What Does Hardscape Mean?

Have you ever visited a friend, walked into their backyard, and been met with a beautiful patio, pool or fire pit? A hardscape can be almost any non-living, decorative or functional structure found in a landscape. Contrary to a softscape, which is the living and organic elements of your landscape such as grass and other greenery, hardscapes are typically exactly what you would think of, definite, and organizational features necessary to any landscape. Things such as driveways, pools, retaining walls, patios, walkways and fences all fall under this landscaping sub category. We understand that the meaning of many of these phrases can get lost or be unclear, so we wanted to take the time to help you understand what exactly a hardscape is.

What is Hardscape Construction?

As aforementioned, hardscapes are typically very functional within your landscape. Serving a purpose broader than aesthetics or beauty, hardscape layout and design is much more centered around efficiency, flow and maximizing space. Retaining walls and stairs can connect or even out hilly parts of your property. They can also improve your irrigation, preventing standing water or too much runoff. On the other hand, patios can give you the perfect outdoor amenity for hosting your friends or spending quality time with the family. Overall, hardscapes are about making your life easier, and creating livable outdoor areas that you love to spend time in.

Hardscaping Materials

Having discussed ways in which hardscaping is commonly put into practice, another important topic is the materials with which we hardscape. Knowing which materials to use not only for functionality, but to create a visually pleasing environment is key to any hardscape project. If you want a versatile, durable and low maintenance material, pavers might be for you. If you are looking for something more stylish, hip and modern, then natural stone may be the way to go. Typically classic materials such as asphalt, brick and concrete are going to be relatively affordable, durable and simplistic. It all comes down to personal preference and working with your landscaping contractor to feel out what best suits your needs.

Hardscaping Benefits

• Curb Appeal

Just like a new plant bed, a gorgeous new patio can do wonders for your curb appeal, and the value of your home. Most individuals are not going to trek into the open house of a home that looks poor from the outside, or even give it a second thought. Whether it is a new pool, driveway or an outdoor kitchen, hardscapes compliment your landscape in a way that is hard to find elsewhere in the landscaping industry.

• Commercial Properties

Pathways, patios and stone all work together to provide commercial properties with healthier, more prevalent common areas for tenants. Beautifying your commercial property with landscaping is nice, but when it comes to modern America, it’s all about efficiency and ease of access. Provide a well lit, comfortable patio, and people will feel right at home, enjoying time spent together. Fostering community, boosting morale and looking good are just a few benefits that a new hardscape can bring to your property.

At Pezza, we have numerous styles of pavers and natural stone available to you on your journey to the hardscape of your dreams. Our team is eager to help.

Pezza Landscape, Inc. is a full-service landscaping company proudly serving the greater Naperville area, including Warrenville, Wheaton, Winfield, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (630) 393-7373 or visit our website to get in touch.