Winter Hardscaping Guide- The Pros and Cons of Winter Hardscaping

SUMMARY What is winter hardscaping? Why would you want to do hardscaping in the winter and not the summer? This helpful article will provide you with helpful information that will give you solid facts about winter hardscaping. We will weigh the pros and cons and clearly show how it can benefit you. Read on and learn about this interesting alternative option for your landscape! What is Winter Hardscaping? Winter hardscaping, also known as off-season hardscaping, is a practice that involves installing new features into your landscape. In general, hardscaping doesn’t involve living things like plants. It’s made of materials like wood, stone, or metal. Common hardscaping items can be patios, walkways, retaining walls, fire pits, or an outdoor kitchen. Now that we’ve given you a clear definition of what hardscaping is, what is winter hardscaping? Even though it is a common belief that hardscaping should be done in the summer, winter hardscaping is a viable alternative, depending on your needs and where you live. It has several advantages, as well as some drawbacks. One thing we advise you to keep in mind is how these pros and cons will apply to you. It differs for everyone, so what could be a con to someone else wouldn’t be a downside for you or affect you in any way. Pros of Winter Hardscaping One main benefit of winter hardscaping is that it can be less costly than summer hardscaping. It is considered off-season hardscaping, a slower season for landscape contractors. This could mean you will have more availability for your project and be less likely to experience scheduling issues since there is more flexibility. It also means that there will be a reduced demand for not just labor but materials as well. You might have more opportunities for off-season deals and more competitive pricing. This can open the door to being able to invest in larger or higher-quality projects than if you did it in the summer. Besides being cost-effective, winter hardscaping can also have non-monetary benefits. For example, it may reduce the risk of damaging your current landscape. How? Since many plants are dormant, there will be less of a risk that your landscaping will be damaged or disrupted. The ground is also firmer, which also helps avoid causing damage to your yard while construction is happening. Some of the best winter hardscaping projects can be patio and paver installation, fire pit installation, and retaining wall installation. Cons of Winter Hardscaping Off-season hardscaping does have its benefits, but there are also cons to it you should consider. One of them is the older weather. The colder weather can hinder the curing process for materials like concrete and mortar. This can lead to higher risks of the materials not setting properly, which can lead to an overall weaker product that is more prone to cracks and other forms of damage. The setting times may also be longer and prolong your project timelines you may have. Another time constraint is fewer daylight hours in the winter, which can make the project longer or pressure construction crews to finish faster. This can open the door to more slip-ups and mistakes. Besides the drawbacks regarding the weather and the cold, there are also fewer design options. Certain materials may be more susceptible to the cold, which can limit your options. Another drawback is that it can increase the risk of accidents happening. Workers have a higher potential to get injured, like slipping on ice and being exposed to harsh, cold weather conditions. Many of these problems can be avoided with mindful forethought, like utilizing proper insulation, de-icing work areas, choosing the appropriate materials to withstand freezing temperatures, and properly sealing hardscape surfaces. Conclusion: In conclusion, winter hardscaping brings many benefits, as well as some drawbacks. It is up to you to decide when it comes to your budgetary considerations, the project you are working on, your requirements, and if you have a certain timeline you want to meet. Winter hardscaping can be a good option if you want a more cost-effective option and don’t have any time constraints that need to be met. If you feel you want more expert guidance when it comes to winter hardscaping, you can contact Custom Acres. We are a professional landscaping company that specializes in hardscaping. We strive to add convenience to our customer’s lives and provide premium results all year round! You can call us at (386) 251 2104 or contact us today.