What is hardscaping?
Any non-living (often man-made or customer-built) elements of your outdoor living space are hardscape features.
These features add curb appeal to a home and draw attention to focal points, but they can also be functional. The effective use of hardscape materials can turn a yard into a beautiful area for outdoor lounging and backyard entertaining.
What are some examples of hardscapes?
Some of the most common examples include:
- Fences
- Benches and statues
- Boulders, rocks and gravel
- Decks and patios
- Water features, like pools, ponds or fountains
- Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces
- Outdoor kitchens and dining areas
- Paved or stone walkways and steps
- Retaining walls for garden beds
- Pergolas, gazebos, arbors and trellises
- Landscape lighting
Related: 15 hardscaping ideas for your yard.
Advantages and disadvantages of hardscaping:
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Increased curb appeal | Can be expensive |
Can create more living space | Less flexible, can be tough to work with |
Durability | Requires some maintenance |
Helps conserve water | Installation can take a long time |
There are several pros and cons of adding hardscape features to your yard. Some projects (like building a deck) can have a high cost and may take a long time to complete. You may also need to factor in maintenance, such as painting, staining and sealing wood structures. And once the hardscape feature is installed, it may be hard (or impossible) to move or change it.
On the other hand, hardscape elements can make a home more attractive and functional. Lights, a patio or deck, a pool, shade structures, outdoor seating, and pathways — all of these features encourage people to lounge and move throughout your yard.
And if you substitute some softscapes with hardscapes, you could lower your water usage. For example, instead of grass, you can have a yard that contains gravel, sand and stone pavers.
Hardscaping vs. softscaping and xeriscaping — what’s the difference?
While hardscaping designs use non-living features, softscape features are organic materials like flowers and trees. If you want to achieve a well-balanced design, you should incorporate softscaping. It adds life, color and texture to an outdoor space.
Xeriscaping is a combination of hardscaping and landscaping that makes a space more drought-resistant. The design of a xeriscaped space conserves water by combining irrigation systems with drought-tolerant plants.
How to decide if hardscaping is right for you.
Incorporating hardscape design into your outdoor space is a big decision. You should consider your unique needs and preferences, as well as what works best for your space.
Ask yourself the following questions when considering hardscaping:
How do you want to use your outdoor space?
Before deciding what hardscape elements to incorporate into your yard, consider how you see yourself using the space.
Do you want to host gatherings and outdoor events? You may want more functional features like a gas fire pit, a patio or deck and outdoor lighting.
On the other hand, if you want your yard to have a more natural aesthetic, you may prefer to use more plants in your landscaping.
How much maintenance are you willing to do?
Hardscaping is ideal for people with less time to maintain an outdoor space. These features typically have fewer maintenance requirements than softscape elements.
What is your budget?
Hardscaping projects vary in cost, depending on the landscape materials and the size and complexity of the design. Before committing to a project, set a budget and stick to it. You might want to get a free estimate from a landscaper to get an idea of what a project will cost.
Related: How much does landscaping cost?
What hardscape elements will complement the existing landscape?
Some aspects of your yard can help you narrow down your hardscaping options. You probably don't need to redesign your entire yard. Instead, try to use a few elements to enhance your landscape's natural beauty and make it more inviting.
For example, does your backyard or front yard lack a focal point? You can make your yard more intriguing to visitors with a hardscape addition. Build a paver patio, install a fountain, or place a statue to draw the eye.
Or, do your garden beds appear to be too close to your lawn? Is the mulch or dirt overflowing onto your grass? You may want to consider adding a brick, wood, metal or plastic border around your garden beds to create crisp, and clean lines in your yard.
Consult a landscaper near you today.
There are countless ways to add hardscape features to a front yard or backyard. Some projects are easy enough to DIY, but for more involved projects, it’s best to hire a pro.
Download the Thumbtack app today to get started on your project. Contact the top landscapers near you, and start comparing price quotes.
Related: 15 landscaping tips and tricks for beginners.
FAQs
What is the difference between hardscaping and landscaping?
Hardscaping refers to the use of non-living elements in landscape design. Landscaping encompasses both hardscaping and softscaping, which uses living design elements like flowers, trees and grasses.
How do I prepare for hardscaping?
What time of year is best for hardscaping?
Hardscaping in the winter and fall may offer several benefits. When your plants aren’t in bloom, you can have an easier time seeing where your outdoor space is missing focal points. For those areas, you may want to consider adding a hardscape feature.
Winter is also the slow season for most landscaping contractors, so prices may be lower. You might even experience a faster turnaround time as well. However, be mindful of the temperatures in your area. Don’t wait until the coldest months, as snow and ice can complicate hardscaping projects.
A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
