What is Hardscape?

Hardscape is any non-living element used in landscaping design. It represents the moveable and inanimate materials like stones, gravel, bricks, fences, posts, lights and tiles. Hardscape is a practical and sustainable measure. The variety of stones and gravels like pea gravel, decomposed granite, pavers and concrete can be used in order to channel and conserve water especially in drought affected areas. The hardscape design looks far more attractive in comparison to leaving the dead grass in place or the brown exposed dirt. Hardscaping design and construction is expected to complement the natural habitat and preserve it.

Some common hardscape features are as follows:

• Patios, stone construction or brick work
• Walkways of stones
• Fences and decks made of wood
• Retaining walls
• Driveways
• Fixtures and lights
• Metal, tile or stone pergolas
• Arbors and gazebos

Water features can generate different elegant and functional hardscape elements. Those ceramics and stone fountains can direct the natural water in the back or front yard building that creates a pleasing contrasting effect between the gentle flowing and harder texture fountain. This creates a pleasing environment in the time of spring. At this time, the pleasant rainfall emphasizes the softscape feature creating a beautiful balance with the hardscapes.

The retaining walls are both functional and aesthetic making them the much-demanded outdoor addition. They are placed on hills or sloppy areas to hold the soil in place as well as separate the soil at two distinct elevations for erosion control.

The fire pits also generate good hardscape additions. Stone or brick paved areas with controlled fires in the backyard makes up an amazing space for all sorts of social gatherings like parties, barbecues, meeting space or relaxing ground.

Hardscape Vs Softscape

Hardscaping includes all the nonliving elements of the backyard design like patio, deck, paving or concrete. Softscaping includes all the natural elements that includes natural lawn and garden beds.

The difference between hardscape and softscape under pre-defined features are as follows:

• Heat: On hot days, the lawn is 30 degrees lower than concrete and paving stones, 20 degrees lower than artificial turf, and 14 degrees lower than bare land.
  In hot climates, this is an aspect to consider when choosing the ratio of hardscape to softscape in the design.
• Installation cost: Hardscapes are usually installed in the early stages of landscaping, but you can add many hardscape elements at any time. These items are significantly higher than the cost of installing a lawn and depend on the choice of plants and the bed in the garden.
  Many elements of hardscapes such as ponds, pools and decks require expert knowledge and experience for proper installation. Hiring an expert increases the overall cost of the hardscape. Both are investments in your home and lifestyle, and most homeowners believe they are worth the money for the fun they receive in return.
  Therefore, if you don’t have the time and skills to do it yourself, you’ll need an experienced landscape architect to install it, which will increase your budget.
• Maintenance and care: Most hardscape features such as sidewalks, walls and patios require minimal maintenance after installation, while other features such as ponds and pools require frequent maintenance and maintenance. Lawns are usually easier to maintain than pools, depending on the type of grass you plant or set up. However, a healthy lawn requires regular chores such as mowing, fertilizing, and weeding.
• Resale price: Does your property offer future fragmentation and development opportunities?
  If the entire outdoor facility is paved (such as pavement or concrete), everything will have to be demolished to develop, which is an additional cost and hassle.
  If you live in a small area and most people buying in that area are looking for a property with less maintenance, more Hardscape elements can be attractive.