
When designing your outdoor space, there are a few specific elements to consider. Soft aspects of the landscape such as greenery bring life and vibrancy, while hardscaping adds structure with patios or paths. When these two components blend together correctly, you can create an ideal environment for entertaining guests or simply relaxing outdoors with family!
Hardscape vs. Landscape
When crafting and designing your outdoor space, you may hear the concepts of “hardscape” and “landscape.” But what do these terms mean? Being informed about their definitions can help stimulate creativity for your own design ideas as well as teach you how to properly maintain them after completion. By knowing the distinction between hardscaping and landscaping, not only will you comprehend your remodeling contractor’s vision but also have better command over caring for this new area in the future.
What Is Hardscape?
To put it simply, hardscaping refers to any non-living elements that are included in a landscape design. This includes the harder components such as paving stones, bricks, rocks, or wood and man-made structures like decks, patio covers, or pergolas which enhance the beauty of your landscaping. Hardscape is a staple in the majority of homes, providing accessibility to windows, doors and outdoor areas. Furthermore, hardscape helps set off an outdoor pool deck by preventing water absorption. Unregulated rainwater or sprinkler systems can damage your home’s exterior if not properly guarded with hardscape – safeguarding its edges from weathering away over time. Furthermore, hardscape features offer structural security to any landscape. Brick walls and footings protect a yard from regular wear and tear while also giving added support for aesthetic purposes. Hardscape installations are often customizable as well, allowing you to maintain decorative areas like stone benches, vertical walls or paved walkways that all have their own purpose in unifying the overall look of your outdoor space.
What Is Landscape?
Landscaping involves adding “living” elements like grass, trees, plants, and flowers to your design. When used wisely, these components can easily turn your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis. Perfectly combining the hardscape with landscaping is where it gets tricky – but don’t worry! With some careful planning and creative vision, you’ll get there in no time.Benefits of Adding Hardscaping to Your Landscaping
Hardscaping is not only about the beautiful appearance it adds to your outdoor space – it serves an essential purpose as well. When selecting materials, and formulating a layout and design for your hardscaping project, remember that these elements should be chosen with efficiency, flow and aesthetics in mind. For instance, retaining walls or stone stairways can help even out sloping or hilly grounds while adding visual appeal. Not only do they enhance drainage and reduce runoff during heavy rainstorms, but materials such as stone, rock, and concrete can also help dry up the surrounding soil. This assists in preventing standing water, over-watering of plants or lawns, algae growth, and mildew infestation—as well as unwanted pests. Fences are also great for keeping your home secure while offering privacy by properly defining property lines to section off designated areas in your backyard that you may wish to use for other activities. When well-crafted and thoughtfully arranged, hardscaping enables a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors. Constructing an outdoor kitchen or patio provides amenities equal in quality to those inside your house. Installing an outdoor fireplace or fire pit will let you enjoy your yard even when temperatures drop. Not only does having a livable area outside promote more time spent with family outdoors, but it also serves as a great place for entertaining friends!