“Will my lawn make it through the winter?”

This is a question that many homeowners ask themselves when they’re planning their landscaping projects.

Yet, in this crucial stage, they miss one critical element: construction materials.

They forget that their projects aren’t made up of one, single component but a combination of materials that must be chosen strategically to withstand the elements.

Don’t think of your backyard as an idle space for flowers and bushes but as an integrated modern landscape design that binds carefully constructed hardscape components and living elements to create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor living space.

This article will share how you can find suitable construction materials for landscape design and modern outdoor spaces.

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Materials For Your Yard

Backyard deck construction

The type of materials you choose for your modern landscape design is an essential factor to consider when it comes to longevity. 

When choosing your materials, make sure you keep these factors in mind:

Geographic Location’s Climate

Depending on where you live, the climate can dramatically affect modern landscape designs. 

 Here in Vancouver, where we have a wet winter season, the materials you choose should be able to withstand rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.

Your Designer’s Workmanship

To create long-lasting backyard spaces, you’ll want to hire a landscape designer experienced in creating lawns that can stand up to the elements. 

Look for designers with the knowledge and expertise in using construction materials meant to specifically last season after season.

A working landscape architect.

Your Plants

Using quality construction materials in landscaping is essential for your plants and trees. Not all materials are suitable for use around plants, so be sure to choose the ones that protect the plants in your landscape design.

Your Materials’ Strength

You’ll want construction materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and strong.

One good example is a fibre cement board. It’s one construction material that can withstand hot and cold temperatures, moisture, and UV rays. 

Here are a few materials that can last a long time:

  • Stone
  • Brick
  • Wood
  • Clay

Your Construction Practices

You’ll also want a durable and sustainable design. Materials such as fibre cement, hempcrete, and recycled steel can help you build long-lasting outdoor living spaces and reduce your carbon footprint.

What Makes Materials Environment-Friendly?

  • Natural and non-toxic
  • Produced sustainably
  • Recycled, reused/recyclable, reusable
  • Durable

Your Maintenance Practices

Choose materials according to your maintenance routine. Certain construction materials require more maintenance than others.

For instance, wood requires frequent treatments to keep it looking good and avoid damage from the elements.

On the other hand, materials such as fibre cement require minimal maintenance and are designed to last.

Your Yard’s Purpose

It would help to consider the area’s purpose when selecting materials for your yard. 

For instance, if you’re planning to use a huge chunk of your backyard as a modern outdoor kitchen, you should use materials that can withstand frequent weather changes and heavy foot traffic.

Simple Steps To Evaluate Construction Materials

Construction material samples

Before choosing the materials for your modern landscape design, it’s best to undergo a thorough material selection process.

By doing this, you can be sure that the construction materials you choose will look great and withstand the test of time.

With these four simple steps, you should be able to find the suitable materials for your backyard:

Determine the Design Requirements

With the help of your designers and expert construction personnel, you can identify the design requirements materials for your project. 

Your requirements can include the following:

  • Manufacturing requirements
  • Assembly requirements
  • Sustainability requirements
  • Government regulations

Create a Selection Criteria

Once you have determined the materials that meet your design requirements, you’ll need to create the selection criteria.

Here are examples of selection criteria:

Evaluate Potential Construction Materials

The next step is to evaluate potential materials. When assessing possible materials, it’s best to consider their performance above anything else.

You’ll want these materials to be tested by your designers and construction experts to ensure they meet your landscape design standards and specifications.

Select Your Construction Materials

Finally, rank your materials based on your criteria and choose what’s best for your backyard.

Bonus Tip: Ideal Ways To Use Popular Backyard Construction Materials

Beautiful backyard with wooden furniture and paved path.

Concrete, wood, and grass. What do they all have in common? You see them in everyone’s backyard. But the question is, are they being used correctly?

Today’s landscape design can range from concrete patios to wood decks, and even artificial grass.

Each has advantages, and you want to ensure they’re well-suited for your backyard.

Concrete

An absolute hardscaping staple, concrete is a durable construction material that’s perfect for pathways, patios, or driveways. You can also use it to create raised planters or modern seating areas.

Wood

Wood is a timeless material that adds a rustic touch to your modern landscape design. Use it for your outdoor furniture or decks.

Here are different types of wood to choose from :

  • Pressure-treated Wood. This type of lumber is perfect for decks, patios, or gazebos that are constantly exposed to moisture. But to keep this in tip-top shape, you’ll have to maintain it annually.
  • Redwood. This is an excellent choice for modern decks and fences as it’s naturally weather-resistant. You can also seal it to increase its lifespan.
  • Cedar. Similarly, cedar is also ideal for modern outdoor furniture, decks, or gazebos. Plus, its natural oils make it resistant to insects.
  • Composite Wood. With the combination of wood and plastic elements, this option provides the rustic look and durability your yard needs.

Grass

Nothing says modern design like a nicely manicured artificial grass lawn. It’s one of the most popular stylish landscape designs out there, and it requires little maintenance. Use it to create modern walkways or even modern seating areas.

Enjoy A Picturesque Backyard All-Year Round!

A home with a gorgeous backyard design.

Choosing suitable construction materials makes your backyard safe and comfortable for everyone. 

But remember: backyard structures and their foundations are bound to weaken over time. You’ll need proper maintenance to keep them fresh and beautiful all year round.

By partnering with reputable contractors and designers to review, select, and install your construction materials, you can have a picturesque backyard that everyone will enjoy in the years to come!


Our backyard designers are experts at creating stunning oases. If you need help getting started, drop us a message and let us know how we can help. In no time, you’ll be enjoying bonfires with friends or quiet moments outdoors surrounded by natural beauty – without fear of the harsh winter chill!