What is Hardscaping?

Did you come across the term “hardscaping” recently, but don’t know what it means? Well, if you’re not into landscaping there is a high chance that you’ve never heard about hardscaping before. But that’s no problem. We got you! So, what is hardscaping?

In short, hardscaping is the practice of integrating non-living elements in landscape design. Examples for hardscape elements are wood, concrete, stones, gravel, or bricks. In contrast, softscaping is the practice of integrating living elements (such as plants, flowers, or grass) in landscape design. Thus, landscaping can be seen as a combination of both, hardscaping and softscaping.

What is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping is one of the two main practices used in landscaping. Essentially, harscaping is the integration of solid, non-living elements to outdoor spaces like gardens, parks, yards, walkways or other public areas.

Thereby, non-living elements are things like stones, bricks, wood, or concrete. Any solid structure in an outdoor area that is not plant life, and thus man-made, is considered hardscape. These harder elements typically define the use of a space. For example, a gravel path will lead visitors through the different zones of a park or garden.

Overall, by including almost any type of decorative or practical structure in a landscape, hardscaping provides shape and functionality to these outdoor spaces. Also, incorporating hardscapes can increase usefulness, reduce maintenance and enhance your property’s aesthetics.

One thing is for sure: Without hardscaping, your landscaping project is doomed to fail!

But you should keep in mind that hardscaping alone is not enough to develop an entire landscape. This is where softscaping, the other one of the two main practices in landscaping, comes into play. As opposed to hardscaping, softscaping is the integration of all living and organic elements to outdoor spaces. Such elements can range from trees and flowers to shrubs or hedges.

Hardscape vs Softscape

Whereas hardscape elements like stones or wood are non-living materials, softscape elements like plants and flowers are living organisms. Hardscapes and sofscapes each serve different purposes and only work well when mixed together. For example, you probably wouldn’t enjoy a park without trees or grass, but you probably wouldn’t enjoy it without paths, playgrounds or other human-made elements either.

Thus, hardscape and softscape elements depend on each other to properly work. Whereas hardscapes provide the structure and stability to a landscape, only softscapes can make landscapes look inviting and human-/nature-friendly.

In the end, it is the combination of both, hardscapes and softscapes, that makes up for a good landscape!

	Hardscaping	Softscaping
State	non-living / human-made	living / natural
Purpose	structure & functionality	design & variability
Materials	organic materials	stones, bricks, woods, concrete, gravel
Examples	paths, bridges, driveways	plants, flowers, grass

Hardscape Examples

There are so many ways to use hardscape elements to enhance your landscape, whether you’re doing it privately at home or professionally as a landscaper.

Here are a few examples of hardscaping:

Fire pits

A designed outdoor fireplace or fire pit constructed of stone or brick is a useful hardscaping element that may improve the use and aesthetic of your outdoor area.

Stone pathways

Natural stone or concrete pathways are frequently used to construct stone paths. In order to prevent stomping any of your dirt or getting your feet muddy, stone pathways can provide you access to the various areas of your garden.

Vertical gardens

Vertical gardening is a great way to grow your own food quickly and with little water. In fact, vertical farming is booming. More and more homeowners are adding vertical gardens to their yards and gardens. Next to other hardscapes, a vertical garden is a great way to not only make your home look nice, but also more independent. Here is how to start vertical farming at home.

Retaining walls

Load-bearing retaining walls define the boundaries of a garden at the top or bottom of a hill, effectively preventing dirt and water flow that would otherwise obstruct the growth of softscape elements.

Gazebos and pergolas

Hardscaping includes freestanding buildings that may be placed in your outdoor living area. Examples include gazebos and pergolas, which can be used to create paths that are partially covered. They make your outdoor area more livable and offer shade and shelter for outdoor gatherings and events.

Indoor gardens

Indoor gardens are a mixture between hardscaping and architecture. This is because they are serving like a bridge between the inside of your house and the outdoor space. Adding an indoor garden is a great way to feel like you are outside, even though you are actually inside.

