What is Hardscape: Overview of the Things You Need to Know

There are two primary categories when it comes to landscaping. These are hardscaping and softscaping. This article will focus more on the former as it discusses what is hardscape and some of the necessary information about it.

What is Hardscape?

Hardscape refers to the non-living parts or elements of a landscape design, which is in contrast to what softscape is. Stone walls, brick patios, cement walkways, and concrete water fountains comprise hardscape. Hardscaping is the process of installing these elements. It includes the building of any kind of ornamental or practical edifice in a landscape; from stone walkways to driveways, outdoor kitchens to a fully functional outdoor living space.

Difference Between Hardscape and Softscape?

Knowing the difference between hardscape and softscape will help you better understand and imagine a Hardscape contractor’s suggestions and ideas. It may also make you feel more confident when suggesting design ideas, which would then lead to the best results in remodeling your home.

One of the easiest ways to differentiate the two is by taking their terms as they are. Hardscape pertains to the hard stuff in a yard, as already enumerated previously. On the other hand, softscape applies to growing things such as grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Common Hardscape Projects

1. Stone fountain – This is a delightful piece of art if done carefully by an expert. Aside from standing out, it also provides a haven for visiting birds. Indeed, it is a wonderful hardscape addition to your garden.

2. Retaining rock wall – Mainly functions as an erosion deterrent, it could also be designed in such a way that would add character to your front or backyard. This rock wall can be dry-stacked or mortared, with the latter recommended for walls higher than three feet.

3. Concrete path or walkway – A walkway makes traveling from the gate to your front door easier and more comfortable. This is especially true during days when grass is wet, and the soil is muddy.

4. Brick patio or Stone Patio – A classic style of a patio that would provide a unique atmosphere to your home. A simple brick pattern, one which does not require much cutting, is recommended as it is eye-catching and the quality is long-lasting.

5. Cement fences – An unusual type of fence, but should also be an option for a willing homeowner. Not the most stylish of fences, but perhaps it is the most secure.

Purpose of Hardscaping

The most obvious reason to hardscape is to enhance a yard’s aesthetics. But it is actually more than that!

Aside from that, adding hardscape to your landscape improves its functionality. For instance, cement walkways and retaining walls can help you and your visitors walk easily on tilting or bumpy ground. It also prevents soil from eroding.

Benefits of Hardscaping

Here are the other benefits of hardscaping aside from improving the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space:

• It increases the value of your property. Creating a few structures outside your house adds more usable space to your lot, thus increasing its overall selling value.

• It provides additional entertainment options. A well-designed patio or gazebo is a great space to welcome your guests or your own family to hang out.

• It allows you to spend more time outdoors. Comfortable outside spaces prevent you from spending too much time inside the house, allowing you to breathe fresh air more often.

• It does not require too much maintenance. This is perhaps the best benefit you can get from hardscaping. Once hardscape is installed, it decreases the areas that you have to water or mow every day. Hardscape also lasts a very long time before it would need repairs.

Some Tips to Maximize Hardscaping

Here are some tips when designing your hardscape. 1. Make sure that any hardscape you install in your lot has a purpose. Never put anything there just for the sake of having one. After identifying its reason for being there, then you can focus on how to make it more pleasing to the eyes. 2. Most homeowners match the hardscape’s design to the design of their house. This makes the whole property feel more seamless and harmonious. 3. Take into account the drainage system of your house. You can improve your drainage first to ensure that your newly-installed hardscape will not be flooded in the long run. 4. Incorporate curved edges to your hardscape’s design to give it a more organic or natural look. Straight lines provide an artificial appearance, although some prefer it that way. 5. Do not forget to find the right balance between hardscape and softscape. Include bushes and plants appropriately.

Cleaning and Maintenance for your new Hardscape

Even though hardscape does not need that much maintenance, you still need to keep it clean and tidy as much as possible.

Weather and exposure to outside elements can shorten the life of some of your hardscape, especially those that are made of wood or stone Applying sealant to stone patio will help them last longer by protecting it from the harsh weather.Getting rid of mold and mildew not only adds to the visual appeal but also keep you and your family protected from diseases that it might cause.

Consider the cleaning materials and tools that you will use and make sure that they don’t damage your existing hardscape.

Hardscape Company

Finding the right hardscape company is the key to making the most out of your budget. Expert hardscape installers know what they are doing because they have been in the industry for so many years it is ideal to hire a professional skilled mason company. skilled masons our experts at building with stone, brick and concrete materials. A Hardscape company can offer design ideas that can provide a fully functional outdoor living for you and your family along with fitting your budget.

Hardscape Contractors

Hiring professionals skilled masons to do your hardscaping is critical for the success of your projects. You can always do it yourself, but you do not have to take the risk of not getting it right the first time.
If you are not well-versed when it comes to stonework or brickwork, or if you do not like trial and error, then hiring a professional masonry company is the way to go when planning your hardscape project.

Hiring a masonry company will not only save you time and money. It will also reduce your risk of injuring yourself while working. Stacking rocks or pouring out concrete in your front lawn presents a lot of hazards and require if you are not a skilled mason and adequately trained.

Masonry contractors are easy to find and luckily you landed on the right page! Alexander and Xavier Masonry has skilled masons to get the outdoor living construction done properly. Give us a call today to discuss your hardscape project!

Conclusion

The right mix of hardscape and softscape provides your home a more stunning look and better functionality. To save time and money and to make installation a lot safer, hiring a hardscape company is a must.

Hope this short overview helps you know more about what is hardscape so you can make the best financial decisions for your home-improvement projects.

What is Hardscape: Overview of the Things You Need to Know