Hardscape construction – otherwise known as hardscaping – is one of the two main types of landscaping and includes all the non-living elements of your landscape. (The other chief landscaping category is softscaping, which refers to your lawn, plants, trees, and flowers.)

Hardscape construction can include virtually any decorative or practical addition to your landscaping, including:

• Brick patios offer homeowners an upscale look for a classic gathering place.

• Concrete patios – Perfect for people who want a deck but also want something a little lower.

• Flagstone patios – A low-cost option that nonetheless provides a lovely natural look.

• Gravel pathways – Often an affordable alternative to brick or stone walks.

• Stone walkways – Perfect for paths through your garden

• Metal fences – These can include coated steel or iron. If you're not a fan of how metal looks, you can always opt for wood.

Wooden arbors, gazebos, and pergolas – These structures serve a practical purpose – a place to get out of the sun – while also decorating your landscape. A pergola is similar to an arbor and attaches to your house or other buildings on your property.

Water features such as ponds and fountains – Growing plants in or around water features is a great way to merge softscaping and hardscaping.

Hardscape vs. Landscape: Knowing the Difference

Hardscapes are concrete or stone. Landscapers often install them as an alternative to grassy lawns. Concrete and stone are in large areas, such as driveways, patios, walkways, and parking lots. Landscaping companies often recommend using these materials for commercial properties because they are more cost-effective than grass. In addition, many homeowners choose to use hardscapes instead of grass because they want a low-maintenance, long-lasting option.

Landscaping companies may use "landscape "for smaller, more intimate spaces. For example, a backyard garden might be considered a landscape. This type of space is typically for planting flowers, shrubs, and other plants. Landscapers usually use this type of space for residential properties.

Why is hardscaping important?

Hardscaping doesn't just mean adding some decorative features to your yard; it means making it more attractive for outdoor living. It also serves a practical purpose.

For example:

Retaining walls and stone steps can level uneven slopes and improve drainage.

Gates and fences offer privacy and security while also defining your property line.

Materials like stone absorb heat, dry out nearby soil, and prevent standing water and mildew. Brick patios, backyards, and fences are great examples of hardscapes.

Ground Effects of Boone can build these types of structures.

Hardscape construction is to create a beautiful outdoor living space. Patios are perfect for people who want a nice place to relax outdoors. Concrete patios are great because you can easily add tiles to them. Flagstone patios provide a nice natural look.

Gravel paths are often affordable but aren't as pretty as flagstone patios. Stone walkways are perfect for pathways through your garden and cost less than gravel paths.

Steel fences are great for privacy but are less attractive than wooden fences.

Wood fences are beautiful, but they're expensive and require maintenance.

Wooden arbors, pergolas, and gazebos attach to your house or other buildings. They add beauty to your yard and protect your landscaping from harsh weather conditions. Water features grow plants in or around them. They are great ways to merge softscaping (planting) and hardscaping (building). Algae.

How can I get the most out of my hardscaping?

First, the hardscape must be a focal point to get people's attention.

Ground Effects of Boone knows how to work around the weather conditions by using materials that won't crack or break under the harsh "high country" winter. He also uses plants that will grow well in the climate. 

Many homeowners match their hardscaping to their home's exterior to blend the two environments (brick with brick, stone with stone, etc.)

You should include a good mix between softscapes and hardscapes. For example, too much hardscaping can make your property seem cold and sterile, while having too much softscaping can make your yard look overgrown.

If your yard needs a new look, it might be time to start a hardscape project. Ground Effects of Boone is waiting for your call.

Why Does My Yard Need Hardscaping?

Hardscaping your yard is not just about aesthetics. It has a purpose and is extremely useful for the overall functionality of your outdoor space.

When designing your landscape, you need to think about how the materials you choose will affect the efficiency, flow, look, and feel of your landscaping. For example, retaining walls and stonewalls can help level out sloping or uneven land to create walkway pathways.

They can also help prevent flooding and minimize runoff in areas where water will drain faster. In addition, materials like stone, rock, or concrete can absorb heat from the sun and use it to dry out the soil around them.

It can help prevent standing water, overwatering, algae and mildew, and unwanted pests. Fences and gates give privacy and security to your home. They allow you to define the boundaries of your property and separate different areas of your yard into sections that you may want to utilize for other purposes.

We always recommend you call professional hardscape contractors for this type of work. Our job at Ground Effects of Boone is to take you through an evaluation that understands the problem and offers you the best hardscape services solution.

Finally, How about Adding Value and Curb Appeal to Your Home

Landscaping and hardscaping can dramatically improve the appearance and value of your home. 

They're both effective ways to enhance the look of your property. After all, most buyers won't be interested in buying a house that doesn't look nice from the inside out. Some of the best hardscape features to include in your outdoor design are patios and decks, outdoor kitchens, and stonework. When it comes to landscape design, planting beautiful flowers, plants, and decorative shrubs is one way to increase the value of your home, but there are many others. 

When your landscaping complements your hardscaping, your house becomes more appealing and attractive to potential buyers. Buyers are much less likely to be interested in seeing more if they have already made an offer.

Call Us Today - 828-963-0244

Ground Effects understands the hardscape market and how this can add value and benefit your home living experience. Check the website for further information about our company at GroundEffects of Boone.