We’ve just engaged a father and son hardscaping business to complete work on our patio and decking. So, what exactly is hardscaping?
A hardscape contractor can create and install all of the “built” elements in your yard, such as driveways, walkways, patios, fences, and walls. They may also assist you with installing decking, gazebos, pergolas, and water features like ponds and fountains.
Let’s dig into the subject of hardscape installation in further depth, beginning with what hardscapers do. Let’s look at how to hire a hardscaping expert and see the distinction between landscaping and hardscape.
What Does a Hardscape Installer Do?
A hardscaper will handle all of the existing elements in your yard. We’re looking at driveways, walkways, patios, fences, and walls as well as landscape features like fountains. They’ll tackle any landscaping elements you have in addition to that.
Essentially, it’s outdoor building work for houses in the garden. Your hardscape contractor may also be able to create your driveway or water feature, or you may want a landscape architect on hand for more complicated issues.
Some hardscapers also work as landscapers; however, these are usually two distinct talents that we’ll look at shortly. If you’re having a major makeover in your yard, you might hire a designer, a landscaper, and a hardscape constructor (or even a team if it’s a big job).
What’s The Difference Between Hardscape & Landscape?
The built element of your yard and landscape (also known as softscape) is anything that develops, while the natural component is everything that grows. That’s the shortest explanation there is. The two elements complement one another to produce a aesthetically pleasing yet use-worthy yard.
This is why different specialists are frequently required on each side of your yard. The hardscape constructor is more like a construction contractor, while the horticulturalist is similar to a landscape gardener. Their duties occasionally overlap (for example, creating raised beds or boundary designs that combine fencing and hedge rows).
During the design portion, both components should operate in tandem. Working on the concrete and paved surfaces first makes sense, but larger and more architectural softscaping features such as trees and hedge will also have to be considered.
What is Considered Hardscape?
Hardscaping is the artificial aspect of your garden, whereas landscaping refers to the horticultural side. What exactly does the phrase “hardscaping” imply?
Hardscaping is the term for landscaping that goes beyond the basic requirements of a normal garden. Here are a few examples:
- Both types of driveways — asphalt, paved, and brick — are perfect for parking your car in the driveway
- Patios constructed of brick, stone, or concrete are common
- Wooden decks (even though wood is a natural substance, it still forms a part of the structural element)
- Patios with a concrete finish (which can be tiled for a different look)
- Arterial and non-arterial roads. (Even gravel pathways count as hardscaping)
- Steps and stairs between levels, for example
- Fencing with posts and gates is a popular combination of fences
- Posts and fences made of wood
- The magnificent architectural detail that you can find in many of these structures is the limestone cast walls, which are all a part of our Archive’s collection
- Gazebos and arbors, as well as foundations and fasteners
- Pergolas are similar, but they’re attached to your home
- Awnings that last a lifetime
- Fountains, such as those found in ponds and streams, are examples of water features
- Ponds, pathways, and adjacent sidewalks
- There are built-in benches throughout the home
- Play apparatus (such as forts) that need to be mended on a large scale
This is by no means an exhaustive list, given the number of pre-eminent features in our yards. If you’re moving into a new home or are looking to completely renovate your yard, it’s likely that you’ll need many of these components.
Some of these tasks are a little more physically demanding than others, but they don’t have to be difficult. For example, it is entirely feasible to dig and install a pond during the weekend with some assistance.
Why is Hardscaping Important in The Yard?
There’s more to hardscaping than simply beautifying your yard. Hardscape installations can really transform how you use and enjoy your yard, in addition to the practical and structural aspects.
The advantages of hardscaping a garden include the following:
- Sloping gardens are being leveled. A hardscaper can convert your lawn into a tiered system to provide you with a number of flat areas if it is at an angle. Retaining walls and steps help you get there.
- Creating a clear line of demarcation and providing seclusion. There are several fencing materials and designs to choose from if you want to build a secure and visible barrier around your home.
- Benefiting the environment. A pond provides a habitat for many garden creatures as well as a much-needed supply of water for birds and animals.
- Providing a safe, hard-surfaced parking lot for your automobile. A properly constructed driveway is ideal for your car’s treads.
- Making your yard accessible. Hardscaping may be used to build simple walks, slopes, and ramps in your garden.
- Retaining heat is a difficult task when it comes to paving and stonework. Heat will be absorbed by stone walls and pavers, which may work for certain planting designs.
- How to create an outdoor room. You may add to your living room with a well-made patio, deck, or gazebo.
- Allow you to reinvent your yard to reflect your lifestyle. You don’t have to put up with the little patio that you inherited when you bought the property; it’s not big enough for all of your family. A hardscaping contractor can assist you in transforming this into a huge, sociable, outdoor dining area.
Where Can You Find a Reputable Hardscaping Contractor?
If you’re considering hiring a hardscaping expert, the first thing you should do is find out if they’re the right person (or team) for the job. There are several techniques to locate and hire the best hardscaper for your needs.
Word-of-mouth is the first step. If a friend or neighbor has worked with a company or individual and was happy with their services and results, that’s a fantastic place to start.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask if you see a yard that you like the look of. Ring the doorbell and inquire as to who did the landscaping. You could even catch a contractor’s van while watching a job get finished.
Conclusion
I wish you the best of luck in locating a hardscaping specialist who can help you create your own yard ideas.