August 20, 2021
Hardscapes: Putting the Fun in Outdoor Functionality
When homeowners think about their curb appeal and landscaping, they usually think of the most obvious elements, like grass or flowers. But a home that truly stands out from the pack blends a variety of outdoor elements together to create beautiful and practical spaces your family can enjoy while enhancing your home’s value. That means incorporating things like stonework, lighting, and other features called hardscaping.
With the right combination of greenery and features, our team will help you design and build your hardscape so that you can love your space for years to come. So what does hardscaping consist of, and how can it elevate the look of your home? Read on to find out.
Hardscaping, Defined
There are two main components of landscaping – hardscaping and softscaping. Hardscaping, or hardscape, consists of all the elements in your landscaping that are not green or growing — the green and growing parts of your outdoor areas are called the softscape.
Hardscape can include features made of no hardscapes-functionality-for-outdoor-enjoymentn-organic or human-made materials, such as:
- Retention walls
- Stone pathways
- Cement patios
- Trellises
- Firepits
- Pool Decks
- Fountains
- Lighting
Functional and Beautiful
Hardscapes can add to your outdoor enjoyment in many ways. Visually, hardscapes are appealing in their combination with landscapes. Combining the soft textures of grass or beds of flowers with something hard and textured, like a stone wall adds visual interest. The human eye is naturally drawn to things that are different, and mixing up soft and hardscapes will add dimension, movement, and flow to your yard.
Hardscapes also allow you to design your outdoor spaces to accommodate your needs and preferences. A deck, patio, or fencing can provide space for you to use for years to come. Practically, adding in elements like outdoor audio or lighting can also make spaces like pathways and patios more functional. As an added perk, an updated and functional hardscape can add to your home’s resale value in the event that you decide to sell.
Hardscape Elements
There are many different options to choose from when adding hardscaping features to your outdoor areas. To add to the beauty and usefulness of your yard, consider the following elements:
Patios, Gazebos, and Outdoor Kitchens
These types of outdoor areas add functional living space in which you can relax and entertain. Whether a focal point or subtle addition, you can customize the space in many ways:
- Building materials — concrete, brick, wood, and tile, to name a few.
- Screening — closed-in, partially open, or completely open.
- Unique features — built-in grill, outdoor refrigerator, or seating areas.
Pavers, Gravel, and Stone
Enhance your home’s practical use by adding features where you park and walk. Update your driveway or walkways by adding:
- Stone paths leading to the backyard or garden areas.
- Flagstones leading to your front entry.
- Stone steps in the front or back yard.
Fencing and Retaining Walls
Fences allow children and pets to enjoy the yard safely and can be visually appealing, too. Similarly, retaining walls can serve a dual purpose in preventing erosion while enhancing visual interest.
Retaining walls can also help maximize yard space by keeping soil in place in a sloped yard as well as encouraging proper rain drainage away from your home’s foundation. They also:
- Offer extra seating space.
- Come in various materials – wood, decorative concrete, brick, and stone.
- Create raised flowerbeds, bushes, or terraces for plants.
Landscape Lighting and Audio
SkyFrog’s skilled team of professional landscape designers can help you maximize your home’s layout and architecture. Outdoor audio brings high-quality sound to your home and adds that special touch to finish the space. In addition to the hardscape features above, adding lights to your outdoor areas can create a beautiful yard at night that also makes your home visible and secure.
- Illuminate your driveway and pathways to allow for safer walking at night.
- Brighten areas around your home to discourage criminal mischief.
- Delight and capture the attention of visitors with a well-lit fountain, tree, or design feature.
Water Features and Firepits
Enhance the sounds and ambiance of your property by including a fountain or firepit in your design. Firepits are a great element to gather around, entertain, and simply unwind with your family and guests.
Invest in Hardscaping that Beautifies Your Home
Choosing to invest in hardscaping will elevate your home and its outdoor spaces to the next level, impressing guests and enhancing your own enjoyment in the process. When it comes to designing a beautiful and creative plan to incorporate elements like audio, lighting, and hardscape features, call on the experts at SkyFrog Landscape for your free estimate and to get started today!