Spending 20+ minutes outside daily can reduce stress and promote mental wellness. That’s why it’s important to create a relaxing outdoor environment at home complete with beautiful hardscapes and lively plants.

Here, we’re going to discuss some backyard remodeling options that will make your house into a haven. Read on to learn how you can spruce up your outdoor space the right way.

1. Backyard Concrete Hardscape Installation

A “hardscape” is an umbrella term that refers to all non-living elements of your backyard landscape. Concrete is one important part of a hardscape, but there are other features around your yard that also qualify.

Paved paths between different areas of your garden can make it easier for you to get around while tending to plants. Decorative flagstones and bricks are a great way to add some texture to your space.

Stone walls and concrete enclosures are ideal for areas with tall plants, bushes, and trees that you want to separate from other elements of your backyard design and backyard remodeling.

2. Stained Decorative Concrete

Colored concrete installation is a great way to add a pop of brightness to your yard.

Adding colored concrete pathways and platforms to your backyard can give you flat surfaces to walk and sit on. You can put chairs and benches in these areas so that you can relax comfortably. However, before setting up a nice sitting area, it’s important that you use high-quality concrete to create a holistically beautiful look.

Concrete staining is the process of adding color to the surface of a concrete slab. Many of these hues are natural grays or browns.

However, lively homeowners can also stain white concrete cheerful yellow, natural green, or invigorating orange. Calming blue is also a lovely choice for backyards with water features.

3. Stamped Concrete Installation

Stamped concrete is yet another decorative addition that adds texture to concrete surfaces. Once the concrete is laid out, a professional will take a large stamp that has a texture printed on it. They’ll lay it on top of the concrete to put that texture onto the surface.

When it dries, the concrete will take on the form of the stamp. Most stamps are made to look like brick, flagstone, or tile. Other stamps add a cobblestone-like texture that looks great on pathways (though a flatter stamp may benefit sitting areas).

The stamps can also have colored ink on them to make the outlines on the concrete a different color than its base surface.

4. Fire Pit Features

If your family loves outdoor cooking, a barbecue enclosure or fire pit is a functional addition to your backyard. We’ll install a grill island in the location you choose, usually in the center of an outdoor living area. You want somewhere safe that doesn’t block pathways or garden views.

A fire pit will be installed in the same sort of location. However, instead of just a platform for a grill, you’ll need a brick enclosure (or one made from stamped concrete.)

Both of these features can also be used together for a holistic grilling design. You can place a BBQ island and fire pit beside each other. They also may go well at opposite corners of your yard.

5. A Room Without Walls

If you’re a fan of East Asian architecture, you’re likely already familiar with the concept of a pagoda. You can build or buy a pagoda-like structure made from modern wood or durable plastic. This creates a shady space where you can relax and unwind with friends or a good book.

Underneath the pagoda, you can create a room with no walls. Flat hardscape features can make a beautiful floor, especially when you get sanded and smooth concrete. You can then add a chair to read in, a mat to do yoga on, or even a computer area to work remotely.

6. Pools and Spas

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a dip in a pool or hot tub. Because of this, adding an outdoor swimming pool can boost your property value by about 7%.

You can install a pool or hot tub in the ground of your yard. A professional will measure out your space and help you figure out its dimensions. At this point, you can install a waterproof epoxy-coated floor in the area where you want the pool.

The pool will eventually be built in this area. You can select its shape and depth based on your preferences.

7. Gorgeous Gardens

Those who want some life in their yard may like an area for gardening. It’s a great hobby that lets you grow something tangible, spend time outdoors, and engage in relaxing mindfulness.

Section off areas of your yard for flowers and vegetables. Use small pathways to divide each area from the others. That’s where you’ll walk so you don’t step on any of your beloved plants.

You can then get to work digging into the soil, planting each item, and tending to your garden regularly. This doesn’t just pay off when you have beautiful blooms to display in your home or delicious vegetables to chomp on. It also looks great and adds some color to your space.

8. Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are rigid structures that hold soil in certain areas of your yard. They’re meant to keep a hill or slope in place so it doesn’t slide around.

If you have a hilly yard or one with bumpy areas, these walls can keep everything in the proper location. You won’t need to worry about crushing gardens or sitting areas.

You can make retaining walls from several materials including concrete blocks, bricks, and treated timbers. They have an awesome aesthetic look while also allowing water drainage. Plus, they can be any height to safeguard your privacy.

Get Backyard Remodeling Services ASAP

Now that you know some backyard remodeling ideas for modern homeowners, it’s time to begin sprucing up your outdoor space. California Clean & Seal is committed to restoring surfaces, installing decorative concrete, and creating beautifully designed backyards that make you feel at home in your sanctuary.

Our team prides itself on being experts in all different types of hardscapes. Get a quote for your project today to learn more about making your San Diego renovations a success.