Hardscaping and Our Backyard Makeover

The time is finally here and we are planning a backyard makeover with hardscaping. This is not a simple “swap out the decor” kind of makeover, I’m talking several areas of hardscaping and replacing our porches. This started as a pavers only project and it is quickly transitioning into a huge renovation that I’m so excited about!

A hardscaped brick path with lush greenery and palm tree landscaping.

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Our Backyard Makeover Plans with Hardscaping, Pergola, and Landscaping Ideas

The first decision we will need to make is was what kind of pavers to use for the project. Our home is located in a flood zone and elevated. We have beautiful red brick that has aged on the lower portion of the house and I love the look of brick pavers. However brick pavers can get hot in the sun, so we are looking at temperature friendly alternatives.

Our backyard before the hardscaping makeover: worn brick paving with white and wood patio furniture, hanging planters, and lush grassy beds.
via: The Glitter Guide
Our backyard before the hardscaping makeover; wone red brick paved patio and standing planters.
via: Architectural Digest
Our backyard before the hardscaping makeover; a closer look at the worn red brick pavers of our backyard patio that are years old.

Different Types of Hardscaping for Our Backyard Makeover

Bluestone

I’ll be honest and say that I really want bluestone. I love the look of it, especially when mudded. Unfortunately, living in Charleston, it is not realistic for us. Bluestone can get very hot and we want our backyard to be child and pet friendly. I’m still sharing inspiration though, because my goodness. It is absolutely beautiful.

A bluestone backyard patio with a gorgeous stone outdoor table and bench.
via: Rachell Parcell
Multicolored bluestone backyard paved patio with red brick-bordered planter beds and black wrought iron patio furniture.
via: Young House Love

Flagstone

Looking for something that looks like bluestone but that is much cooler (and cheaper)? Flagstone might be a great fit for you! We are interested in grey colors and love the castle grey flagstone. When it’s mudded, it looks a lot like the bluestone images above.

A flagstone patio with planters and a red brick shed.
via Quorn Stone
A gorgeous flagstone hardscaped backyard patio with wicker planters, chairs, a wood picnic table with benches, against an ivy-covered wood fence.
via: House and Garden

Travertine

Travertine is available in several color varieties. I love the look of silver travertine because it has variation with a touch of warmth, unlike castle grey flagstone that is one solid color. Travertine is very popular here in the south and used for a majority of the pool decks. It is gorgeous with pools, but I’m not sure if we will love it without a pool. Says anyone that wants a pool in their life, ha!

A silver travertine pool deck shows the different shades of travertine rock that can be used in hardscaping with stone.
via: Stone Wood Products
An elegant silver travertine paved driveway that leads to a stunning house with bright blue shutters and immaculately landscaped front yard.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a great option if you’re looking to keep your patio cool underfoot. I do believe porcelain is more contemporary and less traditional, but it is a beautiful option!

A backyard patio paved with porcelain pavers, raised garden beds, and dark wicker furniture.
via: Royale Stone

Our Backyard Makeover Hardscaping Plans

I have narrowed our backyard makeover down to two styles. We are currently finalizing the details to use either silver travertine or castle grey flagstone. There is also the option of adding a brick and mortar border, to help tie in our existing brick. We do plan on whitewashing our existing brick in the near future and I believe the brick and mortar border will tie it together nicely!

Our backyard before the hardscaping makeover; a lush green patch of grass sits under our raised back porch.
Our existing backyard and back porch.
Our backyard before the hardscaping makeover; a concrete paved path weaves between a patch of grass and open soil for landscaping.
This will become one hardscaped section.

Backyard Makeover Design Plans

Our backyard makeover will have three sections. I love when a backyard is carefully planned with several areas for entertaining, versus one large blocked out area. We have space for several locations, so here is what I’m designing at the moment!

Backyard Fire Pit Section

One section will be for lounging around a fire pit. We’re looking at several options for the fire pit and a Solo Stove is actually at the top of our list. I’ve read several reviews that they’re amazing and they don’t have a lingering smell like firewood.

Back Patio Dining Area Section

There is a large section under the porches that is now mulch. We plan to convert that into an outdoor dining space with a bonus space that might get converted to a hot tub section down the road.

Brand New Pergola Section

Our pergola was gifted to us by Backyard Discovery. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own!

Mood board for the new outdoor pergola we plan on installing in our backyard makeover; a gorgeous white wood pergola, woven wicker sectional lounger, outdoor cushions and pillows, and grey flagstone pavers.

PERGOLA | LIGHTS | PLANT | PLANTER | SECTIONAL | CASTLE GREY FLAGSTONE | NAVY BLUE PILLOW | STRIPED PILLOW | STAR JASMINE

I am so excited for this section. We have already ordered a 10×14 white pergola that is constructed of galvanized steel. This section will house several plants and a large seating area for lounging. I cannot wait to relax under the pergola and create a little oasis for our backyard.

Any type of lumber used in our location can deteriorate quickly. The pergola we selected is from Backyard Discovery and is rust, corrosion and UV harm proof! I will share a blog post and videos when we put the pergola together and reveal the final space. Backyard Discovery has several outdoor structures that are selling quickly and they are restocking items in the next few weeks. If you’re considering a purchase, these items are VERY popular at the moment so I do recommend purchasing sooner than later. I’m so excited that they have kindly offered my readers a 10% off discount with the code coastaloak10 (they rarely offer sales or discounts) and you shop the items here.

An inspiration photo for our backyard makeover! This outdoor pergola sits on a flagstone paved patio with outdoor furniture arranged in a friendly sitting area, covered by a white wood pergola and surrounded with potted flowers and plants.

Are you excited for this backyard makeover? I can hardly wait to see the backyard hardscaping come together and start decorating all of our outdoor spaces!

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