DEFINING WHAT “HARDSCAPE” MEANS IN LANDSCAPING
Hardscape refers to the non-living elements in your landscape, primarily made from materials like pavers, tile, brick, and concrete. Think of patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, walls, steps, and even outdoor kitchen floors. These materials can be natural stone or man-made.
NATURAL STONE HARDSCAPING COSTS MORE
Natural Stone: Natural stone, like travertine, limestone, or granite, is mined from locations around the world. It’s then sliced, chiseled, hammered, ground, and shipped before being fabricated into its final form. This extensive process, combined with the stone’s inherent beauty and the mystique of a precious resource, makes it a desirable, though often more expensive, option. Reputable sources will typically include the country of origin in the descriptions of natural stones.
MAN-MADE HARDSCAPING IS POPULAR
Man-Made Materials: These are manufactured products like concrete or porcelain pavers and tiles. Well-known manufacturers are Belgard and Techo-bloc. They offer a wider range of styles and are generally more budget-friendly. Some man-made products mimic the look of natural stone. For man-made materials, the product description usually includes the method of creation.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HARDSCAPE
While man-made materials are a great option, it’s important to understand the difference. Some manufacturers use terms that can be confusing. For example, “stone pavers” might actually be made of concrete designed to look like stone. We’re well-versed in hardscape materials and always distinguish between natural stone and man-made products when making recommendations for your project.
The best hardscape for you depends on your budget, style, and how you plan to use the space. Consider where you’ll be swimming, cooking, lounging, or playing, and how you’ll move between these areas. This will help determine the types of hardscape you need, like patios, walkways, or walls.
YESPLEASE.GARDEN: BEST DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR HARDSCAPING
When we first chat with a client, we ask two key questions:
- What do you want to do in your space?
- And how do you want to move through it?
These questions are like little treasure maps, guiding us toward the perfect hardscape plan. Where will you be swimming, grilling, chilling, playing, dining? And how will you get from point A to point B? Boom – suddenly we have pool decks, patios for entertaining, winding pathways… hardscape! And what about those tricky slopes or areas that need a little extra support or definition? Boom – retaining walls, edgers, all part of the hardscape magic!
DESIGNING WITH HARDSCAPE
- Hardscape design is where the real fun begins! It’s like building the stage for all the best outdoor moments.
- We’re talking patios for summer barbecues, pathways that invite you to explore your garden, and maybe even a fire pit for cozy evenings. The possibilities are endless!
- The trick is to get the balance just right. We want your hardscape to enhance your space, not overwhelm it.
- And the materials? Let’s just say we have a thing for mixing natural and man-made elements. It’s how we create designs that are both beautiful and totally unique.
- So, what are you waiting for? Let’s create something amazing together! Contact us today, and let’s make some magic happen.
