Are you dreaming of a backyard transformation, but worried about the toll blistering summer heat and brutal winter winds could take on your Midwest outdoor living materials?
You’re not alone. No matter where you are in the country, choosing the right outdoor living materials isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that can handle your region’s weather while maintaining visual appeal. In the Midwest, you’ll want materials that can withstand temperature extremes, moisture and the freeze-thaw cycle.
At The Site Group, we specialize in creating durable and stylish outdoor living areas that are built to last. We know the key to a successful project in the Midwest is designing spaces using materials that are resilient to our temperamental climate.
Here is a guide to using the right materials for your Midwest outdoor living space.
What Is an Outdoor Living Space?
An outdoor living area is more than just a deck with a grill or a few chairs on the lawn. It’s a deliberate extension of your home, a designated space designed for a specific purpose. Just like you have a dining room, living room and bedrooms inside your house, your outside can be zoned for different activities and lifestyles.
The best outdoor spaces are meticulously planned to serve your family’s needs. This could look like a cozy patio for quiet evenings, a full-service outdoor kitchen for seasonal entertaining or a dedicated play zone for the kids. By thinking in terms of “zones,” you can create a cohesive and highly functional backyard that’s both beautiful and practical.
Different zones will naturally require different materials – and some choices will float to the top for each one. What you use for your paver patio might not make sense to use for an outdoor living room. Your poolside deck might not be made of the same material your walkway is. Knowing what to use in which area is critical when reviewing the options and making the best choice.
Here’s a look at the most popular outdoor zones and the best outdoor living materials, Midwest edition, for each.
The Outdoor Living Room and Patio
The outdoor living room is at the heart of your outdoor space, just like the indoor living room is inside your home. It serves as the primary outside area for relaxing and gathering with loved ones, often decked out with cozy weather-resistant furniture and decor. It’s where you’ll spend most of your time when hosting and hanging outside, so durability and comfort are key.
Patios and Walkways
A typical outdoor living room design features a patio as the center of the space. Patios can be of varying sizes, from a postage stamp square to a sprawling courtyard-like space. Walkways go hand-in-hand with patios, leading you and your family and guests off the patio and into the surrounding greenspace or back into the house.
You need to use materials that can withstand the constant and heavy foot traffic. These materials also need to be aesthetically appealing, for the same reason.
Pavers
For a patio that can handle the freeze-thaw cycle of a Midwest winter without a single crack, interlocking pavers are your best bet. Pavers have joints that allow them to move with the ground’s movement. This flexibility prevents cracking, making them an incredibly durable choice. They also come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures, so you can achieve any look, from classic brick to modern stone.
Poured Concrete
While traditional concrete can be prone to cracking, modern poured concrete, with proper jointing and reinforcement, can be a good, affordable option. For a more sophisticated look, stamped concrete can mimic the appearance of natural stone or tile, giving you a high-end feel at a lower cost.
Fire Features
If you’re looking to add a cozy, inviting element to your outdoor living space, an outdoor fireplace or fire pit should do the trick. You can center the fire feature on the patio so it’s the main focus of your outdoor space or have it off center to create dynamism and movement on the patio. You can even create a small, separate patio space for the fire pit to be the main attraction. It’s all about creating comfort in a naturalistic setting.
Materials like bluestone or limestone are naturally resilient and can withstand the intense heat of a fire. Their rugged beauty only gets better with time and weathering. For a sleek, modern look, a custom steel fire pit can be a striking centerpiece. The material is incredibly strong and develops a beautiful, rust-colored patina over time that adds to its character.
The Deck
A deck provides a versatile platform, often used for grilling, dining and lounging. The key is choosing a decking material that can handle moisture, sunlight and heavy foot traffic without deteriorating. You can choose an elevated deck that leads out from the second floor and creates a covered overhang for a patio below. Or you can choose a minimally elevated deck that leads out from your backdoor and directly into the backyard. You can even choose a floating or ground-level deck with no posts or railing.
Composite Decking
This is hands-down one of the best choices for a deck in the Midwest. Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, composite decking is engineered to resist rot, mold, insects and splintering. It requires virtually no maintenance – you’ll never have to sand, stain or seal it.
Pressure-Treated Wood
If you prefer the look and feel of natural wood, pressure-treated lumber is your most economical and durable option. It’s chemically treated to resist rot and insects, but it still requires regular maintenance (at least every few years) to prevent fading, warping and splintering.
The Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area
If you love to cook and entertain, an outdoor kitchen is a dream come true. You need materials that can withstand high heat and frequent use, as well as the cold and wet weather.
Granite
Naturally heat- and stain-resistant, granite is a beautiful and durable choice for outdoor countertops. A sealed finish will protect it from moisture and make it easy to clean.
Sealed Concrete
A popular, modern option, concrete can be customized to your desired color and texture. When properly sealed, it’s highly durable and resistant to heat and moisture.
Landscaping Features for Longevity
The hardscaping and plant choices you make around your home are just as important as the materials for your patio or deck. When it comes to longevity and outdoor living materials, Midwest weather puts them to the test. These elements should provide structure and beauty while being able to withstand the unpredictable seasons.
Boulders and natural stone are timeless and incredibly durable. They don’t mind the freeze-thaw cycle and create a rustic, organic look that blends beautifully with the landscape. For a more modern, structured look, retaining wall blocks are a popular choice. They’re engineered to withstand pressure and movement, ensuring a long-lasting, stable wall.
Walkways and Paths
Pavers and natural stone are great for pathways because they offer stability and can be easily installed to allow for proper drainage, preventing standing water and ice buildup in the winter. Shredded bark and wood chips are excellent for Midwest landscaping. They help regulate soil temperature, keeping plant roots cool in the summer and insulating them from the cold in the winter. They also retain moisture, which is crucial during our hot, dry stretches.
Ready to Create Your Midwest-Proof Outdoor Legacy?
The best outdoor spaces start with thoughtful planning. By thinking in terms of function and choosing the right materials from the start, you’ll create a resilient and beautiful space that your family will enjoy for years to come.
At The Site Group, we understand the unique challenges of building in the Midwest, and we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. We specialize in designing and building outdoor spaces that combine stunning aesthetics with unmatched durability.
Ready to start planning your dream backyard? Let’s talk about what we can do for you.
