Landscape design components are individual landscaping features that are placed into your landscape design plan. It is important to plan your landscaping components properly. It is also important to make sure your landscape design components fit into their spaces correctly and are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. We often see landscape designs that are very attractive on paper but they don’t will work when it comes to function and flow. Have a look at our landscaping schedules page to better understand the installation process.
Here are some key landscape design components to consider:
Patios and walkways
Patios and walkways are one of the most important items to consider for your landscape design components. Front walkways need to be planned so they are visually appealing as well as functional. Do you really need a landscape design for your walkways? Probably not but if you are investing in a design for your entire project then they will need to be included. Make sure to consider the proper materials for your patios and walkways. Patios and walkways that incur a lot of traffic should not be build out of stamped concrete or concrete that uses a glossy sealer. Stamped concrete is famous for being slippery when wet or during winter time. Visit our page where we discuss Slippery winter walkways and what not to install
Your best option for high traffic patios and walkways are broom concrete, exposed aggregate or paving stones. Make sure to have your patios and walkways installed with a deep compacted gravel base. This gravel base insures you won’t have frost heaves during our cold winter months. We highly recommend you include wider walkways in your landscape design. These wider walkways are safer and look more visually appealing. Traditional walkways are typically less than three feet wide. We recommend walkways that are at least forty inches wide. Patios should be in balance with the size of your property. A larger patio looks better on larger properties. If you have a small yard don’t make the mistake of installing a patio that is too large as it will make the space very cold and industrial like.
Fences
Obviously fences are a very important part of your landscape design components list. Fences not only provide security but they define your property lines. It is very important to make sure your landscape designer places your fence in the correct area. We have seen many cases where designers do not put fences on the clients property line. Landscape installers build the fence according to where the plan says so if the design is flawed so will the installation be. Make sure your landscaping company double and and even triple checks your Real property report to make sure your fence is installed on the right line. Fences and gates should not just be built in any style and material. Fences are the backdrop for your landscaping so make sure to compliment your landscaping with this in mind. There are many options for fence styles and materials. If you have other wood or faux wood landscape design component like decks then it is a good idea to match the material of your fences and decks. We highly recommend using 4×6 or 6×6 fence posts. 4×4 fence posts are less sturdy and over time they may lean or sag causing issues with your fence boards and gates.
Decks
Decks are one of the most popular landscape design components. Deck materials have changed over the years. It used to be the pressure treated or cedar decks were the most poplar. Now, composite decks are becoming more and more popular with Calgary homeowners. Composite decks to not require the annual maintenance that wood decks made of cedar or meranti hardwood do. Planning your deck in your landscape design is very important. Some Calgary homeowners prefer to have their seating areas be elevated and do not want to walk down several stairs to get to their seating area. The layout of your home will be very important when it comes to your deck style and layout. If you are building an elevated deck it will likely cost less than building an elevated patio that will require retaining walls. Multi level decks will be more costly but they can also be more visually appealing. The more steps you have the more costs go up and railings may be required. Keep in mind that decks over two feet tall will require railings in order for them to be compliant with city codes.