Decks and patios

Another type of hardscaping that may expand living space outside are structures like wooden patios and decks. Concrete or brick can be used, depending on the cost and care needed.

Fountains, ponds, waterfalls & swimming pools

Your backyard may have a natural focal point and a peaceful atmosphere thanks to water elements like fountains, concrete garden streams, or waterfalls. Landscape elements that include water, such as fountains or waterfalls, are called waterscapes.

Bridges

If you have some bigger water elements in your landscape, you should consider adding a bridge to it. Bridges can make parks and gardens look more human-friendly and invite people to walk over them.

Driveways

Thanks to driveways, you have a car path into your house. They can be formed of poured concrete, brick, stone, asphalt, or any other durable, load-bearing material that can withstand the elements. Most homes have a driveway already built in, however if a property has to be expanded or renovated due to severe wear, some homeowners opt to build brand-new driveways.

Arches

Arches are a perfect example for what hardscaping is. In fact, they can be very powerful hardscape elements, for example in parks or large gardens. The reason why they work so well in most landscape designs is because of their attracting appeal to walk through them. In fact, deep inside, humans like to achieve goals and because of their “finish-line” looking nature, arches are perfect elements to use in landscaping for encouraging people to walk through the landscape.

Stairs

Similar to pathways and bridges, stairs are another good example for hardscapes as they are usually made out of stones, bricks, or wood and invite people to walk through the landscape. Additionally, they can serve as an integrated part of landscape design. However, when adding stairs as hardscape element to your landscape design, be cautious to always provide an alternative route or path next to them, since not everyone is able to walk stairs.

Outdoor kitchens

Outdoor kitchens can be a great addition to your garden, but be cautious: they take extensive planning and construction. You must engage a qualified contractor if you wish to add a gas oven. The same would apply if you wanted to install a refrigerator or sink. Professionals with appropriate licenses should handle plumbing, electrical, and gas connections.

Paved roads

Ultimately, hardscapes cannot only be found in private areas or parks. In fact, you are probably driving over them every day. Yes, you’ve read correctly! Paved roads are an example of hardscaping too. In the end, they serve the same purpose as pathways in a garden or park, so why shouldn’t they be.

Walkways

Similar to paved roads, walkways are hardscapes too. Oftentimes you’ll even see that walkways are a combination of hardscapes and softscapes as trees and other plants are added onto or next to them.

Differences between Hardscaping vs Landscaping

Whereas the terms hardscaping and landscaping are used interchangeably, they actually mean two different things.

Landscaping is the practice of making a piece of land more attractive by altering the existing design, integrating functional features, and adding living elements like trees and shrubs. Thus, landscaping encompasses hardscaping and softscaping. Sometimes it even includes waterscaping.

Hardscaping:

We often get asked: “What is hardscaping?” The simple answer is that hardscaping is the process of adding non-living elements, such as paths, walls, or stairs, to a landscape. Thereby, each of these man-made items has a certain purpose and adds structure as well as functionality to a landscape.

Softscaping:

Softscaping is the practice of adding living and natural elements, such as grass, trees, or shrubs, to a landscape. Consequently, the goal of softscaping is to create a welcoming appeal and thus, to have a more valuable landscape.

Waterscaping:

Waterscaping is a sub-form of hardscaping and involves the integration of water elements into a landscape. Waterscapes can range from fountains to ponds, swimming pools, and even to waterfalls.

Pros & Cons of Hardscaping

Pros of Hardscaping

1. Hardscaping adds structure, stability & functionality

The biggest benefit of hardscaping is that you can add structure and stability to your garden or landscaping project. Hardscapes will make landscapes look more clean and tidy. In addition, hardscape elements like stones, wood, or pergolas can invite people to walk through the landscape, enjoy nice views, or just sit down somewhere and relax. And finally, hardscapes can make your property more accessible, not only to those with mobility issues.

