When you’ve got a small backyard it may feel like your landscape design options are limited. The truth is, there’s almost nothing you can’t do in a small yard that you can in a larger one! It’s all about learning how to create backyard design plans that compliment your space without overcrowding it.
One of the most beautiful ways to boost the value of your home with backyard landscape design is with hardscaping. Hardscaping adds function and enhances the look of any backyard. While you might’ve thought hardscaping was limited to large structures like gazebos or huge outdoor kitchens, we’re here to show you some small backyard hardscape ideas and inspiration that will have you seeing the potential of your space.
Small Backyard Hardscape Ideas for Your Next Landscaping Project
Hardscape installations come in a wide variety of forms. It’s not limited to a walkway (though we love a good walkway). From backyard water features to patio installations, professional hardscaping services can completely transform your backyard into the space you’ve always wanted it to be.
Some of our favorite small backyard hardscape ideas (and inspiration!) include:
- Adding a backyard water feature
- Creating raised flower beds with hardscape edges
- Building a patio for entertaining or hanging solo
- Using matching hardscape materials for a uniform look
- Installing a curved path instead of straight lines
- Choosing an outdoor fire pit as a focal point
Bonus: Learn more about the difference between hardscaping and landscaping after this article!
Waters Features as Small Backyard Hardscape Ideas
Kicking off our list of hardscaping design ideas for small backyard spaces is adding a water feature. If you thought hardscaping was limited to stones and pavers, think again! Water feature installations are considered hardscape designs and bring a unique look to your backyard space.
While some water features, like ponds, are likely too large if you’ve got a smaller backyard in Upstate NY, there are endless varieties of fountains or pondless waterfalls that may fit just perfectly. Start with a landscape planner online then consult with a professional for help choosing which water feature design is right for your yard. These hardscaping installations will add value to your home and can even bring a zen quality to your backyard for relaxing!
Backyard Raised Flower Beds
Photo: theartinlife.com
If your Upstate NY backyard has a smaller footprint, think vertically. Raised flower beds are simple ways landscape design can transform your backyard. Instead of spreading out your landscaping, you can use hardscape elements to build up and make it more visually interesting. In place of simply mulching an area of your yard, suddenly you can incorporate wood, pavers, or metal into your design. For a more natural feel, you could also consider adding a raised landscape design with rocks.
Small Backyard Hardscape Ideas for Building a Patio
When you’re figuring out how to make the most of a small yard, building a patio could be your first step. Patio installations make ideal hardscape designs for small yards whether you want to turn your backyard into a gathering space or even if you just want a spot to sit outside and relax solo.
You don’t need a ton of space to create a functional patio. Since you’ll like be sticking to smaller tables (like outdoor bistro tables) with a couple chairs so you don’t overcrowd the space, your patio installation doesn’t need to be huge. Small patios are just as great!
If you want to have flowers in your smaller space still, combine some of our small backyard hardscape ideas by adding raised flower beds or tall planters to the space. This can bring more texture to your small backyard space and makes it more visually dynamic.
Using Uniform Paving in Hardscape Designs for Small Yards
If you’re building a small patio installation with a walkway, using matching materials in your hardscape design for small backyard spaces can make the space feel bigger than it really is. Instead of using different types of pavers, choosing the same materials keeps it from looking too cluttered or visually overwhelming.
Using matching pavers for your small backyard hardscape ideas will also give your backyard a professional, polished look. If you’re wanting your backyard to look its best, this is definitely the way to go.
Curved Lines in Small Backyard Hardscape Ideas
Speaking of choosing pavers for a patio installation and walkways, next up in our guide to small backyard hardscape ideas and inspiration is using curved lines for walkways and landscape edging. Straight, hard lines may make a small backyard appear chopped up. To add depth and dimension, consider using curved lines for garden paths or landscape edging. You can make curved lines fit into any aesthetic from traditional looks to more modern backyard landscape design. The added visual interest can create a sense of movement and open up the space.
Outdoor Fire Pits in Small Backyard Hardscape Designs
Using outdoor fire pits in small backyard hardscape design ideas will really depend on how small your space is. If it’s too small, it may not be safe to have an outdoor fire pit. Consulting with a landscape professional in Albany, NY and the Capital region is best because they’ll be familiar with local ordinances and know if you have enough space or a safe installation.
You can add an outdoor fire pit to your patio installation as part of your hardscape design ideas for small backyard spaces for a cool space to entertain friends, family, and neighbors. Make sure you choose a smokeless fire pit model, though. Smoke is bad at the best of times, but having a small backyard space makes smoke all the more difficult to get away from!
We hope our guide to small backyard hardscape ideas and inspiration has given you a lot to think of for your next landscaping project. Remember that having a small backyard doesn’t mean you can’t create the space of your dreams. Check out our Project Planner to plan and budget your hardscape ideas then save them or submit the plans to us and one of our professionals will get in touch!
Want more tips, inspiration, or ideas for landscaping your home? Check out these guides:
