sustainable landscape design

February 5 2026

Choosing the Right Materials for Your Vancouver Outdoor Space: A Designer’s Guide

Matt Vandenberg All, Construction, Design, Outdoor Living composite decking Vancouver, deck material selection, freeze thaw durability, hardscape materials Vancouver, Lower Mainland landscaping materials, Lower Mainland outdoor living, natural stone patios, outdoor space materials, pavers Vancouver, sustainable landscape design, Vancouver landscaping

When you begin planning an outdoor space in the Lower Mainland, one of the biggest decisions you make is choosing materials. It may not feel like it at first. Most people begin with ideas about layout, privacy, or style. But eventually you reach a point where you need to choose the stone under your feet, the wood above your head, the plants that define your borders, and the surfaces you will live with for years.

In Metro Vancouver, those decisions matter more than most homeowners realize. The rain, the humidity, the freeze and thaw cycles, the shaded backyards, and the clay soils all influence how materials perform over time. The right choices feel good for twenty years. The wrong ones fail in two.

This guide exists to help you understand how to choose well so you feel confident in every material that becomes part of your space.

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Understanding the Lower Mainland’s Demands

Designing outdoors here is different from designing in drier, sunnier climates. Materials that work beautifully in California or Ontario often perform poorly in North Vancouver, Coquitlam, or Burnaby. The Lower Mainland demands materials that can handle constant moisture, subtle temperature swings, and periods of shade.

When you understand this, choosing becomes less about trends and more about long-term comfort and durability.

Stone and Hardscape Choices

Hardscape materials create the bones of your space. In Vancouver, porcelain pavers and dense natural stones are often the strongest long-term choices. They resist moisture absorption, stay stable through freeze and thaw cycles, and maintain their appearance season after season.

Concrete pavers can work well too when they are high quality and installed on a properly built base. The key is understanding that not all products perform the same way. Your choice affects how your space feels underfoot and how it withstands the elements around it.

Wood, Metal, and Composite Materials

When it comes to structures, privacy screens, and decking, the Lower Mainland’s rain can be hard on untreated woods and low-grade composites. Homeowners often fall in love with the warmth of cedar or the look of natural timber, but choosing the right species, finish, and construction details makes the difference between a structure that weathers gracefully and one that deteriorates.

Metal brings durability and strength, but not all metals respond the same way to moisture. Some patina beautifully. Others stain surrounding surfaces if not chosen carefully. Understanding how these materials age helps you choose what aligns with your preferences.

Plant Material and Softscape Decisions

Plants bring life, texture, movement, and softness. But choosing the right ones is not as simple as buying what looks good at the nursery. Microclimates in the Lower Mainland vary dramatically. One backyard may receive direct afternoon sun while the house next door sits in near-constant shade.

The best plant selections work with your yard’s light, moisture, and soil conditions. They create a landscape that feels lush and natural not only on day one but for years to come. When you choose plants that want to thrive where you place them, your garden becomes easier to maintain and more enjoyable to live with.

Sustainability and Longevity

Sustainable choices are not only better for the environment. They often last longer. Locally sourced stone reduces transport impacts and can handle the local climate. Native or climate- adapted plants require less water and maintenance. High-quality lighting and irrigation systems reduce waste and operate more efficiently.

Thinking about sustainability through the lens of longevity makes the decision process clearer. You are not just choosing materials for today. You are choosing materials for the life you want to live outdoors in the years ahead.

Your Role in Material Selection

Choosing materials is not about memorizing product specifications or becoming an expert in stone density or wood moisture content. It is about understanding how you want your space to feel and how much maintenance you are comfortable with. When you communicate your lifestyle preferences, your design team can guide you toward materials that match your expectations.

Your role is to stay curious, ask questions, and consider how each material will support your future life outdoors.

Ready to Start Planning Your Outdoor Space

If you are beginning to imagine a backyard transformation and want guidance choosing materials that will look beautiful and perform well in Vancouver’s climate, the next step is simple. Reach out to Vandenberg Landscapes for a conversation about your goals, your property, and what materials will suit your needs.

Contact Vandenberg Landscapes today and begin building a space designed to last.