2. Hardscaping improves the design of your landscape

Hardscaping is a great way to customize your garden or yard and make it stand out from others. Also, by adding unique items like statues or by integrating landscaping elements like ponds or pools, you can make your garden stay in people’s minds as well as express your own taste. Overall, hardscaping will increase the curb appeal of your property.

3. Hardscaping adds value to your property

It’s no secret that, if you want to sell your property, potential buyers will judge your house and garden based on their perception of quality. This is where hardscaping has some of its biggest strengths, because it shows that you didn’t only think about your house’s design, but also about the design of your garden or yard. That way, hardscaping adds value to your property and you’ll be able to ask for a higher price when selling your house.

4. Hardscaping makes outdoor living more enjoyable

Ultimately, hardscaping encourages people to enjoy the outside. Just think about a garden without a patio, deck, lights, or other elements. Or about a park without benches, statues, pergolas, or stairs. Would be pretty boring, right? Furthermore, hardscaping is a great winter gardening activity, when working with softscapes, such as flowers or bushes, is not possible.

Cons of Hardscaping

1. Hardscaping can be very costly

You have to be ready to pay quite a bit of money in order to create high-quality and durable hardscapes. First, the materials that you need are going to be very costly. Finding the right stones, woods, and other resources you need for hardscaping isgoing to be a challenge, also financially. So be prepared and don’t be shocked when shopping for such materials. Second, depening on what kind of hardscape you want, it might be better to get some professional support, which will obviously add to the costs. This brings us to the next con of hardscaping.

2. Hardscaping requires professional expertise

Just imagine you would like to have a small pond in your garden. Would you know how to build it, especially so that it is secure and the water will stay clean in the long-term. Probably not, right? That’s why hardscaping often requires professional expertise. Be prepared that not all of your wishes might come true in the end, as they have to survive the reality-check.

3. Hardscaping requires maintenance

Believe it or not, hardscaping can be quite time intensive. For example, in case you have some outdoor architecture like pergolas, arches or winter gardens, you will have to regularly check them on their functonality as well as paint them as weather and environmental conditions will leave its marks on such hardscaping elements. Also, if you have a pond or pool, you will often need to clean the water to maintain the quality of such elements.

4. Hardscaping can damage the environment

This should be obviuos, but unfortunately it seems that many people tend to forget about the environmental impact of hardscaping. Whereas they want to enjoy the outside, they often ignore the negative consequences their hardscaping elements have on the environment.

Why is Hardscaping Important?

Hardscaping is an essential element to every landscape design. Without hardscaping, outdoor spaces would be boring and less enjoyable. In addition, there wouldn’t be any structure that could provide stability to plants and other natural landscaping elements.

Just think about what kind of hardscape elements you are seeing every day. These can range from your driveway, over your children’s playground, and your flowerbeds, to your patio. Now imagine how your life would be without these things. Probably pretty boring, right?

Top 5 Hardscaping Tips

1. Plan your hardscaping project well

Planning is key in hardscaping. Before you go and start projects, make sure to break your goal into smaller chunks, so that it’s not too overwhelming. Also, keep your finances in mind by doing some research on expected costs. If you are planning to start a bigger project, keep mind that this can also impact your energy costs. Here are some ways to save energy at home. Finally, don’t forget to check if your project is at all feasible. For example, it’s not always possible to add hardscapes to your garden or landscape.

2. Only hardscape in favourable weather

Hardscaping can be a tough job, although it is fun at the same time. But in unfavourable weather conditions it can become a nightmare. That’s why you should plan when you are gong to hardscape beforehand. Usually it is best to hardscape in spring, early summer, and early fall, as temperatures are still moderate and it is unlikely to rain in these periods of the year.

3. Rent heavy equipment if needed

When in the process of adding hardscapes to your project, don’t try to force things with your own physical power. You will see that there are many tasks that are physically demanding. Thus, if possible and needed, rent heavy equipment for these kind of jobs. The benefit of renting equipment instead of buying it is that, if you need a certain type of machine only for one project, it will be cheaper for you in the end. In fact, rental stores can be lifesavers for do-it-yourselfers.

