Hardscape For Landscaping

“Hardscape” refers to all of the non-living elements in landscaping, such as a stone wall, brick patio, or a wooden arbor. The common types of hardscape for landscaping include fire pits, stone pathways, retaining walls,gazebos and pergolas, decks and patios, fountains and driveways. 

It is one of the two major subcategories of landscaping, the other one is softscape. It is an important element of landscape design that gives definition and organization to the natural landscape. 

Hardscape elements can also determine the use of a space, such as with a driveway.  Also, it can lead visitors through different areas of softscaping, as with a gravel path that connects to a secluded garden. In this article, you will learn about the different types of hardscape, how it can increase the value of a home, the relation between Hardscape and Landscape and the difference between Hardscape and Softscape. 

What Are The Types Of Hardscape?

Making your yard attractive is easy with a hardscape, or any solid landscaping surface or structure. Here are the types of hardscape that you can choose for your landscaping project.

1. Fire pits
2. Stone pathways
3. Retaining walls
4. Gazebos and pergolas
5. Decks and patios
6. Fountains
7. Driveways
   

1. Fire pits

A fire pit for landscaping can be a pit dug in the ground or an intricate gas burning structure of stone, brick, and metal. The common feature of a fire pit is that they are designed to contain fire and prevent it from spreading. It can be used just like a standard campfire to make a barbeque, toast marshmallows, or just have a warm source of light that enables you to spend your evenings in the outdoor space.

2. Stone pathways

Stone pathway for landscaping is a path made of stepping stones. It is a simple, inexpensive way to add charm to your landscape. Stone paths enable a practical route for foot traffic from the sidewalk or driveway to your entrance and along the side or back of the house. Even if you have a suburban house, you can make your yard attractive by installing a stone pathway. It provides a way for your guests to roam by without crushing any plants.

3. Retaining walls

Retaining walls are rigid walls used for supporting soil on the sideways to hold it at different levels on the two sides. Retaining walls for landscaping are structures created to hold back soil to a slope that it cannot naturally hold to, such as to a steep, near-vertical or vertical slope. If the soil slopes downward, it can easily create erosion in the area. Retaining walls can also be used to restrain water.

4. Gazebos and pergolas

Gazebos and pergolas for landscaping are structures that are roofed and open on all sides. Gazebos provide shade, shelter from rain and a place to rest, provide a wide view of the surrounding area, while acting as an ornamental feature. A pergola is a shaded walkway having similar features as gazebos. The main difference between the two is the function of the roof. A pergola allows for sunlight to pass through its grooved roof. Ideally, a pergola provides partial shelter and shade over a garden, pathway, or patio.

5. Decks and patios

Decks and patios for landscaping are an open outdoor space. A deck is an open outdoor platform usually elevated from the ground, without a roof that connects to a house whereas a patio is a paved area located directly on the ground, which can either be attached or detached from a house. It can include spaces for dining or seating. Decks are made from composite material, treated lumber, and aluminum. On the other hand, patios are built with concrete, brick, cut stone, etc.

6. Fountains

A fountain for landscaping is an ornamental structure from which one or more jets of water are pumped into the air. The most common materials used for building outdoor fountains are cast stone, ceramic, metal and fiberglass. Cast stone fountains can be shaped into virtually any design. They are known for their durability and reliability. Also, they are lighter than fountains made from real stone, but have a similar appearance and texture.

7. Driveways

A driveway for landscaping is a short road leading from a public road to a house or other building. If there is no parking allowed on your street, you can tell your visitors to park their cars in your driveway. Some driveways are only a few feet long, while others are many yards long and stretch to houses set far back from the public road. Concrete is the most durable and versatile driveway building material options. 

How Can Hardscaping Increase The Value Of A Home?

Installing hardscapes will have a positive effect on the value of your home in the future. The investment you make in hardscaping today will profit in the long run by amplifying the resale value of your house. 

A variety of hardscape colors and textures in the front outdoor living space imparts maximum visual appeal and adds to the aesthetic value of your house. Hardscapes can also make regular maintenance easier, such as building a tree ring from retaining wall units and surrounding it with pavers to lessen the requirement for trimming after mowing.

What Is The Relation Between Hardscape And Landscape?

The relationship between hardscape and landscape is that hardscape is the part of landscape. They are related but are completely different. Landscaping projects include hardscape and softscape projects. While softscape incorporates grass, vegetable gardens, shrubs, and other inclusions, hardscape includes ‘hard’ or solid landscaping additions. When working on a landscape project, hardscape and softscape should be taken into consideration. More consideration should be given to hardscape because of its influence on the yard’s structural purpose. Moreover, much of a landscape’s area is considered hardscape.

When you work on your hardscape project, your landscape will benefit. Any changes to runoff, patio dimension, bench placement, etc can greatly amplify your landscape’s overall feel. For example, controlling water runoff, rather than displacing it, is effective.

Similarly, build a hardscape that leads to a landscape’s destination. The pool, the shed, the house, and the gate should be center pieces. Your softscape plays a role. Softscape plants and trees collection should complement your hardscape. 

What Is The Difference Between Hardscape And Softscape?

The difference between hardscape and softscape is that hardscape is the hard elements in your yard which are made up of concrete, stone, and bricks. On the other hand, softscape is the soft, growing objects, like perennial flowers, succulents, shrubs, and trees. If you have a closer look towards hardscape vs. softscape, you will find all the softscape is living, whereas hardscape is non-living.

A well-designed landscape should incorporate a balance between the two elements. 

If you have excessive hardscape or softscape in a front yard it will affect your home’s curb appeal and might bring down your property’s resale values. When considering your backyard, excess of hardscape does not contribute to creating a relaxing and soothing atmosphere.