What is Hardscape in Landscaping?

Softscaping and hardscaping are both important for landscape design.

Softscaping uses living vegetation like plants and trees that require upkeep like watering and pruning. 

Hardscaping employs durable, non-living materials for structure.

Softscaping offers beauty through plant life while hardscaping provides form and connectivity.

Combining the two effectively can create a personalized outdoor space tailored to your property and needs.

Hardscape elements

Common hardscape components include popular additions such as patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, water features, fences and pergolas.

These permanent features transform unused yard space into functional living areas.

• • For example, a stone patio installation provides an ideal entertaining area while a deck creates an outdoor retreat.

• • Strategically placed concrete or paver walkways make navigating the yard easy while preventing soil compaction.

• • Retaining walls help define garden beds and prevent erosion on sloping land.

• • Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and other features further transform unused areas.

There are many options for homeowners to find elements suited to their land and objectives.

Which materials are typically used in hardscaping?

There are many material options used for hardscaping outdoor spaces. Common selections include concrete, brick, natural stone, flagstone, wood, metal, composite materials, gravel and mulch. Each of these brings something unique to the design.

Concrete is versatile as it can be colored or textured during pouring. Brick, stone and wood develop a beautiful aged patina over time as they are exposed to the elements. Metal works well for railings and fencing thanks to its durability. Composites can mimic other natural materials like wood to blend into the landscape.

Gravel and mulch provide low-maintenance surface options, like for walkways. Concrete and brick offer more permanence as foundations for patios, steps or retaining walls.

Stone, flagstone and wood deliver aesthetic appeal that complements both modern and traditional styles.

When selecting materials, it’s important to consider how they will hold up over years of use with varying conditions. Lower maintenance choices help reduce long-term care. Coordinating complementary textures and colors also ensures a cohesive look throughout the hardscaping features.

Overall, balancing design preferences with budget and intended use will determine the best material fits for each project area. With many attractive and durable options, homeowners can tailor their yard spaces.

Why invest in hardscaping?

There are several benefits of hardscaping mention below here,

Improve property value

One of the biggest benefits of strategically placed hardscaping is the boost it provides to your property’s curb appeal and value. Well-designed hardscape elements create harmony between your home’s architectural style and landscaping.

Simple additions like a brick patio or concrete walkway make a strong first impression on potential buyers or renters touring your home. Statistically, curb appeal from tasteful hardscaping can increase a property’s market value by 10-12% on average. The investment you make in hardscapes pays off when it’s time to sell.

Aesthetic benefits

Aesthetically, tasteful hardscaping enhances the overall appeal and finishes the look of your yard or garden. It adds visual interest where once there were blank areas, and provides focal points that pull the landscape design together. Complementing architectural materials tie your home seamlessly into its surroundings.

Hardscapes also allow you to play with patterns, colors, lighting and other decorative touches for a customized curb appeal. The end result blends function and style to create an outdoor retreat you’ll love relaxing and spending time in.

Functional advantages

Beyond aesthetics, hardscaping also improves functionality.

1. 1. Defined walkways prevent soil compaction and protect vegetation, while allowing clear access throughout your yard. 

1. 1. Retaining walls remedy drainage issues on slopes and help prevent erosion.

1. 1. Paver driveways provide off-street parking.

1. 1. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits or furniture groupings transform previously unused space into comfy living areas where you and your guests can relax and entertain.

Hardscaping adds structure to functional zones for activities, traffic flow and comfortable use of your outdoor space.

Importance of hardscape in landscaping

1. 1. Improving Functionality
      
      • • Walkways, patios and drives guide movement and distinguish high/low traffic areas
      • • Establishes navigable layout that protects softer landscaping
      • • Improves accessibility around structures

1. 1. Providing Structural Support
      
      • • Retaining walls prevent erosion on slopes and define planters
      • • Raised beds and freestanding structures maximize usable space

1. 1. Reducing Erosion and Water Runoff
      
      • • Walkways and retaining walls divert excess water away from buildings
      • • Permeable surfaces like gravel minimize runoff

1. 1. Creating Outdoor Living Spaces
      
      • • Decks, patios, and fire pits construct spaces for living, cooking, relaxing

1. 1. Directing Foot Traffic
      
      • • Walkways efficiently direct foot traffic to prevent soil compaction

1. 1. Creating Year-Round Interest
      
      • • Water features, sculpture, and patterns add visuals even in bleak seasons

Looking Hardscaping near you in Fredericton?

With over 15 years of experience in landscaping and hardscaping, Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete is the premier name to trust for all your outdoor project needs in Fredericton. As the best landscaper in the region, we can handle anything from concept to completion.

We take a comprehensive approach to landscape design. Our landscape designers will work with you to understand your must-haves and visions for both form and function. We expertly analyze lighting, flow, views, irrigation needs and more to create a cohesive, customized plan.

When it’s time for installation, you are in excellent hands. Our professional crews skillfully handle everything from patios, walkways and retaining walls to fire pits, yard drainage and water features. We expertly install high-quality hardscaping materials like natural stone, brick pavers, and poured concrete.

Whether you need a complete outdoor makeover or help with one special project, Atlantic Hardscape and Concrete delivers beautiful, durable results. To discuss your property and request an estimate, contact us today. Our team is ready to transform your outdoor space.

Summary

• • Hardscaping is a key component of any beautiful, functional landscape design. It provides structure, guides navigation, and protects the yard from damage over time.

• • Hardscapes such as walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living spaces improve functionality by directing foot traffic, defining borders, and creating usable outdoor spaces.

• • When designed and installed properly, hardscaping boosts a property’s curb appeal and increases its value.

• • Choosing durable, low-maintenance materials and blending hardscapes with softscape elements results in a customized outdoor space tailored to your lifestyle and climate.

• • With even a modest budget, smart hardscaping transforms unused yard space into enjoyable areas that stand the test of time.

FAQ about hardscape in landscaping

Do you offer hardscaping services for commercial spaces?

Yes, we do offer both residential and commercial hardscaping services. We have extensive experience designing and installing hardscape features for a variety of commercial properties like hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and office buildings. 

Which types of materials do you have expertise installing for patios and walkways?

We have significant expertise in installing both paver and concrete patios and walkways. Some of the specific materials we often work with include natural stone pavers, concrete pavers, and stamped and colored concrete. We can also incorporate specialty materials like granite, limestone or cedar into hardscape designs. 

Is concrete a hardscape?

Yes, concrete is certainly considered a hardscape material. Its durability and versatility make it one of the most widely used options for patios, paths and slabs. Concrete can take on various finishes, colors and patterns to complement architectural styles while supporting foot and vehicle traffic for decades.

How do you calculate the cost of a hardscaping project?

The total cost of a hardscaping project depends on multiple factors like the type of hardscape features needed, choice of materials, size of the installation area and any unique design elements. We provide an estimate review to property owners, and we evaluate all these specifics. Generally, some things that impact the price include concrete or paver type, special treatments like stones or borders, slope or drainage considerations and landscape lighting. The size of the project is another key variable. We aim to provide transparent, accurate estimates to fit various budgets.