What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping is in reference to any artificial formation within a landscape design that is made of inorganic materials such as gravel, pavers, brick, wood, or stone. Any substantial structure in an outdoor space that is not natural is deemed hardscape. Some instances of hardscaping features include fountains, driveways, fire features, patios, and pathways. In contrast, soft scaping is the form of landscape design that mainly deals with natural, living material like shrubs, trees, and flower boxes.
The Differences Between Hardscaping and Landscaping
Hardscaping is in reference to the structures within landscaping that are comprised of inorganic materials. Each landscape design composes of a series of hardscaping attributes—including pathways, gravel paths, water features, and structural focal points—and soft scaping attributes—which are any plants such flowers or shrubs—that flatter and support one another. Hardscaping is inorganic and usually provides the groundwork for soft scaping, which develops and transforms.
7 Types of Hardscaping
There is a wide variety of materials and products that can be used to devise a hardscaping design for your outdoor area. The following is an overview of 7 kinds of hardscape features.
- Fire Pits: A built-in outdoor fire feature constructed of stone or brick is functional hardscaping that can make your outdoor area more livable and comforting.
- Stone Walkways: Stone walkways are usually comprised of materials such as concrete pavers or natural stone. They can give you accessibility to the various areas of your yard that helps you avoid stepping on any of your landscaping or getting your shoes dirty.
- Retaining Walls: A retaining wall is an embankment that draws the boundary of a garden at the top of an incline, or the bottom of an incline, successfully blocking dirt and water run-off that could otherwise interrupt growing softscape.
- Pergolas And Gazebos: Free-standing structures in your outdoor living area such as pergolas and gazebos—which are partly-shaded pathways—are types of hardscaping that come in a multitude of sizes, shapes, materials, and motifs. They offer shade and shelter throughout open-air gatherings and make your outdoor area more livable.
- Patios And Decks: Structures such as a patio and wooden decking are another type of hardscaping that can expand living area into an outdoor space. You can utilize materials such as brick or concrete subject to the expense and required maintenance.
- Fountains: Water features such as fountains or rocky garden streams can provide your backyard with a natural centerpiece and a comforting ambience.
- Driveways: Driveways provide you with a vehicle path onto your property. They can be made out of poured concrete, pavers, brick, asphalt, or any other solid, weather and load-bearing material. Houses are going to typically come with a built-in driveway, nevertheless, many homeowners decide to hardscape new driveways when they decide for an expansion or renovate following excessive wear.
How Hardscaping Can Increase the Value of a Home
Hardscaping any part on your property could be expensive; however, it can increase the value of your home. Features such as fire features, outdoor kitchens, or flagstone patio pavers can make your outdoor area more livable and add to the visual appeal, practicality, and value of your home.
Landscaping Materials Phoenix by A&A Materials, Inc.
A & A Materials, Inc., located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers Landscaping Materials for your landscaping needs. Call us at 480-990-0557 for more information.