DIY | 3 Simple Driveway Ideas
Nowhere to park? Create your own driveway with one of these affordable methods.
A DIY driveway can be an easy want to add parking or improve the look of your home. Here are three relatively simple options.
1. Carve out a parking pad
The easiest, most affordable way to get an extra parking space is to clear out some grass and throw down mulch. It works fine, looks good and can be done in a day.
But beware: Mulch isn’t a permanent solution. Mulch breaks down over time, floats away in a heavy rain and fades in the sun. Over time, you may end up spending more money sprucing up the mulch than you would have pouring concrete in the first place.
Be sure to use a store-bought landscape barrier, or even lay down newspaper to prevent weeds.
If mulch seems too temporary, consider other loose materials like gravel, stones or crushed oyster shells.
2. Build a DIY driveway with pavers
A more solid parking option is a concrete or brick paver driveway. It can be installed either professionally or DIY. Thousands of videos online show the steps and all the tricks of the trade. It’s really quite simple:
Excavate the area to be paved. Install a base material, such as crushed concrete, at a thickness of a few inches.
Pack down the base material with a compactor, making sure to slope it as desired.
Install a thin layer of sand on top of the base material.
Install paver blocks on the sand layer, laying them in place in the pattern of your choice.
Install a border row of bricks along the edges, and back that row with a poured concrete edge restraint, which will keep things from moving outward.
Put another layer of sand on top of the finished surface and broom it into the joints between the bricks. When installed properly, a paver driveway can last for decades.
3. Go with classic concrete Finally, there is the tried-and-true concrete driveway.
There’s a reason concrete is still the most common driveway product in the world: It looks good, doesn’t cost a fortune and lasts a very long time.
There are fewer steps to pouring a concrete parking area than there is to installing pavers, but it’s not quite as beginner-friendly. If you’ve never poured concrete before, it’s a good idea to start with a smaller area, such as a sidewalk, before tackling a large area.
How to Use Rocks in Your Landscape
Natural stone is one of the most versatile elements available for a landscape makeover. Landscaping with rocks adds texture and contrast, providing durable ground cover that requires little or no maintenance.
Choosing the Right Rocks for Your LandscapeThe rocks you choose will help set the tone for the rest of your garden. Tawny beach pebbles or river rocks add warmth, while white marble chips help brighten up shady areas. Flat terracotta stones complement a tropical landscape, but can seem out of place in a more formal garden. For a minimalist modern landscape or Polynesian-themed garden, try black lava rocks. Check out photos of rocks capes online to see what appeals to you. Because stones last indefinitely, it’s important to choose a look you’ll be happy with for many years.
Sidewalk Landscaping With Rocks
If there are no major HOA restrictions on landscaping your street strip, why not be creative? This sample from garden designer Rebecca Sweet features a colorful, eye pleasing mixture of river rocks, mulch and ornamental grasses and plants for maximum curb appeal.
Use Landscaping Rocks to Create a Fairy Ring
Stack landscaping rocks a few rows high to create a barrier between the plants and the play area in this DIY children’s fairy ring you can create in your backyard.
Asian Garden Design
This Asian garden uses stepping stones and rocks to create an organic landscaping design that blends beautifully with nature.
Create a Beautiful Vignette
A mixture of rocks, stone slabs, potted plants, ornamental grasses and ground covers transform the border areas of this pool into a wonderful study in textures and contrasts.
Plant a Rock GardenFor a more exotic look, add a rock garden to your landscape. Choose an area that gets plenty of sun and install two or three small boulders. Surround the boulders with closely spaced low-lying flowers, such as portulaca (left), ground orchids or decorative cactus. Carefully fill in the gaps with smaller stones that complement the color of your boulders.
Create a CenterpieceA large, unusually-shaped boulder can serve as an eye-catching focal point. Use as a tidy, low-maintenance centerpiece in a small garden, where an ornamental shrub might become too large or unruly. In larger gardens, a rock centerpiece can add visual interest to monotonous border areas, such as hedges.
Cornerstones in Herb GardeningThis beautiful front yard edible garden by Home & Garden Design, Inc features a quartet of raised beds with natural stones and a variety of cool season favorites such thyme, kales, lettuces, fennel and parsley.
Round Fire Pit in Middle of Outdoor Kitchen
These homeowners have it made in the shade, with a built-in outdoor kitchen and stone fire pit that makes their yard ready for entertaining.
Front Entrance to Beautifully Landscaped Home
The front yard of this contemporary lakeside home features a beautiful, symmetrical design with concrete retaining walls, a gravel walkway and green shrubs filling the landscape with natural color.
