What Is Hardscaping?

You've probably seen the word "landscaping" on the side of trucks or trailers coming and going in your neighborhood as teams plant flower beds or mow lawns. The term "hardscaping" is less well-known, even though you probably use hardscaping elements in green spaces regularly.

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Keep reading to find out what hardscaping is and what options you might have for hardscaping in your yard.

What Is Considered ' Hardscaping?'

Hardscaping is like landscaping, except without the living elements. It's essentially the "hard" parts of the design and function in your yard. Elements of hardscaping can include patios, decks, fences, pathways and gazebos.

Hardscaping Vs. Landscaping

Landscaping is a broad term that refers to designing, implementing and maintaining areas in outdoor spaces. It includes hardscaping and softscaping, which work together to create a visually pleasing and functional space in your yard or garden.

As previously mentioned, hardscaping relates to nonliving elements like walkways or fire pits. These add structure, function and definition to outdoor spaces. They may also be relevant to drainage and other critical tasks.

In contrast, softscaping relates to the living elements in a yard, like grass, trees and flowers. These elements add color, texture and environmental benefits like shade or support for pollinators.

Hardscape Examples You Can Incorporate Into Your Yard

Hardscaping features can enhance your yard's function and appearance. In some cases, they might even help increase the value of your property. Here are a few popular options to consider for your yard.

Paver Patios

A paver patio is a durable, level surface typically used for outdoor seating. It's made from interlocking bricks or stones available in a range of colors, so you can easily customize the look of your exterior space. Paver patios can be ideal for entertaining and outdoor dining.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls help hold back soil on sloped yards and create flatter spaces for recreational use. In addition to helping prevent erosion, retaining walls can offer decorative borders or seating walls in your space. Retaining walls can be a complex landscape construction installation best left to professionals.

Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen turns your backyard into a full-service entertainment area. You can add space for cooking, whether it's a grill or a pizza oven, and seating. An outdoor kitchen might be the right backyard hardscape option if you love to host and live in a location that makes outdoor gatherings pleasant for half the year or more.

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Stone Walkways and Backyard Pavers

Stone walkways can guide foot traffic through your yard, helping keep people from wearing out grass or ensuring they can find the right location on a larger property. Walkways also add texture and charm to a garden and help define the layout of your space.

Other options for walkways include paver, wood or gravel paths.

Fire Pits

Fire pits are natural gathering spots, especially on cool evenings. They can provide a warm ambience in your outdoor space all year, and you can use them functionally for roasting hot dogs or marshmallows. While you can get freestanding fire pits, in the context of hardscaping, built-in options are more common.

Pergolas or Gazebos

These structures provide shade and architectural interest in your yard. Pergolas let you create shaded locations anywhere in your yard and can double as structural support for climbing plants. You can also use them to create boundaries for outdoor spaces; for example, you might place a pergola on either end of a paver patio.

A gazebo offers overhead coverage and often a floor that's raised off the ground. It may include seating options and decor elements like lighting and lattice work. You can use a gazebo as you might a deck, making it a good location for outdoor dining or relaxing.

Fences and Gates

Fences and gates can enhance privacy and security in a yard. You can choose from numerous options, including wood picket fences or iron gates, to create a look that matches your personal and home style.

Fountains

Water fountains add soothing sounds and calming visuals to your landscape. You can add small water fountains to yards and gardens or larger installations that include ponds. Fountains act as living sculptures in a yard and can attract birds and other wildlife.