The backyard should be a place to make memories and to unplug from the stresses of modern life. Now is the perfect time to start designing the backyard of your dreams, and masonry features can serve as the durable and essential features that will improve your backyard experience. So, here’s how to transform your backyard into an oasis with masonry features in Port Jefferson and Southampton, NY.
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Upgrade to Patio Pavers or Natural Stone
The hub of great outdoor experiences is often your patio, and you don’t want your relaxation or excitement to happen on a surface that doesn’t inspire. Natural stone is of course the original building material, but in some cases, pavers that closely resemble natural stone could be a better choice. The advancements in paver technology will improve the look and utility of your patio. Pavers are much stronger and longer-lasting than most other hardscape surfaces and will help blend together the gorgeous aesthetics of your entire landscape and home.
Whether you choose natural stone or concrete pavers, a wide variety of color schemes and textures awaits your choice. You may apply striking bluestone or warming sandstone. You can use a brushed texture for the borders and accents of your patio and walkways and go for a smooth yet non-slip surface around your pool and hot tub.
One advantage of patio pavers is that you can achieve a permeable surface that allows water to seep through the joint spaces between the pavers and into a special substrate that disperses the water instead of causing water to run off onto your landscaping.
Under both natural stone or pavers, you could have a heating system (much like heating systems used under driveways) installed that would keep your patio drier, safer, and much more appealing in any weather.
Comfort and Excite With a Fire Feature
Enhance your experience by including a fire pit, fire table, or outdoor fireplace in your landscape transformation. Fire pits use masonry blocks to create a round or square fire area ideal for larger gatherings since everyone can share in the warmth. Fire tables can create a chic and memorable dining experience that’s perfect for avid entertainers. Outdoor fireplaces bring a cozy living room feel to the outdoors. An outdoor fireplace can even support your culinary side and include a wood-fired pizza oven as part of the structure, to create an automatic hit with everyone.
Do you have to choose just one fire feature? No! An outdoor fireplace or fire table could be part of your cooking and dining area, and a separate fire pit or fireplace could anchor a seating area.
Grow Your Culinary Life Outside with a Full Outdoor Kitchen
Cooking and sharing meals outdoors is one of life’s great pleasures. The structure of your outdoor kitchen should complement the other masonry features of your landscape and home while also having a strong and striking presence of its own. Masonry is the preferred choice for outdoor kitchen walls, whether your cooking space is a simple grill station or a full gourmet kitchen.
Soothe and Dazzle with Water Features
Everyone knows how much pools improve the outdoor lifestyle, but you don’t need that big of a project to make a difference. Use a masonry fountain or a waterfall to provide a soothing feeling combined with white noise. In exciting settings such as parties or simple gatherings with friends and family, the sonic and visual aspects of these water features will set the mood, especially when combined with creative lighting. Fountains and waterfalls can be either classic or sleek and modern—whatever their style, they always give off an air of elegance. Water features can fit into even the smallest patio space or become striking focal points of a grand patio.