Stone Fence Close-upA stone fence can add a charming sense of character to a yard and garden. This fence uses stones of different sizes and hues to fit in with the wooded landscape. Article from:hgtv.com
12 Money-Saving Landscaping Tips
Keeping costs down may be the toughest landscape challenge. Use our price guide as a starting point for your budget.
Trying to get yourself a bargain on the plants, soil, wood, and rocks you need to build up your outdoor living area means making sense of the huge variations in prices among sources and regions. As if that’s not challenging enough, prices for many materials — such as lumber — fluctuate quickly and seasonally. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you shop for your yard.
Plan before you buy. Sketch your landscape design on paper before you start planting and building. Knowing exactly what you need and where you’re going to put it helps avoid wasting money.
Decide how much design you want. Although it’s less expensive to build a square patio or deck, it’s no bargain if you find the result so unappealing that you don’t use it. It may be worth it to pay a designer to create a space that you can really use.
Talk to a pro. You may not need to hire a landscape architect or designer to develop your whole project, but $50-$100 for an hour-long consultation is well worth the money if it saves you from costly mistakes later.
Buy in phases. Few people have the financial resources to landscape their property all at once. Divide your project into phases, and pay as you go with funds on hand. You’ll save on loan or credit costs and be able to evaluate your progress and adjust plans before moving to the next phase.
Don’t assume cheaper is always better. Economics of scale being what they are, home improvement warehouses typically offer the lowest prices for common plants and hardscaping materials, such as lumber. However, they may not have the selection and quality you find at more specialized sources. Also, a local specialty shop may provide more personal service, expert advice, and guarantees, which are all helpful if you’re a novice. When installing a pond, for example, it may be worth it to pay more through a source that specializes in water gardens, particularly if the staff can help you choose and install equipment. Plant prices may be higher at specialty nurseries, but many offer money-back guarantees on trees, shrubs, and bedding plants.
Accept cheaper when it’s good enough. With some items, there’s little difference in quality between top-of-the-line and economy. Why pay more? Take advantage of a home improvement warehouse’s volume buying power for bargains on common annuals and perennials, mulch, pavers, and containers. Inspect plants closely, however. A “big box” store may not care for them the way a nursery would.
Time your purchases. When you buy can be as important as where you buy. Lumber for outdoor projects is often cheaper during winter months. Save money on trees, shrubs, perennials, soil, and mulch by buying late in the season. Don’t rush out to buy newly released plant varieties, which may be expensive initially because supply is low and demand is high. When production catches up in a few years, prices will likely drop.
Shop online and mail-order sources. Catalogs and websites expand your choices, especially for rare plants and specialized products. Shopping online or by phone is convenient, and prices may be lower than in stores, but don’t forget to include shipping costs when comparing prices with local sources.
Check alternate resources. Look beyond stores and catalogs for bargains. Arboretums and botanical centers often hold plant sales, and neighbors may have extra perennials to share.
Be sociable. Being neighborly cuts costs. Share the rental fee for tillers, chippers, or other heavy equipment with others on the block, then take turns and save.
Determine Your Materials
When buying sand, soil, rocks, mulch, and other loose landscaping materials, it can be hard to estimate how much you’ll need for a project. Materials may be sold by volume (cubic feet or cubic yards) or by weight (tons). A ton (2,000 pounds) of anything may seem like a lot, but if it’s a dense, compact material, such as sand or soil, a ton might not cover as much as you think — particularly if you are spreading it to a depth of a few inches. Keep in mind that a ton of dirt, sand, or gravel will fill up less than a cubic yard (27 cubic feet; a space 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep). Here are some other helpful guidelines:
- A cubic yard of soil, compost, or mulch fills about this much space: 320 square feet to a depth of 1 inch; 160 square feet to a depth of 2 inches: 110 square feet to a depth of 3 inches; 80 square feet to a depth of 4 inches.
- A cubic yard of soil weighs more than 2,000 pounds; a cub yard of sand or gravel weighs nearly 3,000 pounds.
- A ton of 1/4- to 3/4-inch-diameter decorative rock spread 2 inches deep will cover 110 to 120 square feet.
- A ton of sand or pea gravel spread 2 inches deep will cover 100 to 120 square feet.
- Most full-size pickups hold 2 to 3 cubic yards of dirt, sand, gravel, or mulch; however, maximum weight capacity may limit you to carrying less. A single-axle dump truck holds 5 to 7 cubic yards of loose-fill material. Larger trucks may hold more than 10 cubic yards.
Article from (bhg.com)
Popular patio building materials run the gamut from poured concrete and pavers of recycled plastic to natural flagstone and bricks of fired clay.
