine modern and traditional elements for a cohesive and practical space.

Mix Concrete with Greenery

The defensive greys of concrete need a splash of color to make them more attractive. The refreshing green shades of plants are a perfect way to offset the dullness of concrete. By mixing concrete with greenery, you can create a contemporary look that soothes your nerves and brightens up your day.

Wood Accents and Brick Flooring

The combination of wood and brick is a smart choice for Mediterranean, farmhouse, and rustic yards. The warmth of natural wood lends an air of comfort to any outdoor space. Bricks provide a solid base while adding some texture to your design.

If you want a cheerful atmosphere with plenty of sunlight, use whitewashed brick to amplify the rays.

Pair Concrete with Steel

Concrete alone can feel too heavy in an outdoor living area. To combat the weightiness, add steel accents to your design. Steel chairs and tables are a striking choice for outdoor furniture that won’t go unnoticed.

Make Your Outdoor Space Come Alive

What is hardscaping? It is the best way to make your yard feel more like a getaway. The use of natural materials and classic design elements can bring a whole new level of comfort and beauty to your outdoor living space.

If you are ready to create an inviting property that you will love coming home to, then contact Martin John Company for a consultation. We have been transforming outdoor spaces for over 20 years, so we know exactly how to bring your vision to life!

hardscaping

Already Have a Pool? Try these 5 Hardscaping Ideas the Whole Family Will Love

Although you may already have a fabulous pool in your backyard, chances are that you’ve been looking for a few other features to include that will complement it.

Hardscaping is a term used to describe virtually any type of practical or decorative structure in your yard area – and the ideas below will help get you started with incorporating that little something extra into your outdoor entertainment area:

Pavers

Brick pavers can be laid over an existing concrete patio to give it a more updated and luxurious appearance. Alternatively, you can opt for flagstone if you prefer your yard to have a natural look and feel – these can be arranged to create a lovely, smooth surface that is easy underfoot and convenient to clean.

If you’re keen to create walkways in parts of your yard, concrete pavers will usually be your best option. Leaving a small space between each of them will provide a modern appearance, while also making it easier for excess water to drain away during inclement weather.

Water Features

Adding a built-in water feature to your yard will provide a sense of relaxation for friends and family as they listen to the soothing sounds when it’s flowing. Placing natural stones around its edge and under the running water section will help create additional sound if desired. Ensure that the feature you choose is scaled to the size of your yard.

Pool Decking

Is your pool looking somewhat out of place in your yard because it doesn’t have anything surrounding it? If so, adding a concrete or even wooden deck around its perimeter will not only enhance the visual appeal of your pool; it will make it easier for everyone to step in and out if it as well.

A Firepit

Although these hardscaping features have become an absolute must-have over the past few years, many homeowners think they’re too pricey to consider. However, a simple fire pit can be constructed by using a metal fire pit bowl and surrounding it with cinder blocks or your choice of outdoor pavers that will help mimic the appearance of a stone one.

A Play Structure

Including one or more age-appropriate play structures in your backyard will allow your kids to enjoy their time outside as much as possible, while also keeping physically active. Your kids and their friends will have fun sliding, swinging, climbing and playing in the safety of your yard.

Wherever possible, opt for structures that are designed to grow with your children because this will ensure that they’ll be able to get maximum use from them.

Regardless of the hardscaping features you decide to install, it’s strongly recommended that you hire the services of reputable contractors to get the job done. This will ensure that everything is installed and set up according to the required safety standards – allowing every member of your family to make the most of the time they spend outdoors without worry.

Contact us today to meet with our design team to create the perfect outdoor living space for your family.