Contact Vandenberg Landscapes

December 30 2024

Is a Landscape Worth the Investment?

Matt Vandenberg All, Construction, Design benefits of professional landscaping, curb appeal and home resale, enhancing lifestyle with landscaping, landscape design build Ontario, landscape ROI and property value, long-term landscape maintenance savings, outdoor living space investment, sustainable landscape design

Having a great backyard offers you more than a place to play a game of catch or host epic barbecues with family and friends. A beautiful garden can feed your soul, relieve your stress, improve your health, protect the environment — and might even save you money.

Nature is good for us, plain and simple.

But you don’t have to travel to a forest, hike up a mountain or even visit the local park — you can get all the benefits of nature by improving and beautifying the natural surroundings of your own backyard.

When it comes to the benefits of landscaping, there are three main areas I like to tell people about: physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and economic benefits.

Landscaping is good for your health!

When you live in a healthy environment, you not only feel healthier, you become healthier. Here are a few ways landscapes can affect your physical health:

Improves air quality — A healthy landscape produces oxygen and improves air quality by eliminating dust, smoke, and pollutants. A single tree can provide enough oxygen for a family of four!
Lowers blood pressure and reduces stress — Studies have shown that looking at plants and trees (even through a window) can lower blood pressure and levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol. High levels of cortisol have been linked to issues with learning and memory, weight gain and heart disease.
Reduces inflammation & boosts the immune system — being in nature encourages activity and reduces stress, both of which help reduce chronic inflammation. Being outside also boosts your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off minor illnesses like colds and flu. Preliminary studies even suggest that hanging out in the backyard can stimulate your body to produce anticancer proteins!

Landscaping is good for your mind!

Whether you’re walking through the woods or enjoying a simple meal on the deck, being outside does more than just make you feel good — it’s actually good for your mental health.

Improves memory — multiple studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve short-term memory by 20% and has the same effect as meditating.
Provides peace and clarity — as humans, we have a deep connection with nature and being outdoors can elevate your mood and help relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Relieves stress — when you’re relaxed, it’s easier to focus and concentrate on difficult tasks and come up with creative solutions to problems. Having a relaxing space where you can spend time outdoors isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.

Landscaping is good for your wallet!

In addition to health and aesthetic benefits, creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape can have financial benefits as well.

Increases curb appeal & property value — A well-landscaped property can significantly add to its value, compared to property without any landscaping. Some sources claim that increase can be as high as 20 to 25 percent. Curb appeal is real — how a home looks from the road will affect whether someone wants to buy it or not — your home’s first impression will set the tone for the rest of the tour.
Save on electric bills — If you’ve ever walked across a parking lot in midsummer, you know how hot asphalt and concrete can be. Lawns and gardens act as natural air conditioners — according to a Cornell University study, well-planned landscapes can reduce heating and air conditioning costs by 10 to 30 percent.
Lower water bills —planting native species that need less water to thrive, using trees and shrubs to control erosion and adding mulch to your flower beds can all help reduce your water bills.

Landscaping makes you feel good!

Having a beautiful yard — with lush green grass and abundant flower gardens — can give you a sense of pride and motivate you to get outside and get active!

Instead of staying indoors, you’ll find yourself drawn to the tranquility of your garden. The strength of your relationships will improve as well — nothing brings people together like a game of bocce ball on the lawn or sharing a meal on the patio.

Depending on your interests and desires, there’s no limit to your yard’s potential. You may even find your yard is your favourite place to be.

If you’re excited about creating a landscape to enjoy with the people you love, give us a call or fill in our online form.

At Vandenberg Landscapes we delight in bringing nature to you.

December 30 2024

Is Landscaping a Good Investment?

Matt Vandenberg All, Construction, Design benefits of professional landscaping, enhancing lifestyle with landscaping, landscape design build Ontario, landscaping return on investment, long-term maintenance savings, outdoor living space upgrades, property value and curb appeal, sustainable landscape design

When planning major upgrades to your home or property, there are two things most people consider — how will this change affect my lifestyle, and how will it affect my property’s value?

