If you want a natural and beautiful element in your landscaping work, wood elements may be the way to go. Adding wood to your yard is a smart alternative to more expensive stonework and a more environmental choice than wood-look composites. As with any renovation, there are some things to consider when picking out wood features. Read below to see if using wood in your landscaping is the right choice for you.
Add Wood for Warmth
There is a level of warmth and softness that is brought into your hardscape when you add wood. This can either complement stone or be used alone. Seemingly, there are endless possibilities when working with wood. It can be left completely untreated to naturally weather, you can paint it to match accents on your home, or it can be stained to match other wood elements.
Create an Outdoor Living Room with a Wooden Deck
Decks are the most common wooden structure in outdoor landscaping. A good deck can serve as a focal point for your yard or can be used to work with other elements such as a pool, hot tub, or fireplace. Decks don’t have to be a simple rectangle. They can also be any size or shape and are completely customizable. They can also be used to overcome a steep grade in your backyard if retaining walls aren’t for you. The alternative to wood decks is something artificial such as composite planks.
Go for Gorgeous with a Gazebo
Another of the most recognizable uses for wood in landscaping may be in pergolas and gazebos. There are unlimited options when it comes to the style or size of a pergola or gazebo. This means that your wooden pergola or gazebo can complement any existing landscaping you already have. There is some required maintenance to keep this wooden structure looking its best.
Stop the Slope with Wood Retaining Walls
If your yard is sloped, retaining walls built with wood offer an affordable solution. Wood retaining walls look good with almost any landscape. If you want an even more unified look, you could stain the retaining walls to match the other pre-existing wood elements in your yard. This type of retaining wall can last up to 20 years if built well and properly waterproofed.
There is one thing to consider when choosing wood retaining walls. The possibility of rot with this type of structure is a serious risk. After all, the danger of rot is the main reason that the construction wood mat has been replaced by the more popular composite mat. This weakness has caused stone and composite to be used in place of wood since this shortens its life span.
Dress Up Your Beds with Decorative Borders
Many people choose wood when creating borders around flower beds or pathways. This can create a striking border that is durable and long-lasting when the timbers are treated for landscape use. Some of the most popular choices are Redwood and Cedar. If you want a curved design for your landscape, you would need to take that into account as not all wood types will work for that purpose.
Creating curved edging is made easy with the use of a bender board. This is a type of wood that allows for a wide variety of curved designs. It is thin wood stripping and is very flexible. If you decide to use untreated wood, do not use it alongside your home as it may attract termites.
Recommended Reading :
- Clever Ways to Add Value to your Property
- Ways to Improve Your Home’s Exteriors Without Going Broke
- How to Choose the Perfect Water Feature
- Effective Ways to Decorate your Home and Garden Walls
While there are other options, wood is still a classic. It can be a cost-efficient and long-lasting choice in your outdoor landscaping needs. Make sure you take everything into account when picking the best wood for the job.
