15 hardscaping ideas for your yard.

What is hardscaping and what are the benefits?

Hardscaping refers to everything in the landscape design that isn't living. Hardscaping may sound as if it's limited to robust materials such as brick, concrete or stone, but that's not the case. Pea gravel, outdoor furniture wood and even metal edging are considered to be hardscaping elements as well. 

There are plenty of benefits to hardscaping. Aesthetically, hardscaping is used in landscape design to create and define spaces. For example, hardscape materials give gardens a clean-lined look, shaping formal classical gardens and cutting-edge contemporary spaces. Good hardscape design ideas also add curb appeal by cleaning up the look of a front yard.

Functionally, hardscaping guides movement through a landscape by offering laid-out pathways and gathering spaces. Hardscaping also reduces the need for maintenance by cutting down on areas that require mowing or weeding.

Related: 15 landscaping tips and tricks for beginners.

Best front yard and backyard hardscaping ideas.

No matter how large or small your outdoor space is, these backyard and front yard hardscaping ideas will spark ideas.

1. Build a fire pit.

A backyard fire pit creates a cozy place for people to gather on a cool autumn or spring evening. Fire pits can be worked into a landscape design or added to an existing landscape. This outdoor fireplace can be built-in or portable. 

2. Add a border to existing garden beds.

One of the fastest ways to increase curb appeal is by edging garden beds. Hardscape borders keep mulch in place and eliminate the need for manual edging. From inexpensive options like low-profile steel edging to pricier chopped stone or custom welded steel, there is a border material for every budget and landscape style.

3. Create a water feature.

Photo credit: Cornerstone Ponds and Waterfalls

 The sound of flowing water is soothing, and a well-designed water feature can be a great visual addition to a landscape. A recirculating fountain can add ambiance to a small space, and a birdbath gives birds a place to drink and play. Larger water elements include waterfalls, koi ponds and rain gardens.

The larger the water feature, the more planning and labor will be needed. However, small water features can often be installed in a single afternoon.

4. Invest in an outdoor kitchen.

If you live in a mild climate and enjoy entertaining guests regularly, consider building an outdoor kitchen. It adds an entirely new dimension to your living space. 

Outdoor kitchens can include an electric pizza oven (or a gas grill), a countertop and a hand-washing sink under an awning. Or, it can be outfitted with a full range, marble-topped bar and refrigerator in an enclosed space.

5. Build a deck or patio.

Photo credit: Crafted Patios

Adding a patio or deck to your landscape makes spending time outside more convenient and enjoyable. Handy individuals will find plenty of online plans for building a DIY deck or patio, but qualified contractors are happy to help. Get a free estimate from a professional near you on Thumbtack. 

Related: How much does it cost to build a deck?

6. Lay down a hardscape path.

Hardscape pathways are a simple way to upgrade your landscape instantly. They can direct traffic along a well-defined walkway, replace dirt footpaths worn into a lawn and create patterns of color and texture in the overall landscape design. A hardscape path can be made of flagstone, pea gravel, river stones, concrete pavers, brick and even cut stone.

Related: What is flagstone? Everything you need to know.

7. Xeriscape your landscape.

Watering restrictions can make it almost impossible to keep turf healthy during a drought in hot, dry climates. As such, many homeowners create xeriscapes — low-water-use gardens that replace lawns with hardscape pathways, rock gardens and drought-tolerant plants. 

Xeriscapes use containers, gravel, stone and ground cover elements that are visually beautiful and stand up to heat and drought. 

Related: 15 drought-tolerant landscaping ideas and tips.

8. Construct retaining walls.

Photo credit: Rock N' Block LLC

Retaining walls come in many different forms and can serve many different purposes. They can minimize erosion, contain deep planting beds, define and contain outdoor gathering areas and add seating options. 

A low, stacked boulder wall might form the border for a hillside terrace garden, while a poured concrete retaining wall can add privacy and definition to an outdoor kitchen. 

9. Create privacy with a screening feature.

Simple hardscape features for screening can take care of nosy neighbors or unappealing views. A wooden privacy fence, lattice or shade sail can create privacy and block views that take away from the enjoyment of your outdoor space. 

Be sure to check your homeowner's association or local building codes to ensure that your screening solution is compliant.

Related: Cedar fence vs. pine: Which one should you choose?

10. Add an outdoor structure.

These structures can be prefab, standalone features or built-in, customized projects. Either way, if you have the budget and space for an outdoor addition like this, it can feel like adding an entirely new room to your home. 

Gazebos and pergolas can be used for outdoor dining, meditation, yoga or as a relaxing backyard getaway for reading or daydreaming. 

Related: How much does a gazebo cost?

11. Install some landscape lighting.

Outdoor lighting enhances the safety, security and ambiance of your landscape. You'll need to select the areas you want to illuminate, choose the appropriate fixtures and bulbs, and then install them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Related: 15 landscape lighting ideas to make your yard glow.

12. Refurbish or create a driveway (if you don’t already have one).

Vehicles and visitors will appreciate a well-paved driveway. To execute this project, you'll need to mark a location clearly, excavate the area and lay a base of gravel and sand. Then you can install the surface materials, such as asphalt or concrete.

13. Build an arbor.

An arbor provides shade and adds visual interest to your landscape, whether over a stone patio, walkway or garden bed. Select a location, choose an appropriate style and material, determine the size and shape of the structure and then build it, making sure it is securely anchored.

Related: Cool off with these 12 shade ideas for your backyard.

14. Build an outdoor shower.

In addition to being a unique addition to your landscape, an outdoor shower offers a convenient way to rinse off after exercising or working in the garden.

To execute this project, you'll need a location with adequate drainage and access to a water source. When that's done, you may want to hire a plumber to install it.

15. Install wooden floors.

Wooden floors aren’t just for inside your home — you can also install them in your backyard yard. Find a professional who can put wooden decking in your backyard so you can create a cozy outdoor living space.

Related: How much does a patio cost?

Hire a landscaper on Thumbtack.

Landscaping is a fun hobby for some but a pain for others. For those of you who prefer to leave it to the pros, Thumbtack has your back. Download the Thumbtack app to check out your options. If you're ready to turn your hardscape ideas into a reality but don't want to do it alone, hire a professional on Thumbtack and get started.