How to Choose Durable and Low-Maintenance Materials for Your Backyard Design
Tired of the endless backyard maintenance and looking to move to something more durable? Aren't we all? Well, it doesn't have to be like this forever because there are plenty of durable and low upkeep alternative materials out there.
You'd be surprised at the number of options. From simple-to-maintain stones like granite to strong, non-wearing garden furniture, such as aluminum, there's no shortage of ideas.
If you're worn out from trying to stay on top of the upkeep of your backyard design, keep reading to find solutions to make things easier.
Consider Sheds With Vinyl Sides
Sheds with vinyl sides are one long-lasting solution which shouldn't go unnoticed. Not only can they survive just about any weather conditions, but once you set one up, you'll never have to paint or refurbish it ever again. They tend to be quite easy to clean; you'll only ever need to give them a light rub down with some detergent every once in a while.
You can find sheds with vinyl sides in lots of different styles, colors, and textures to suit your garden design. Whether you're after a light cream shade to match your home's paint or a barn style to go with your rural property.
When you compare sheds with vinyl sides to other materials like metal or wood, they're far cheaper. Of course, the size you want will be a big price-determining factor, but styles like vinyl low-barn sheds are known for their affordability.
Durable Steel for Shed and Garage Exteriors
As an alternative for durable, low-maintenance backyard structures, you can also consider durable coated steel panels. Galvalume, a steel sheet coated with aluminum and zinc, offers superior corrosion resistance and a modern appearance. Galvanized steel, coated with zinc, provides reliable protection at a lower cost.
Both materials offer significant advantages:
- Weather resistance
- Low maintenance
- Fire resistance
- Pest resistance
- Longevity
Galvalume typically lasts longer, especially in coastal areas, but comes at a higher price. Galvanized steel is more budget-friendly while still providing excellent protection.
By choosing these materials for your shed or garage, you're investing in a structure that will endure with minimal upkeep, allowing you to focus on enjoying your backyard rather than maintaining it.
Choose Reliable Paving Stones
Laying down paving stones isn't cheap, and it's not an endeavor you want to undertake every year. That's why investing in reliable, erosion-resistant paving stones is a non-negotiable if you want a long-lasting solution for your backyard design.
Granite is a trustworthy stone to use for paving in your garden. Its longevity stems from its minerals, quartz, and feldspar, which make it incredibly strong. You'll be able to pick up some granite slabs in a variety of colors, from beautiful greys to eye-catching light browns.
Every paver will set their own price when giving you a quote for your garden. But, on average, you should expect to spend between $1,300 and $1,700 to pave an area of 120 square feet in your backyard in the USA.
Opt for Long-Lasting Types of Furniture
If you live somewhere that gets bad weather frequently, you'll know your garden furniture is always at risk. To reduce the threat of anything happening to it, you should source long-lasting types of outdoor furniture.
Before choosing what furniture you need, focus on the right materials that are recognized for their strength. Some popular choices include aluminum, metal, and hardwoods. Once you've got the material in mind, you can narrow down your search.
Tables and chairs tend to be the furniture types with the longest lifespan, and you barely ever have to clean them unless you have an important guest visiting. Chairs can last anywhere between 10 and 30 years whereas could survive up to 50 years, as long as you look after them properly. You can easily move tables and chairs if the weather is bad, too, or you can even invest in multipurpose types that could be used in a tiki bar.
Buy a Stainless Steel Firepit
Late summer nights by the fire, there's nothing better. However, you'll want to build a firepit that can stand the test of time and doesn't require much looking after.
Stainless steel firepits are solid options that don't wear that much because of their high density. They're also not prone to rust or corrosion, so you won't have to replace them every couple of years, unlike metal types.
The only downside to stainless steel firepits is that they tend to be more on the pricier side. But it's worth the investment when you take into account that you won't have to buy another until many years down the line.
Use Cedarwood for Raised Garden Beds
Keeping your garden beds looking mighty fine while organized at the same time can be a challenge. The best way to keep them contained and beautiful at the same time with minimal upkeep is by building raised garden beds. When you do this, you'll want to use a strong material that will last many years, like cedarwood.
Try to build your raised beds at a reachable height so you don't put too much pressure on your body when you've to water the plants. As long as you construct it properly, you'll be guaranteed better drainage, and the weeds will grow at a slower pace; it's a win/win for you.
Consider planting low-maintenance flowers in your raised garden bed to give yourself even fewer jobs. Herbaceous perennials and alpines are excellent choices for minimizing upkeep while adding beauty to your garden.
Add Some of These Materials to Your Backyard Design for Durability and Low Maintenance!
Picking the suitable materials for your backyard design requires careful planning, but once you've hit the nail on the head, the future is secure.
With the materials we've listed in this article, you can bet you won't have to waste any more time on your garden making unmeaningful changes. You'll be able to fully enjoy your backyard with easy upkeep, so you can focus on other things.
