Change the Look of Your Yard with Hardscape

Here’s What Hardscape Is and How It Can Help You

When you look outside your home, do you feel there's something missing? Do you admire the look of your neighbor's patio and picture something like that for you? Well, hardscaping may be the thing you need.



What Is Hardscape?

Hardscape is a type of landscaping and refers to decorative and non-living elements around your home. Hardscape can help organize and define certain areas to make them more functional and appealing to you. Some of these areas include patios, fountains, sidewalks and fences.

Hardscaping can help you improve some of the large focal points around your home that can add or take away from its overall appearance. Now that you know what it is, you probably have ideas in your head of things you can possibly do. If not, keep reading, and we'll give you a few.

Four Types of Hardscape

1. Patio

Patios are a popular area often used for social gatherings ranging from a backyard barbecue to lunch with a friend. There are many types of materials to choose from when hardscaping this area. This includes concrete, tile, and brick.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance look, then concrete is the way to go. However, if you're going for a more classy or fancy look, a tile or brick patio may provide this for you.

2. Walkways and Sideways

Your walkways and sidewalks may take a constant beating during hot and cold weather depending on your climate. This can lead to cracks and holes that only worsen as time goes on. Although their function is mostly for walking, you don't want to look at an eyesore as you stroll up to your door.

Hardscaping, your walkways and sidewalks with materials like brick or cobblestone can make them look more appealing. It can also help with drainage if you live in an area that receives lots of rain.

3. Fountains

Fountains are also a part of hardscaping because they add to your home's outside design. With so many types to choose from, you can find fountains made of ceramic, clay, or stone. If you are big on do-it-yourself projects, you can even build your own. If not, a landscaping contractor can also help you.

A fountain is a nice decorative piece that can add an attractive look to your home or garden. The sound of the water going through them is also very calming. And we're sure the birds flying around your home will enjoy it too.

4. Fences and Walls

Fences and walls are other structures that can be used when hardscaping. While they're known for providing privacy and protection, they're also great for decorating. Depending on your situation, you may prefer to have a stone wall or beautiful stained fence going around your perimeter instead of a chain-linked fence.

Things To Consider Before You Begin

Landscaping

Take a look at the whole area around the space you plan to hardscape. Make sure your ideas for the new space won't clash with anything that's already there. Also, consider any possible problems or issues that could arise while completing it.

Drainage

Drainage is another issue that needs to be considered. Before starting a project, make sure you have the proper drainage you need for any new materials or elements you install. The last thing you need is to see pools of water forming at the base of your project every time it rains. You also don't want it to cause additional problems for yourself, such as a leaky basement due to a new drainage issue in your yard.

Weather 

Although it may not be first on your mind, you need to consider what the weather conditions will be while you're completing your project. For example, if you have a project that requires concrete, you shouldn't start it the day before it rains. Instead, you want to make sure it will be warm for a while to give the concrete time to dry.

Also, look at the season or time of year that you will be working. For example, you don't want to start an outdoor project in the winter if there's a good chance it might snow.

Complexity

Depending on the project, hardscaping can be difficult to do. Before starting a project yourself, consider all the tools and materials you'll need. Also, consider the weight and accessibility of these things. For example, if your project includes lifting heavy wood or stones and you have little to no help, you may need to rethink it. Likewise, if the equipment you need is too expensive, unavailable, or takes skill and experience to use, you may need to consider hiring a landscaping contractor instead.

Ask a Professional

If you enjoy the challenge of taking on a home project, then you'll enjoy hardscaping around your home. However, if you don't have the time or decide your project is too big, contact us for help. At Canepa Landscaping, we offer hardscape services to help you improve your yard, patio, deck and more. For more information, call us at (707) 322-7007 or contact us online at canepalandscaping.com.

Sources:

What Is Hardscape? (thespruce.com)

How to Create a Successful Hardscape | HGTV