What is a hardscape? And does it belong in your backyard? Here’s a quick intro into the landscaping secret pros use to turn average designs into amazing ones. First, let’s start with the question we hear a lot: “What is hardscape?”
Hardscape refers to the more permanent areas of landscape design that are not living, but rather created with materials such as concrete, wood, and stone. They can be functional, such as retaining walls. They can be for entertainment, as in swimming pools. Or they can be purely for visual enjoyment, like water fountains. Hardscapes can be planned and installed to fit any design style and are often the secret weapon landscape design professionals use to create memorable landscapes that stand out from the crowd.
Here are a few hardscape ideas that can be easily added to existing landscapes or used when planning new ones:
Patios & Firepits
Patios and firepits are hardscape elements that expand your living space instantly. Patios and firepits are built on flat surfaces at ground level and typically use materials such as stone pavers, bricks, or poured concrete. Lighting can be added for dramatic effect as well as functionality and safety. Firepits can be rustic installations or high-tech and often surrounded by pavers, stone, decomposed granite, field stone or sand.
Driveways
Want to make a great first impression? Your driveway is probably one of the biggest hardscapes you already have but forget about for landscaping improvements. When it comes to creating curb appeal, driveways are one of the most prominent hardscape features a home has. Driveways can be transformed by changing their shape, dimensions and materials used to create focal points you can be proud of. Materials used should complement the architecture of your home and can include: pavers, gravel, grass block pavers, asphalt, poured concrete, decomposed granite, and brick. What can really made them stand out is mixing in a green, living element such as grass or ground cover artistically worked into the design.
Other hardscape elements include Fences & Gates, Landscape Lighting Systems, Retaining Walls, Swimming Pools and Fountains.
Beyond visual or entertainment appeal, hardscape elements in your landscaping add value to your property by improving the overall value and curb appeal of your home. If you’re interested in adding new hardscape elements to your home, commercial or public works landscape, our team at Rainscape has the skill and experience to help you design and install the right choices for your vision. For additional information, contact our landscaping design experts at (559) 651-2333.