DIY Network

Landscaping: Hardscapes From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-209

In this third segment of "Landscaping" host Jeff Wilson discusses the structure of your home's landscape, also known as the hardscapes.

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What are Hardscapes?

Thus far in this episode you've had a look at site considerations and plant choices, and now it's time to peruse the solid fixtures in your yard -- any concrete work, stonework (figure A), wooden work, metal work, fences, gates and basically anything that's not growing.

Some examples of hardscapes are walls, patios, paths, decks and water features (figure B). For a solid, long-lasting hardscape surface, concrete is a popular material used today. It's excellent for outdoor applications for several reasons:

• It's strong.

• It's inexpensive.

• It can be formed into any shape (figure C).

• It can be easily sealed to prevent weather damage.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Small Concrete Projects

1. For small concrete projects you start by excavating deep enough for your concrete and base layer. Generally concrete is poured to the depth of about 4" and you want to give yourself enough room for the gravel and sand base.

2. Build forms for the concrete (figure D) by using steel stakes or wood to determine the height so you can then put in your retaining form boards.

3. A base layer of crushed gravel or sand fills the bottom of the form. The base layer minimizes the settling and prevents the concrete from cracking. On top of the based layer rebar (figure E) is laid, which will strengthen the concrete.

4. After you have the forms and the rebar is in place it's time to pour the concrete.

5. Once the concrete is poured, take a trowel and go over the top of it continuously until you have a smooth surface. This can take some time so be patient. The key is to create as smooth a surface as possible (figure F).

   Note: You may have to adjust your concrete pour date to the weather. If it's a really hot day you'll need to pour really early in the morning -- and you want to make sure your concrete mix is adjusted for that. Weather has a dramatic impact on concrete when poured.

   If it's raining you can't pour concrete because it won't dry, and if it's just moist out it will take longer to dry. And if it's windy there will be an impact on the visual effect of the concrete because the surface will dry before the interior does.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Retaining Wall

Another functional hardscape often used is a retaining wall (figure G), which is built to hold earth in place and resist lateral pressure. A retaining wall is usually a short wall used to hold back land; for example, if you have a sloping lot.

A segmental retaining wall (figure H) is composed of little concrete units that fit together like Legos, and you take your units and put them all together to build the wall up.

Note: It's vital that you read the instructions that come with each particular product carefully. Each can be laid out and designed differently.

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

When designing your landscape, keep in mind that some of your hardscapes will require electrical and plumbing work, such as water features and lighting. More than a decorative accent, outdoor lighting can make or break your landscape design.

One of the most important things to consider with outdoor lighting is going to be the expense of operation. Whether with flood lighting, spot lighting or ground lighting, you have to be concerned with the wiring, especially if they run around watering systems. One of the great things you can do is use solar forms of lighting. They may not give as much light, but they're extremely effective and cost less -- and they're maintenance-free.

A solar light (figure I) has a little panel on the top that absorbs light during the day and disperses it at night. Be sure to place your solar lighting where it will "receive" plenty of light exposure during the day.

Did You Know? -- Mercury-vapor light bulbs supply a strong, cost-effective light and can last as long as 24,000 hours!

For more information on hardscapes, click here for DIY's Hardscapes workshop.

In the final segment Jeff takes a look at landscaping as a way to maximize the comfort and efficiencies on the inside of your house.

GUESTS :

Greg Allen
Site Supervisor
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: gcrbs@adelphia.net

Lynn Underwood
Homeowner
3001 E. Wiley Lane
Vail, AZ 85641
E-mail: whiskey5alpha@yahoo.com

Elizabeth Shanahan
President
FC Construction, Inc.
PO Box TT
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Phone: 714-412-6180
E-mail: FCConstruction@earthlink.net

Regina Zernay
CMTS, Inc.
Phone: 310-390-9558

John Owens
Consultant
1265 South Camino Santiago Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007

Stanton and Terry Saucier
E-mail: saucier1@pacbell.net

Andy Beasly
PO Box 214
Hillside, CO 81232

Niki Furstman
Homeowner
3332 N. Grand Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711

Jody Cukier Seigler
Interior Designer
951 North Bristol Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: 310-476-1286
E-mail: jodycs@yahoo.com

Igor Orlovsky
Contracting Consultant
E-mail: heyigor@sbcglobal.net