If you are planning on designing a new landscape for your home, you need to consider the various options available. In addition to the more traditional options, there are many more innovative ideas to try. These ideas include building a deck, constructing a bridge, and designing a garden wall.
Build a garden wall
If you have a sloped yard and need a way to control its inclination, consider building a garden wall with landscape timber. These blocks are easy to work with and can add character to your outdoor space. You can use them to build a tree house, fort, or just edging your flower beds. They can also be used to make a nice little stairway.
Retaining walls are a great way to channel runoff away from a cabin foundation. In addition to controlling the flow of water, retaining walls help prevent erosion and can be made from a variety of materials, from bricks to stone. The cost of a DIY project can range from USD 50 to $200, depending on the material you use.
A brick wall is simple to construct and relatively cheap to install. But if you want a textured, artistic wall, you might prefer a dry stone wall. Dry stone does not require mortar, but instead a porous membrane to keep water from accumulating behind the wall.
A stone wall has many different shapes and textures. There are also several different colors and sizes of stones available. Depending on the shape and size of your wall, a single color or a variety of different colors can make a great impact.
To start off, you will need to determine the width of your wall and the distance between the two end posts. A 16 foot wall will require 192 inches of distance between the two end posts. However, you might need vertical posts for a wall that is more than three feet tall.
When constructing the aforementioned stone wall, use the largest stone you can find at the bottom of the trench. Once the wall is in place, fill in the voids with smaller stones.
Edge flower beds
The use of landscape timbers is an effective way to add beauty to your garden or flower beds. These materials are inexpensive to install and can help define the lines of your bed. However, before you start installing your timbers, make sure you have the necessary tools.
One of the most popular uses of landscaping timbers is in raised garden beds. This type of edging allows you to create a level area in your yard that is easier to tend to plants in. In addition to making it easier to grow and tend to plants, it also helps to prevent erosion.
You can choose from a wide variety of materials, including rocks, fences, and railroad ties. You can even make your own concrete curbs. Depending on the amount you’re planning on using, the average cost for a DIY project ranges from about USD 50 to $200.
Generally, landscape timbers are cut into 24-inch or 30-inch lengths. They should be placed along the full length of the edging and dug to at least 12 inches deep.
Another useful edging material is sunken bricks. These bricks have a similar appearance to square bricks, but their edges don’t always meet up. Using sunken bricks to form a border around your bed makes a unique and interesting look.
There are many different types of edging available, so it is important to determine what type of edging will work best for your particular space. Choosing the most effective edging for your flower bed will ensure that you’re able to keep mulch and grass where they belong.
The easiest and cheapest type of edging is the hand edged or trench style. A spade that is hand edged is a slanting device that cuts a V-shaped trench across the ground.
Construct an outdoor deck
There are a lot of factors that affect the construction of an outdoor deck. For instance, the weather, the amount of material you will need and other extenuating circumstances. Fortunately, there is a good guide that can help you construct a beautiful and functional deck.
First, check your local building codes. Decks that are more than 30 inches from the ground require railings. Your plans should include the location of post bases. You may also need to grade slopes.
Next, make sure the area around your house is dry and free from debris. Be aware of utility lines and gas lines. Also, if you have a roof over your deck, you should consider runoff from the roof.
To build a traditional wood deck, you should lay out the landscape timbers along the edging. Then, you can use a miter saw to cut them to the desired length. Once you have finished cutting, join them with mending plates.
Depending on your region, you can choose from a wide variety of wood species. Some, such as redwood, are resistant to moisture and decay. Others, such as Southern yellow pine, are less susceptible to insect infestation. It is important to choose a species that meets your needs.
If you are not confident in your DIY skills, you may want to enlist the services of a professional. Alternatively, you can contact a local landscape architect or Chamber of Commerce.
Depending on your budget, you may opt to construct a simple outdoor deck with landscape timbers. You can also extend the deck to the garden or lawn. However, you should consider that such a project is very labor-intensive.
As a final step, use post-base hardware to fasten the beams to the bases. If you have trouble leveling the beams, you can use composite shims.
Build a bridge
Landscape timbers are a great way to add rustic beauty to your garden. They are often used in seating and planters, and can also be used for more decorative purposes.
A landscape timber wall can be stained to achieve a modern look, or painted to add a rustic touch. It is also a good backdrop for trellis and climbing plants. These can be installed using decking screws. You can even train climbing plants to grow on the trellis.
Garden bridges are a unique feature in Japanese and English countryside gardens. Aside from being a decorative feature, they also serve as a focal point in your garden. However, you can buy ready-made bridges if you don’t want to deal with the hassle. This does not give the authentic look and feel of a handmade bridge.
To construct a bridge, you need to know the proper methods of building and placing timbers. In some cases, you will need to place the timber underneath the ground. Depending on the size of the job, it may also be necessary to have a building permit and code check. Larger jobs can affect the amount of water runoff between neighbors, so be sure to take that into account.
Before you start construction, measure the length and width of the span. Then, calculate the thickness of the footing you need. Make sure it is at least six inches thick, and at least eight inches wide. If you are constructing a bridge over a stream, make sure it is at least 18 inches below the water’s bed.
For a long span, it is best to use a double arch bridge. This will allow for two parallel arcs, and will allow the weight of the bridge to be distributed evenly along the arc.
Redesign your garden
There are many things to consider when redesigning your garden. This includes your budget, what you are looking to accomplish, and how much space you have. The best way to do it is to have a master plan. You may want to consult with a professional to get ideas and suggest bundled projects.
For example, a pergola is a nice focal point for a garden. It provides shade, a place to sit, and a frame for entry. However, a pergola can also add to the cost of a landscape by requiring a permanent roof. A less costly solution is a landscape fabric or mulch path.
Another is a large paver walkway. This can give you flexibility in designing the layout of your pathways. Lastly, consider using corten steel planters. These can help to bring in warm, earthy colors.
In general, a good rule of thumb is to stick with three different materials. Using more than three will make a small space look overwhelming. Make sure the choices you make are the right ones for your needs.
One of the best ways to save time and money is to do your research. Find out what types of plants are most suitable for your landscape, and what materials are most appropriate. Also, you may want to consult with a landscaping expert to see what’s best for your property.
One of the most important steps in redesigning your garden is to create a vision board. If you have a specific design in mind, you may be able to complete your project in phases. When you’re working with a landscape designer, it’s often a good idea to have them draw up a master plan.