Hardscape Landscaping 101

Hardscape

Hardscape is the term for hard landscaping materials. Concrete, asphalt, stone, glass, brick, metal, and gravel are all hardscapes. In general use, hardscape means materials placed by human design.
if you’re thinking about adding some hardscape elements to your own landscape design, read on for more information and ideas. 

WHAT IS HARDSCAPING

The type of labour and materials are the two differentiating factors between hardscaping and softscaping.

Used to provide structure to your landscape design, hardscaping incorporates heavier elements such as driveways, swimming pools, retaining walls, pavers and fountains.

Hardscaping works to create an organized look for your property. Hardscape elements are solid, inanimate objects and unchanging.

TYPES OF HARDSCAPE

  • Roadways
  • Pools
  • Pathways
  • Lined water features
  • Patios
  • Retaining walls
  • Gravel drainage areas

BENEFITS OF HARDSCAPING

A lot of people decide to hardscape their property because they would prefer a maintenance-free space; however, there are actually other benefits of hardscaping as well.

  • Level sloping land
  • Privacy
  • Curb appeal
  • Increase property value
  • Reduce lawn maintenance
  • Entretainment

HARDSCAPE VS. FURNITURE

Occasionally people include items like gazebos, benches, and planters into their definition of supplied hardscape. Others consider this site furniture. The distinction is slippery because a lot of site furniture in public space is bolted or embedded into the concrete, growing out of it as a permanent feature.

However, hardscape is generally functional infrastructure than manages the flow of people, things, information, or water. Site furniture is an attractive feature in a single spot.

8 HARDSCAPES WORTH THE INVESTMENT:

No matter what you like to do outside, there’s a hardscape for you. Here are 8 hardscapes that can add beauty, functionality, and joy to your outdoor living:

  • Sitting Walls
  • Grill Surround
  • Walkways
  • Retaining Wall
  • Water Features
  • Fire Pit
  • Pergola
  • Landscape Lighting
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