Specifications
| Edition | 1 |
| Pages Count | 192 |
| Publication Date | 2004-04-07T00:00:01Z |
Related Tools
This 192-page, first-edition guide (published April 2004) explains principles and techniques for designing and building hardscaped outdoor spaces, covering elements such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and terraces. It provides practical information on material selection, installation methods, and low-maintenance strategies to help plan and construct durable exterior hardscape features.
Project Ideas
Business
Weekend Hardscape Workshops
Run hands-on weekend workshops teaching homeowners how to build patios, steps, or small retaining walls using principles from the book. Charge per seat, provide materials kit, and offer upsells like custom plans or follow-up consulting; builds local authority and leads to job bookings.
Design-to-Build Micro-Service
Offer a specialized small-project service focused on patios, walkways, and terracing for urban and suburban clients—fixed-price packages (e.g., patio + bench, walkway + lighting). Use the book's best practices to create repeatable, profitable jobs that scale with subcontracted labor.
Digital Plans & Material Kits
Create downloadable design packs (CAD/sketches, material lists, cut sheets) for common small hardscape projects, and sell optional curated material kits from local suppliers. Low overhead digital product with high margin and potential for recurring customers.
Content Channel + Referral Network
Use short how-to videos, before/after galleries, and blog posts based on the book's techniques to build an audience. Monetize with sponsored tool/material reviews, affiliate links, and a referral network connecting viewers to local installers or supply partners.
Seasonal Maintenance & Tune-Up Service
Offer an annual subscription to inspect and maintain hardscape features (re-level pavers, clear joints, check drainage, re-seal surfaces). Position it as low-cost prevention against expensive repairs—recurring revenue and strong client retention.
Creative
Flagstone Patio Corner Nook
Create a cozy flagstone patio in a backyard corner using irregular stones, compacted base, and jointing sand. Add a low retaining wall that doubles as seating and plant drought-tolerant groundcover in the joints for a low-maintenance finish. Good beginner-to-intermediate project (2–4 weekend days).
Terraced Mini Garden with Steps
Build two or three small terraces on a slight slope using stacked stone or concrete block retaining walls, each terrace planted with herbs or ornamental grasses. Include simple stone steps and drainage behind the walls to prevent pressure build-up—great for turning awkward slopes into usable planting and seating areas.
Permeable Paver Rain-Ready Walkway
Install a permeable paver walkway that channels runoff into a planted swale or dry creek bed. Use polymeric or open-joint pavers with crushed stone base to increase infiltration and reduce erosion—an attractive, eco-friendly path suitable for front or side yards.
Integrated Planter Bench
Design and build a multifunctional feature that combines a low retaining wall, built-in bench, and long planter for shrubs or small trees. Use culled modular blocks or reclaimed brick for a DIY look; this adds structure and seating to patios while keeping maintenance low.
Accent Pebble Mosaic Stepping Path
Lay a narrow decorative pathway using embedded river pebbles or mosaic stones set in mortar between stepping pads. Add solar path lights and edging to create an eye-catching approach to an entry or garden gate—small scale, high visual impact.