Planning a landscape renovation? Masonry is one of the key elements of any landscape, especially in the areas around your outdoor living space. Masonry gives your patio and surroundings a sense of permanence - and it’s not just functional, but beautiful too. In this post we’ll explore using masonry as a focal point: 5 reasons to include beautiful stone features in a Croton, NY landscape design.

1. The Patio

Masonry can transform your patio into a stunning outdoor living space that’s a perfect expression of your personal design aesthetic. For the perfect marriage of elegance and practicality, you can’t go wrong with natural paving stones or concrete patio pavers.

Why choose masonry over poured concrete, or a wood or composite deck? The main draw is aesthetics. There are hundreds of styles available between natural stone and patio pavers. Each has its unique charm and with so many colors, textures, finishes, sizes, shapes, and laying patterns available, you can be sure that with a little creativity, your patio will be one-of-a-kind.

The second benefit of a masonry patio is longevity. Poured concrete is prone to cracking and heaving, and it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing material. Wood will eventually deteriorate, and even composite decks have a relatively short lifespan. By contrast, a properly installed patio can last a very long time. After all, stone plazas have been around for centuries and today’s activities take place on the same stones that people walked on hundreds of years ago.

An emerging trend is toward multi-level outdoor living: placing different activity zones one or two steps up or down from the main part of the patio. Multi-level patios are the norm on slope properties. However, you can achieve this look on a flat property. For example, you could place your outdoor kitchen on the main level, and then step down to a lounge area and outdoor fireplace; and up a step to a dining area that takes in the views.

2. A Fire Feature

Fire features are natural focal points. Whether you choose a large and stately outdoor fireplace; a chic fire table; or a rustic fire pit, the dancing flames are sure to draw everyone closer to share in the warmth.

A fire feature could be the best investment you can make in a space that would otherwise be limited to fair-weather use. But with a fire feature, you can enjoy holiday cheer and stargazing in the comfort of the fire’s warmth, any time of year!

3. A Masonry Pizza Oven

Who can resist the aroma of baking pizza? We can’t think of anyone! A wood-fired pizza oven, especially one made with masonry, is a permanent and beloved addition to any patio. This feature can be adjacent to an outdoor kitchen, part of an outdoor fireplace, or stand-alone. Either way, it’s something that will be a huge hit with everyone.

4. An Outdoor Kitchen

Cooking and sharing meals outdoors has always brought people together, whether you entertain often or just grill a few burgers for the family on the weekends. Masonry walls on your grill station or full gourmet kitchen will add functional elegance, giving your outdoor cooking area a sense of permanence that a roll-around grill simply can’t match.

5. A Retaining Wall

Retaining walls hold back soil and prevent erosion, and add significant functional space. For example, a curved wall with built-in seating around a fire pit creates an automatic gathering spot that will be everyone’s favorite. On a perfectly flat property, a low seat wall at the perimeter of your patio will add dimension and visual interest, along with overflow seating for bigger gatherings. Integrating an outdoor kitchen or outdoor fireplace into the wall itself makes it an even more important part of your patio.