Patios can make your outdoor space more enjoyable, increase your home’s value, and not so insignificantly, save you money on landscape maintenance costs. What type of patio is right for you? Any number of colors and patterns may be installed in a variety of materials. Pros and cons for a few of the most popular are discussed here.
FLAGSTONE
The color and characteristics of flagstone result from the natural process by which it forms, a slow and gradual accumulation of layers of sand, clay, mineral and organic sediments. The most common colors available are red, blue, and buff, with regional varieties like Arizona sandstone and Pennsylvania bluestone among the most popular.
Flagstone patios are unmistakable—and hard to resist, if you favor the material’s earthy, timeless appearance. Irregularly shaped and sized, quarried flagstones are heavy and rather difficult to work with, especially for the inexperienced do-it-yourself. Since flagstone is subject to erosion and splitting, a successful flagstone patio design prioritizes adequate drainage.
CLAY BRICK
A time-tested, endearingly popular patio building material is clay brick, which offers a distinguished aesthetic that complements both traditional and contemporary architecture.
Over time, bricks usually retain their rich, warm color, and due to their handy weight and size, installing them in a patio is DIY-friendly work. Mortar is not strictly necessary; bricks can be laid easily on a dry bed of sand.
Homeowners love brick’s versatility—myriad patterns are possible, from rectangular to round. Reclaimed brick, though typically more expensive, has grown in popularity owing to its “green” status and unique look.
PATIO PAVERS
Pavers come in forms as varied as natural stone, concrete, clay and even recycled plastics. For patio installations, experts recommend either stone or concrete pavers, which, due to their higher density, may be expected to last longer and undergo less color fading than other paver types.
Concrete pavers in particular are a mainstay of patio building, beloved for their easy installation and the range of sizes, shapes, and colors in which they can be found. Inevitably, this man-made product lends itself to a less “natural” look, although some concrete pavers are manufactured to look like natural stone or clay brick.
CONCRETE
Concrete patios are typically one of the least expensive to build. Assuming proper installation and maintenance, they are one of the most durable, too, though like brick, concrete is subject to cracking with freeze-thaw cycles.
Since poured concrete follows any form, unlimited patio design options are possible. If your dream patio is one covered with glazed decorative tiles, a concrete slab is the way to go, as it will provide a solid, even base on which to add tiles in future.
GRAVEL
If you are looking for a patio material that may be installed quickly and easily, look no further than gravel. Usually two types are available, river rock or crushed stone (in sizes ranging from a quarter-inch to one inch in diameter). When installed over landscaping fabric, gravel effectively deters weed growth, and compared to other materials, it offers excellent drainage.
At best, a gravel patio recalls English cottage-style gardens and Tuscan courtyards. At worst, a gravel patio is high-maintenance, plagued by stones that are difficult to keep level and in place. Some folks also complain that gravel is uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet, and other materials provide superior support for outdoor furniture.
The Art Of Landscaping Your Garden
Landscaping is the one gardening endeavor that can consume lots and lots of your time and energy. If you are thinking of tackling it on a grand scale, you will need some major preparation. If you were to consider hiring a professional landscaper, you would most probably find that the costs would be quite horrendous.
Now that’s fine if money is no object, but I personally get great pleasure from my own endeavors, gardening is after all my great passion in life.
I would strongly suggest however, that you have a clear idea in your mind about how you would like your garden to look, rather than simply starting off without a clear plan in mind.
Having said all that, here are simple but indispensable tips to guide you in making your landscaping activities extremely rewarding.
Draw Your Landscape Plan
However not just any plan. It needs to be a well thought out landscape plan, or you are certainly doomed to lose money as well as time and energy. You really need to take account of the style
and function of your landscape, and a good idea of the plants that you also want to include. Focus on that area where you spend most of your time, because this is where your landscaping labors should all be directed.
Investigate A Free Planning Service.
Hiring an independent designer would probly cost you hundreds of dollars, but you might well discover that many nurseries offer a free planning service, particularly if you are likely to be
spending some money with them.
Take Account Of The Style Of Your Home
When planning your landscape, the style should complement the design of your house and your personality as well. There are various landscape styles which you can choose for your garden:-
1. Formal – This style uses lots of straight lines and perfect geometrical shapes. Orderly arrangement of plants instead of random positioning is employed, and close arrangement and pruning
is used on many landscaped gardens with this style.
2. Informal – This kind of landscaping goes well with houses which have a cozy look to them. Beds with curved edges instead of straight lines and random placement of plants suit this landscape style.
