Your gardener may employ the phrases “hardscape” and “landscape” while building and planning your landscape. But what exactly do such phrases imply? Understanding the distinction between the 2 may help you visualize and comprehend your landscaper’s concepts, and it may even inspire you to construct your own layout. This will also assist you in learning and comprehending how to appropriately manage your beautiful place after it is finished.
What is hardscaping?
Any landscape design that is composed of lifeless materials such as gravel, brick, wood, pavers, or stone is referred to as hardscaping. Hardscape refers to any non-plant life solid construction in an outdoor environment. Driveways, patios, fountains, fire pits, and pathways are examples of hardscape elements. Softscaping, on the other hand, is a type of landscape design that focuses on organic, living materials like trees, bushes, and flower beds.
Difference between landscaping and hardscaping:
The constructions in landscaping that are composed of non-living materials are referred to as hardscaping. A number of hardscaping components, such as pathways, gravel roads, fountains, and structural accents, are included in every landscape design. Softscaping elements include any plants, such as flowers or trees that complement, and support one another. Hardscaping is inert and frequently serves as the foundation for softscaping, which develops and changes through time.
Types of hardscaping:
- Fire pits: A built-in outdoor fireplace or fire pit constructed of brick or stone is a useful hardscaping feature that may enhance the usability and relaxation of your outdoor area.
- Natural stone or concrete pavers are commonly used to create stone paths. They may provide you access to various areas of your garden, allowing you to avoid stomping any soil or getting your feet muddy.
- Containment walls: Retaining walls are load-bearing walls that define the limit of a garden at the top or bottom of a slope, successfully preventing dirt and water runoff from interfering with the growth of softscape.
- Gazebos and pergolas: Gazebos and pergolas, which are partially-shaded pathways, are freestanding buildings in your outdoor living space that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and themes. They give shade and protection during outdoor events and improve the usability of your outdoor area.
- Decks and patios: Wooden decks and patios are another type of hardscaping that may be used to extend living space into the outdoors. Depending on the cost and maintenance needs, you can choose brick or concrete.
- Water elements such as fountains or concrete garden streams may provide a natural focal point and a relaxing atmosphere in your backyard.
- Driveways: Driveways provide a method for cars to enter your property. They can be constructed out of poured concrete, brick, stone, asphalt, or any other weather- and load-bearing material. Although a property often comes with a built-in driveway, some homeowners prefer to hardscape new driveways if they wish to expand or alter their home after it has been subjected to significant damage.
Why should your yard need hardscaping?
It’s more than just looks when it comes to hardscaping your yard. It has a role and is critical to the overall functionality of your outdoor space. It’s crucial to think about how your hardscaping materials, layout, and design will affect the efficiency, flow, and appearance of your landscape while planning and selecting them.
Sloped or uneven soil can be leveled by retaining walls and stone staircases or walkways. They can also aid in improving drainage and reducing runoff in places that are prone to flooding. Materials like stone, granite, and concrete can help dry the soil around them by absorbing heat from the sun. Standing water, over-watering, algae and mildew, and unwelcome bugs may all be avoided.
Fences and gates provide your house privacy and security. They establish your property boundary and divide off different portions of your yard that you might choose to utilize for other things. When properly designed and executed, hardscaping also creates a seamless transition from the interior to the exterior of your house.
Final thoughts:
Although hardscaping any construction on your site is expensive, it may raise the value of your house. If you’re a homeonwer on the city of Seattle try hardscaping Seattle contractor. Features such as a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, or flagstone patio tiles may improve the visual appeal, utility, and value of your home’s outside space.
