Oberfields LLC

Landscape Lighting Tips for Enhanced Backyard Appearance

Showing off your landscaping with the right kind of lighting is essential for enjoying it after the sun goes down. Your entire outdoor space can be transformed with the right application of lighting to accent your vegetation and hardscape design. There are several different types of lighting fixtures with varying voltages that can be used to maximize your landscape. Read on to explore some of the most effective landscape lighting techniques, their applications, and the fixtures that work best for each.

• Work in layers. Just as your landscaping is designed in layers of low vegetation, middle growth, and tall trees, your landscape lighting should by layered to properly accent these features. Up-lighting is a popular technique that is best utilized with fixtures installed at ground level and pointing towards your desired feature. This technique can be used to highlight individual areas of your hardscape or landscape. By using lights with lower voltages, you can create an area of mid-level lighting that adds atmosphere. You can also highlight the paths and retaining walls in your yard using low-voltage lights placed at ground level.

• Mix techniques, but don't overdo it. Too much illumination can quickly detract from the beauty of your landscape by giving it a washed-out look. Select lighting fixtures that complement one another. Be sure to consider fixtures that match your tastes and will blend well with your overall design.

• Illuminate for safety. Low-voltage lighting is ideal for increasing the safety of your paths and stairways and does not detract from the surrounding landscape. These fixtures are often placed low to the ground or integrated into your hardscape design.

There are many other techniques that you can use to highlight your landscape and hardscape designs. Experiment with different voltages or brightness levels and heights. You may discover a new texture or a particular play of shadows that works especially well in your yard.

Oberfields, LLC can help you enhance your Columbus-area landscape with our lighting fixtures. Visit our website to explore our selection or contact us at (740) 513-2566.

Essential Considerations to Make When Designing an Outdoor Water Feature

Adding a water feature to your yard or outdoor space is a great way to bring texture and interest to the area. As a part of your hardscape design, water features can add an element of "softness" and provide soothing sounds, engaging your senses and enhancing your backyard or entry.

There are several considerations you will want to keep in mind when designing an outdoor water feature. Planning is the most important stage, and as long as you cover all of your bases when planning, your new water feature will integrate beautifully with the rest of your design.

Basic Layout and Materials

Get started with your new outdoor water feature installation by thoroughly planning its design and construction. Decide on the function of your water feature. Will it be a water garden, or a fountain? Perhaps you want your water feature to intersect with a walkway and will need pavers to create stepping stones or a small bridge to cross it. Be sure to include these in the list of materials you will need.

Next, discover what basic shape or layout you like best and consider the space available in your outdoor area. This will help you plan the size of your feature and get an idea of the amount of materials you will need.

Power and Placement

For water features that include pumps and filters, you will need to ensure that you route power properly and safely to the area. This can make a big difference in the placement of your water feature and impact your budget. For powered water features, you may want to have them closer to the house or near a power junction that already exists in your yard.

Water features can be a rewarding component of your hardscape design. If you would like to learn more about the materials you can use when designing your water feature, contact Columbus-area Oberfields, LLC at (740) 513-2566 today. You can also visit our website to see the projects that other homeowners have completed using our materials.

Incorporating Pavers Into Your Yard

Aesthetically placing pavers into your yard provides solutions for improving gardening projects, design dilemmas, and your home’s resale value. Explore these links and articles to learn more.

• Retainable walls provide solutions for gardening. Learn the space and level advantages that retainable walls offer by reading this article from GardensIllustrated.com. 
   
• Get some tips for designing your paver patio from ConcreteNetwork.com.
   
• Do you want to learn all about pavers and hardscaping? This article from ThisOldHouse.com has exactly what you’re looking for.
   
• Read this article from the Los Angeles Times to learn how pavers and retaining walls add curb appeal to your home.
   
• Patio pavers are a smart option for increasing the value of your home. Check out this information from the National Association of Realtor’s HouseLogic.com to find out more.

To check out a wide selection of cuts, styles, and shades of pavers, contact Oberfields, LLC. We proudly provide customers with exceptional service and products. Call us at  (740) 513-2566 to learn more.

Paver Patio Design and Installation Tips

Do you know what to do when your pavers arrive? If not, take some time to collect some installation tips.

In this video from the DIYNetwork, you’ll learn that selecting pavers from multiple pallets on your jobsite will ensure that you get a nice mix of color.   We recommend pulling columns of pavers,  from multiple pallets, working from the top down, to achieve the best color blend.   

For paving ideas for your patio or walkway, call Obefields, LLC at (740) 513-2566. 

The Role of Color in Paver Patios and Walkways

Color can complement your existing landscape or define a new space in your yard. When choosing a color for your paver patio or walkway, consider how the color complements your gardening themes as well as the color of your house. If you expect high amounts of traffic on your new paver patio or walkway, take that into consideration as well.

Color Can Define a Space
When it comes to the patio or walkway, choose a color that complements your home’s exterior rather than trying to match the exterior color exactly. Providing a separation of color is more pleasing to the eye and, of course, easier than finding an exact match to your home’s colors. One idea is to design a paver patio or walkway that matches your roof. This creates an attractive, linear aesthetic to your landscape.

Red Shades Look Good Next to Grass and Garden Borders
Red brick or patio stones let your gardening landscapes stand out. Because red and green are naturally complementary colors, they create a contrast that is attractive to the eye.

Neutral, Marbled, and Darker Colors Hide Dirt and Scuffs
When choosing a paver color, consider how much the surface will be used. If you want to host a lot of outdoor parties and expect a lot of traffic on the paver or walkway, consider a neutral, marbled or darker color to make dirt and scuffs less visible to you and your guests.

Shades of Color Reflect Shades of Your Personality
Don’t go with a color you don’t think you will like in the long run. You may be tempted to choose a color that is trendy, however, you’ll want to enjoy your color choice for years and years, despite what’s currently in style.

Oberfields, LLC in Columbus, OH has an extensive catalog of paver and walkway designs to choose from, including Washington, Vintage Washington, Rosetta Grand Flagstone, and Travertine. We take pride in providing excellent service for customers looking to install a retaining wall, paver patio, or other hardscape features. Call us today at (740) 513-2566 for more information.