Landscaping — provided it’s well-designed and maintained and suits the aesthetics of your home and neighbourhood — has the potential to increase your property’s value by as much as 12%. And with average home prices around the million-dollar mark in B.C., this is not insignificant!

But all improvements will have a different impact on your return on investment (ROI). To get the best ROI, the improvements you make should improve the space visually and be something most people would use and appreciate. Here are a few guidelines to follow when investing in your yard to increase your home’s value — and how to make the experience easier and more enjoyable.

Start with a purpose-driven design

At Vandenberg, our design process is purpose-driven. This means every landscape design starts with a simple but profound question: “Why are you contemplating a change?”

Understanding why you want to upgrade your landscape helps your designer create features that improve your lifestyle. Furthermore, a designer can ensure all elements in your yard are aesthetically pleasing and placed where they make the most sense. For instance, adding a patio can increase your home’s value, but only if it’s the right size and in a good location.

Your design will include all the elements you’d like to add to your landscape, both now and in the future. This is especially helpful if your landscape will be built in phases. For instance, you’ll need to install the water and electrical lines for the kitchen you’re going to add next year before laying your new patio this year.

backyard with patio and beautiful garden

Features with the best ROI

The return on investment for landscape features can vary depending on several factors, including the location, type of property, and specific features. However, here are a few landscape features that have been shown to provide a good ROI in British Columbia.

Outdoor living spaces, such as patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens, are popular features that provide a good ROI in British Columbia. According to a report by the Appraisal Institute of Canada, outdoor living spaces can provide a return on investment of up to 30% in some cases. Adding an outdoor structure, such as a pergola or pavilion, helps define the space, provides shelter from the elements and is a stylish way to extend your living space.
Landscaping can also provide a good ROI in British Columbia, particularly if it includes features like trees, shrubs and gardens. Gardens enhance the visual appeal of your yard, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere that can increase your enjoyment of your outdoor space and provide opportunities for outdoor entertainment and socializing. According to a study by the University of Washington, landscaping can provide a return on investment of up to 109%!
Outdoor lighting improves the safety, security, and aesthetics of a property. Landscape lighting can make your yard feel like a fine resort, an aesthetic that is universally appealing. According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, outdoor lighting can provide a return on investment of up to 50%.

Understand that these figures are averages and can go up or down depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of materials used and the overall design of the property. When making improvements for ROI, they should make the space more functional and visually appealing.

Improve ROI with basic maintenance

Even beautifully designed landscapes built using exquisite materials will lose their value over time if they’re not properly maintained. It’s surprising how quickly weeds will overtake a garden or lawn if left unchecked. Maintaining your property takes some time, but a little TLC will ensure it retains its value for years to come.

Keep patios and walkways clean and tidy — Your outdoor “floors” need the same kind of care and attention you give to the floors in your home. Sweep them to remove dirt and debris, wipe up spills and check for loose grout and cracked pavers. For more detailed cleaning instructions, check with the manufacturer.
Apply mulch to your gardens — Mulching helps keep your garden healthy, suppresses weeds and makes your garden look amazing — increasing your property’s curb appeal at the same time. Edging your lawn and gardens to create clean, crisp lines that define a border, a single tree or shrub takes nothing more than a bit of time… giving you a great return for little investment.
Keep your lawn healthy — Regular lawn maintenance, including aeration, overseeding, top-dressing, fertilizing, mowing and watering will keep your lawn green and lush while adding to your property’s curb appeal.

ROI is only part of the equation…

Unless the sale of your property is imminent, it’s a mistake to upgrade your landscape based solely on the ROI. While ROI is important, it shouldn’t be the determining factor when upgrading your landscape — your foremost consideration should be which features you’d like to have in your yard… after all, you’re the one who will be using it!

Be aware that adding features that need a lot of maintenance (like pools) can have a negative effect on your property’s value, deterring potential buyers. That being said, a LOT of people love pools… and if you do, too, go ahead and include one in your yard!

If you’re looking to upgrade your yard and need some inspiration, check out the featured properties on our website to see what others have done with their yards. Then, when you’re ready, schedule a consultation so we can help you transform your yard into an inspiring and enriching place to share with family and friends — and give you a great return on your investment!