When landscape remodeling, there are two things to consider to get the outdoor living space you want. HardscapingHardscaping refers to the non-living elements of landscaping, such as stone, brick, concrete, wood, ... refers to any man-made structure within landscape design that is comprised of inanimate materials such as gravelGravel consists of small, loose, rounded or angular stones, typically ranging in size from a few mil..., woodWood is a natural, organic material derived from trees, commonly used in landscaping and constructio..., brickBrick is a building material made from clay, sand, and water, molded into rectangular blocks and fir..., or stone.
The term hardscape refers to any non-living structure in an outdoor space. Examples of hardscape elements include drivewaysA residential driveway is a private road that provides access to a home or garage. Driveways are typ..., fountains, patiosPatios are outdoor spaces adjacent to a home, typically used for dining, entertaining, or relaxation..., fire pits, and walkwaysResidential walkways are pathways that connect different areas of a property, such as entrances, gar....
In contrast, softscapingSoftscaping refers to the elements of a landscape that involve living, organic materials such as pla... is a landscape design style focusing primarily on organic, living elements such as trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
7 Types of Hardscaping for Your Outdoor Space
You can construct a hardscaping design for your front yard using a wide variety of materials and products. Below is an overview of seven types of hardscape elements.
- Fire pits - Brick or stone outdoor fireplacesOutdoor fireplaces are built-in structures designed to provide warmth, ambiance, and a focal point f... or fire pits are functional hardscaping elements that can make your outdoor space more livable and relaxing.
- Stone pathways - Stone pathways are commonly constructed from natural stone or concrete paversConcrete pavers are precast, man-made paving stones made from a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and.... They can provide access to different areas of your garden, allowing you to avoid stepping in the dirt or the grass.
- Gazebos and pergolasGazebos and pergolas are outdoor structures that provide shade and architectural interest to gardens... - Hardscaping comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and themes.
Examples include gazebos and pergolas, which are partially-shaded walkways. They provide shade and shelter during outdoor gatherings and enhance the livability of your house.
- Retaining walls - A retaining wall is a load-bearing wall that defines the boundary of a garden at the top or bottom of a hill, successfully damming up soil and water runoff that would otherwise hinder the growth of the softscape.
- DecksDecks are elevated outdoor platforms typically made from wood or composite materials, providing a ve... and patios - Decks and patios made of wood are another type of hardscaping that can be used to extend the living space into the outdoor area. Depending on the cost and maintenance requirements, brick or concreteConcrete is a composite material made from a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. It is one o... may be used.
- Fountains - Water featuresWater features, such as ponds, fountains, and waterfalls, are popular additions to residential and c... such as fountains and paved garden streams can provide your backyard with a tranquil atmosphere and a natural focal point.
- Driveways - Driveways provide vehicular access to a residence. They can be constructed from poured concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, or any other weatherproof and load-bearing substance.
Some homeowners choose to hardscape new driveways if they plan to expand or renovate after excessive wear on the existing driveway.
You may work with a professional company specializing in landscape construction or landscape renovationLandscape renovation is the process of updating or completely overhauling an existing landscape to i..., for your next landscape remodeling project.
The Importance of Hardscaping for Your Landscape Design
Hardscaping is an integral component of designing for landscape remodeling. Let's examine several reasons why:
- Low Maintenance - The low maintenance requirements of backyard hardscapes are their most attractive feature. Once you've created the backyard of your dreams, it will remain the same for many years. This indicates that no watering, pruningPruning is the horticultural practice of selectively removing certain parts of a plant, such as bran..., mowingMowing is the regular cutting of grass to maintain a lawn at a desired height. This fundamental main..., snipping, or trimming is necessary.
- Water-efficient -In areas where drought is prevalent, hardscaping is an excellent method for combating water waste.
A backyard hardscaping eliminates the need to water your grass, plants, and flowers. In addition, you won't have to worry about your plants dying or your grass turning brown.
- Boost property value - Adding hardscaping materials to your backyard on your next landscape remodeling can increase the value of your home.
By adding an outdoor extension to your residence, you increase the number of usable shade structuresShade structures are outdoor constructions designed to provide shelter from the sun, enhancing comfo... and allow potential buyers to visualize themselves relaxing and entertaining in the area. When purchasing a home, 84% of buyers look for an outdoor patio.
- Increase entertainment area - During the warmer months, the deck and patio constitute an extension of the home. Adding a hardscape to your backyard will significantly enhance your family's outdoor experience by providing more space to sit and enjoy nature.
Create a path leading to a fire pit or even an outdoor kitchen to make your backyard the ultimate destination for outdoor entertainment.
- Add dimension - Say goodbye to your flat, expansive backyard. With a little hardscaping on your next landscape renovation project, you can create a visually appealing space in your yard by incorporating varying levels, defined edges, and winding pathways.
In addition, pergolas, courtyard walls, fences, and stone boundary lines provide additional seclusion from adjacent neighbors.
- Minimize erosion - When properly planned, hardscaping materials can reduce erosion risk. By placing stone or concrete barriers in areas prone to erosion, you can preserve the integrity of your front yard for decades.
Work With Hardscape Professionals for Your Landscape Remodeling
Hardscaping may be expensive, but it can boost the value of your home. A fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, or patio pavers can make your outdoor area more livable and increase the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and resale value of your property.
Our expert designers can help create your dream landscape design in a timely manner. We also make sure great communication is being implemented during the design process and landscape construction, so we know that the vision and budget of our clients are being followed.
If you need any advice or if you have any questions for your next landscape remodeling. Our team is ready to help, contact us at 714-519-5009 at West Hills Masonry today!
Carlos Gonzales
