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The rest of Canada dreams about our perfect British Columbia summer evenings.
Warm air, a dipping sun, the cascading mountains…all set the scene while you relax in your backyard with a cold drink in hand.
This is what we live for in the interior.
To truly enjoy all nature has granted us, though, you need more than just a patch of grass. You need a foundation that supports your outdoor lifestyle. That’s what Shepherd's Hardware helps you build.
Hardscaping is all the non-living features that give your yard structure and function. Patios for grilling, walkways to guide your guests, firepits for storytelling, and retaining walls to hold back the hillside.
This short guide will walk you through the practical benefits of hardscaping and how we can help you transform your yard with it this year.
There's no way around it…hardscaping costs money. But it's not just money down the drain with no measurable outcome, it’s an immediately seen investment that can change your space in a weekend. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:
Outdoor projects offer some of the best returns on investment (ROI) for homeowners. A professionally installed patio, for example, can add anywhere from 8-10% to your home's total value. If you're considering an outdoor kitchen, you could see an ROI of 100-200%.
Why stay inside when the weather is beautiful? A well-designed hardscape effectively adds another “room” to your home, giving you a dedicated space for dining, lounging, or entertaining your family and friends.
We love our gardens, but let’s face it, they’re a lot of work. Hardscapes don’t require mowing, watering, or weeding. Once they’re installed, you can spend more time enjoying your yard and less time maintaining it.
Does your yard have a slope that's unusable? A retaining wall can help manage that grade and prevent erosion! Tired of muddy paths? Installing pavers creates solid, clean surfaces that keep your shoes and floors clean.
Quality hardscape products are built to handle our wild BC climate. From blazing 35°C summers to freezing winters, brands like Barkman and Belgard are designed to withstand the test of time.
If you're not sure where to start, don't worry. Hardscaping is incredibly versatile…and almost anything you dream, you can do. Here are some of the most popular ways we recommend using the products you can find right here at Shepherd's Hardware.
The patio is the heart of any outdoor living area, it's where everything happens! So using pavers here will allow you to create a surface that is both durable and incredibly stylish (we have a ton of varieties for you to choose from, also).
There is something primal and relaxing about sitting around a fire. Fire features are one of the most requested hardscaping additions that we get. They extend the outdoor season well into the year’s crisper evenings, and just make for an overall more ambient and relaxing atmosphere, no matter the space.
We will often recommend Barkman's fireplace and fire pit kits for their convenience and ease-of-assembly. They come with everything you need, making the installation process straightforward and stress-free!
Retaining walls are more than just “dirt holders”. They can be used to create beautiful terraced gardens, provide extra built-in seating for guests, or segment your yard into different designated zones.
If you want the luxury look of natural stone without the heavy price tag (or physical weight), thin stone veneer is definitely the answer. It's perfect for adding a high-end finish to feature walls, outdoor kitchens, or fireplace setups.
We like to showcase Fusion Stone veneer (mechanically fastened), or I-XL (mortar or mechanically fastened) at Shepherd's Hardware because it is incredibly versatile for both indoor and outdoor projects.
When you're ready to move from planning to doing, you need a local partner who knows the lay of the land. Shepherd's Hardware has been a fixture in the Armstrong community for over 100 years. We aren't just a big-box store; we are a family-owned business, and we're proud to be recognized as Canada's #1 Home Hardware store.
What does that mean for your project? It means you get:
When you shop with us, you're getting more than just supplies; you're getting a century of local expertise.
Let's start your next project. Whether you're looking to boost your home's value or just want a better spot to grill this summer, the right hardscaping makes all the difference.
Visit Shepherd's Hardware in Armstrong today to explore our massive selection of products in person. Our friendly team is standing by to help you choose the right materials for your home!
Call 250-546-3002 or email hardscapes@shepherdshardware.ca for more information!
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