You may be looking into upgrading your outdoor space and find yourself asking, what is hardscaping?

Hardscaping – or hardscapes– refers to the branch of landscaping that includes the hard elements, such as a brick patio, a stone wall, or a wooden pergola. It is one of the two major subcategories of landscaping. In turn, “softscape” refers to all living and organic elements in a garden or on a lawn, such as trees, flowers, and grass.

Hardscaping can include many different types of decorative or practical structure in a landscape, from driveways to walkways, and firepits to pergolas. Hardscape is a critical part of landscape design, providing definition and a sense of organization to the natural areas and features.

Examples of hardscapes include-

Paved walkways and stairs

Retaining walls and fences

Patios and decking

Yard ornaments, rocks, and water fixtures

Firepits

Pergolas and gazebos

Outdoor kitchens and grilling stations

Edging, mulching, and more!

Hardscaping incorporates many design elements to enhance the appearance of your yard.  While it does wonders for beautifying your outdoor living space, it’s not just for the aesthetics. For instance, fences offer privacy and safety while also providing solid property lines for defining the division of yards. Also, pergolas, while beautiful and decorative they add shade which amplifies your outdoor entertainment space. Same goes for retaining walls, when added in they provide a nice decorative touch all while also keeping your landscaping in its proper place.

If you’re looking for a summer project to enhance the appearance, value, and functionality of your home consider some of these various hardscapes. There is no doubt that hardscapes offer more durability than soft landscapes. The initial investment into a hardscape project may cost more than it would to simply touch up a garden, however, the lasted value will help your money to go a lot further.

The hardscaping professionals at Exterior Enterprises are well versed in all sorts of different designs. We will help you design the best fitting elements for your home while using top of the line products. All to ensure your satisfaction but also the longevity of each element.

Contact us to get a quote and discuss your options today!