3. English Garden – This style emphasizes on the harmony between the house’s architecture and the garden.
4. Formal/Informal Garden – This style often comes with a brick walkway that exudes formality. This walkway leads to the rear with a circle of plants. The arrangement of plants resembles the English garden style, but it has no formal borders.
5. Oriental – It is often the kind of garden found in houses with small backyards. It uses rocks, evergreens and water, and a wide variety of plants to create several angles with this style.
6. Woodland – This landscaping suits a house that has a wooded backyard and an inclined terrain.
Keeping those tips in mind will not only make your landscaping a very fruitful activity, but will save you considerable expense as well as time.
Don’t be frightened to use your imagination and flair for color in this project, after all it is primarily to please yourself and your family. I suggest that the satisfaction that you will gain from creating and designing your own personal landscaped garden, will make you feel like a true artist.
Patio Design | Expanding Your Home Outdoors
A patio can be just like another room in your house. Effective patio design can mean that your increase the floor space of your home, by adding an outside room that allows you to entertain like never before. A patio can just be a rectangular slab of concrete with some plastic chairs and griller, but it can also be so much more.
What comes to mind when you think of a patio?
Patio design gives you the opportunity to create an outside living area – an extension of your home – for entertaining and relaxing all year round. For instance, people who like to entertain may want to consider a patio with an undercover kitchen and dining area. By adding a barbecue grill, a built in fridge and some quality outdoor furniture, the patio can, in itself, become a feature of your home.
When commencing a new patio design, it is important to remember that your new outdoor entertaining area does not need to be expensive. There are a variety of different patio surfaces to fit a particular style or budget, including concrete pavers, natural clay stones and bricks. There is no need to stick to one type of paving or surface – experiment. Pebbles, gravels, bricks and tiles, can all be incorporated. A contrasting brick edge can also be effective. Similarly, patio shades need not be extensive, just enough to cover the main cooking and eating areas; after all, why block out the view of your gorgeous garden in the midday sun or the stars in the sky on a clear night.
Consider textures, colors, and materials before starting One of the most important considerations of patio design is landscaping. Plants help to soften the hard surface of a patio floor by providing color, texture and fragrance and they set the mood for an outdoor living space. Further, you might also like to consider the use of a water feature and some soft low voltage lighting or candles, to create a stunning patio setting for night time entertaining.
Finally, selecting the right furniture is the key to the perfect patio design. There is no need to spend thousands of dollars on the right setting; more importantly you want to select items that are durable, basic in color and rich in style and sophistication. Consider resin coated wicker or rattan pieces that can be dressed up with different cushions and throw rugs. These items can be changed regularly to cater for a themed party or more simply, to match the changes in your flourishing flower beds.
A patio design can be as elaborate or as straightforward as you want it to be. Patios can be arranged in any shape and size and can be refreshed regularly just like the interior of your home. Outdoor entertaining is an increasing pastime – enjoy it with family and friends! #landscapingideas #landscapedesign
Are you planning to build a patio? Making patio plans is both exciting and challenging. Part of the challenge is making sure your patio plans cover everything that is necessary to make your patio project a success. To do just that, here are some tips to consider when you are planning and building a patio.
Firstly, you need to identify the specific use of the patio. Will it be, for the most part, an additional living space for you and your family? Will the patio be a frequent hang out for you, your family and friends? Finding out how you want to use your patio will help you create a focus for your patio plans.
Size is an important aspect of your plan. You would need to consider how much space you actually have in your yard. Additionally, the patio’s use will affect the size of the patio. If you see yourself entertaining guests every weekend, you will have to make sure you have a large enough space to accommodate regular visitors. If you prefer your patio to be just a quiet place you can retreat to for relaxation, then a small space will probably do.
When you know the size of your patio, the next thing to consider in your patio plans is the design. Big or small, your patio should be a comfortable space. This means there should be enough room for people to move in. Obviously, you will have some patio furniture so you need to put them in appropriate places where it will not obstruct traffic. It is also important to design your patio so that it is has a good view of your yard or garden.
After drawing up your patio plans, you need to decide on the materials you will use. You can build your patio from a variety of materials from brick, cast pavers and flat stones to loose gravel. Choose something that will fit the look of your house or your yard and at the same time has a surface that will work for your purpose. For instance, you want to place dining areas on even surfaces.
Patio furniture and accessories should also be part of your patio plans. Details such as cushions, umbrellas, fire pits, barbecue grills, and patio swings all add to the look of your patio. Do not be afraid to experiment but then, again, always take into account your patio’s use and overall design.
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Be creative with your patio plans. However, if you are going to build the patio by yourself, you may want to start with a simple plan. Always consider the resources you have including time and budget to make sure you are working within your capacity.