4. Fit your hardscape to its surroundings

Your hardscapes will only shine if they fit well with the surroundings of the landscape. This allows the two environments to appear to flow together seamlessly. If for example, there is wood on the exterior of your house, try incorporating wood elements into your hardscaping. Gardening magazines are a great resource of inspiration here.

5. Further customize with softscapes

Hardscaping is only one side of the coin! Once you are done with hardscaping, don’t just forget about the project, but add softscapes like grass, trees, flowers, and shrubs to further customize your landscape. When adding flower, it will be important to consider the blooming seasons for each flower type. For example, roses tend to bloom throughout the summer months, whereas other flowers will bloom during spring or fall. In the end, softscapes are what makes your garden or backyard unique and memorable.

Hardscape Maintenance

Compared to landscaping, hardscaping needs far less attention and maintenance. However, hardscape surfaces might suffer from exposure to the outdoors and the changing of the seasons. Because of this, maintaining your hardscaping materials on a regular basis and implementing preventative actions may greatly extend their lifespan. Your wood fences and other hardscape surfaces may avoid cracks, chips, and other damage by having a protective coating applied to them. Your outdoor materials’ appearance may be refreshed and renewed with a new layer of stain or sealer. Filling in the gaps between pavers can help prevent weed growth and moisture that could increase the gaps and lead to further damage.

Hardscape Cleaning

The attractive appearance of your outdoor elements will last longer if you take the time to clean up spills and dirt. Additionally, unwelcome fungi like mildew and mold may make your hardscaping slick and ugly in addition to staining it. By getting rid of them, you can safeguard your family’s safety and the durability of your hardscaping materials. Take into account the equipment and cleaning solutions you’re using while cleaning your hardscaping. On many of your surfaces, wire brushes and powerful scrapers could leave scratches and dents. Additionally, although using a power washer to thoroughly clean surfaces like flagstone or concrete is useful, it may harm materials like composite decking or even wood. Be careful when cleaning and maintaining your hardscaping!

Hardscaping and Nature

You might tend to forget about this but hardscaping can be damaging to nature. Essentially, every kind of artificial environment will have its toll on nature, whether small- or large-scale.

Every element that you add or remove to or from a landscape means that there will be changes to the microsystem (the small ecosystem around these elements).

For example, if you add a stone surface next to your house, where once might have been grass with worms that birds could eat, there is now nothing that is of value to nature anymore.

Of course, the environmental impact of alandscaping project will hugely depend on the scale of it. Hardscaping an entire park will of course have a greater impact on the environment than hardscaping a small garden. But still: small things add up and can have a huge combined impact.

Thus, while planning your hardscaping project, take environmental consequences into account and try to search for ways to reduce these.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waterscaping?

Waterscaping is the practice of integrating water-related features, such as ponds, pools, fountains, or waterfalls, into landscape design to make a outdoor spaces more visually appealing. Being a sub-category of hardscaping, waterscaping is perfcect for those who want to add diversity to their garden. Though, keep in mind that this might influence your water bills. Here are some ways to save water.

What Is Tropiscaping?

Tropiscaping is the art of adding tropical elements, such as small waterfalls, fruit trees, and tropical gardens to their backyard. Thus, tropiscaping is the same as landscaping, but with a focus on tropical features and design. This makes it very interesting for those who want to recreate a tropical rainforest in their backyard.

What are Hardscaping Materials?

Hardscaping materials can include stones, bricks, wood, plastics, gravel, or concrete. Essentially, hardscaping materials include all non-living materials.

How much does Hardscaping Cost?

The cost of your hardscaping project will depend on your individual wishes as well as the state of your environment. For example, if you merely want to add a small path through your garden, the only thing you will need is a shovel and gravel, stones, and bricks. These materals are probably not going to cost more than $500. However, if you plan to add a pond or other bigger hardscaping feature, you will have to be prepared to spend an amount of more than $2,000.

Can you Hardscape in an Aquarium?

Yes, you can! By adding stones and other features your fishes might enjoy, you can hardscape in an aquarium.