Hardscapes: Materials

Question 1

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of wood? What is wood typically used for in landscape design?

Answer 1

Cost: Varies greatly depending on the wood.
Availability: Widely available in general, but specific species of wood may be rare.
Maintenance: Requires periodic resealing or painting.

Typically used for:
* Decks
* Fences
* Gates
* Benches
* Trellises
* Pergolas
* Gazebos
* Retaining Walls
* Boardwalks

Question 2

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of metal? What is metal typically used for?

Answer 2

Cost: Varies greatly depending on the choice of metal.
Availability: Widely available, but often requires specialists.
Maintenance: Varies depending on metal.

Typically used for:
* Gates
* Fences
* Benches
* Pergola
* Trellises
* Fireplaces

Question 3

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of pavers/bricks/wall blocks? What are they typically used for in landscape design?

Answer 3

Cost: Expensive.
Availability: Widely available.
Maintenance: Requires regular sweeping & hosing, plus weed management. Needs bi-annual resealing.

Typically used for:
* Walkways
* Driveways
* Patios
* Fireplaces
* Retaining Walls

Question 4

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of concrete? What is concrete typically used for in landscape design?

Answer 4

Cost: Moderate.
Availability: Widely available.
Maintenance: Easily maintained, needs sealant every 3-5 years.

Typically used for:
* Walkways
* Driveways
* Patios
* Steps
* Retaining Walls

Question 5

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of asphalt? What is asphalt typically used for in landscape design?

Answer 5

Cost: Variable.
Availability: Widely available.
Maintenance: Needs to be edged by another material, resealed every 2-4 years.

Typically used for:
* Walkways
* Driveways

Question 6

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of rock & stone? What is stone typically used for in landscape design?

Answer 6

Cost: Expensive.
Availability: Varies by type of stone and location.
Maintenance: Practically none.

Typically used for:
* Walls
* Walkways
* Steps
* Fireplaces & Firepits
* Retaining Walls

Question 7

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of loose aggregates? What are loose aggregates typically used for in landscape design?

Answer 7

Cost: Cheap.
Availability: Widely available.
Maintenance: Needs edges of another material to halt spreading. May need periodic raking or replacing.

Typically used for:
* Driveways
* Walkways
* Planting Beds.

Question 8

What is the cost, availability, and maintenance of vinyls & plastics? What are vinyls & plastics typically used for?

Answer 8

Cost: Moderate.
Availability: Widely available.
Maintenance: Requires periodic cleaning.

Typically used for:
* Fences
* Benches
* Trellises
* Arbors
* Pergolas
* Edging
* Grids