HARDSCAPES & DESIGN
HARDSCAPE DESIGN TRENDS AND THE IMPACT OF OUTDOOR LIVING
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s we all know (probably too well), design trends change with each season and year. Outdoor living has evolved significantly over the past two years, with homeowners now placing increased importance on their outdoor space. A recent Houzz study notes that home renovation spending increased 15% in 2021, and the desire for outdoor living is expected to continue. With the start of a new year that’s expected to be as busy, if not busier than the previous year, contractors and their crews need to be prepared to tackle new projects and meet customer expectations. As customers seek out new or upgraded outdoor living spaces, there are a few key trends to anticipate.
Profitable Outdoor Living Trends in 2022
Belgard
Large format expansion with narrow joints is quickly becoming preferred, as it makes the installation process easier and more efficient. The scale of pavers has increased, thanks to con-
tinued innovation within the industry. Larger pavers have much more surface area, which allows crews to install an increased amount of square footage quickly, cutting down on time and labor. The resulting style is the clean, modern aesthetic popular among many homeowners today. One thing to note when incorporating larger format pavers is the potential need for additional equipment to ease the burden of transportation and installation, given the increased size and scale of the materials. The more modern approach to design has led to the popularity of modular, geometric patterns. Composed of clean lines and simple formats, these patterns create an uncluttered aesthetic that aligns well with modern style. Many pavers and other outdoor living solutions are now designed in modular fashion to reduce installation time and simplify the process. This allows crews to maximize their time so they can take on more projects, and customers get to enjoy their spaces sooner. There are also
3D design and AR tools available to help during the design process and provide a more immersive view of the design plan. With these elevated design aesthetics comes the customer’s desire for more functionality in their outdoor living spaces. From the start of any project, contractors should think ahead and be prepared to incorporate elements like lighting, sound technology and shade structures that create a wellrounded space. Customers no longer use outdoor spaces solely for entertaining but are incorporating them into their day-to-day routines — so access to Wi-Fi and electrical outlets is critical. The integration of components within outdoor living products allows you to show customers a near-exact representation of their project, which can help cut down on revisions. Templated design approaches, like Belgard Rooms, also help map out the design of one or multiple outdoor living spaces. A final installation trend to keep in mind this year is utilizing wet polysand for jointing hardscapes. Solutions on the market today, like Techniseal’s NOCOSTORM, work under wet or dry conditions. This helps you avoid delays in paver installation, meaning you don’t have to factor in weather as a consideration. Should you encounter a rainy day, moisture won’t be an issue. Read more at greenindustrypros.com/21992705
Joe Raboine is resi-
Outdoor living has evolved significantly over the past two years, with homeowners now placing increased importance on their outdoor space.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
dential hardscapes director at Belgard
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