How To Make Sure Your Hardscaping Doesn't Look Outdated

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Hardscaping covers all those man-made features that we use in our yards to provide structure, usability, accessibility, and beauty. Much like fashion trends come and go, hardscaping goes through cycles of what's in and what's not. If you'd like to keep your yard looking fresh and modern, there are some hardscaping trends you should avoid. We're calling out two: Checkerboard grass and gravel gardens. 

Checkerboard grass involves pavers set into the lawn to create squares that alternate green and cement. The concept has been around for a while, and replicating it in your yard makes for tired hardscaping. Checkerboard lawns take a lot of time and energy to maintain to keep the crisp look that makes the layout successful. So instead, swap boring manicured lawns for one of the biggest backyard trends of 2025, and ditch the checkerboard.

Gravel-heavy gardens typically feature pavers or wooden slats for pathways, interspersed with vast areas covered by gravel instead of greenery. While gravel seems like an ideal choice as a low-maintenance, budget-friendly option, it has significant downsides that make it a less popular hardscaping solution. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it's not good for plants, as it doesn't add any nutrients to the soil the way a layer of mulch does. Cleaning gravel is tricky because weeds still tend to show up, even through landscaping fabric. It also snags leaves and dirt, and will look messy over time. Unlike grass, gravel tends to get really hot to walk on in the summer.

The trends replacing overly paved or graveled areas lean into spaces created around sustainability and eco-friendly living. When you're planning your outdoor hardscapes, look to use recycled materials that will give you the effect you're creating. Timber is a renewable resource that is wonderfully versatile and can be used for patios, walkways, and bridges. Timber is useful for bigger structures such as pergolas and privacy walls. Other materials to consider are repurposed stone and concrete. 

Creating outdoor wellness areas is a growing trend as more people are recognizing the importance of taking care of their physical and emotional well-being. You might be wondering what a wellness yard is, and how to create one on a budget. Make it what you need. Whether you go all out and cultivate a meditation garden, with water features, wandering pathways, and quiet seating areas for introspection, or incorporate an outdoor workout playground with structures to climb, hang, swing, or practice yoga.

Multifunctional outdoor living areas are becoming increasingly popular as people want spaces that can adapt to their needs. Modular furniture fits into this trend as separate pieces can be combined in different ways for different purposes. Fire pits, such as the INNO STAGE Smokeless Fire Pit, are a great outdoor hardscaping addition as they extend the time you're able to use your outdoor spaces. There are tons of great fire pit ideas to turn your outdoor living space into the perfect oasis that invites you outdoors and bridges the seasons.