Hardscaping & Patios
Adding hardscaping your property opens the space up to a range of possibilities, turning your outdoor area into a stunning extension of your home for leisure and entertainment.
At Custom Design & Build LLC, we understand that your outdoor space is more than just an area; it's a backdrop for memories, a sanctuary for relaxation, and a canvas for expressing your personal style.
Hardscaping is an often underrated aspect of landscape design, and it plays a pivotal role in achieving the transformation of your house into a space where you can truly relax and entertain guests.
Through this guide, the team at Custom Design & Build aims to showcase the highlights of what hardscaping can accomplish, showing you the different benefits and types of hardscaping, as well as the true artistry involved in crafting these unique spaces.
What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping, at its core, is the backbone of any kind of landscape design. Hardscaping is the use of hard, non-living materials to create structures and features in your outdoor space. This includes everything from elegant patios and walkways to functional retaining walls and decorative stone arrangements.
Hardscaping is more than just its physical elements; it's a method of bringing structure, utility, and elegance to your garden or yard.
The beauty of hardscaping lies in its diversity and adaptability, despite its rigid materials. Whether you're looking for a cozy fire pit area for chilly evenings, a robust outdoor kitchen for summer barbecues, or a serene water feature to soothe the senses, hardscaping offers limitless possibilities.
Every project is unique to the homeowner. Blending functionality and aesthetic appeal, hardscaping elements are tailored to complement the existing landscape and architecture of your home. At Custom Design & Build, we understand this, and believe that its our job to create a harmonious balance between the natural and the built environment, enhancing the natural beauty of your outdoor space while adding practical value.
What Do You Call Someone Who Does Hardscaping?
The artists and master craftsmen who bring the vision of hardscaping to life are known as hardscape contractors or hardscape designers. These professionals are the architects of your outdoor space, combining their expertise in design and construction to transform your ideas into tangible, lasting structures.
An experienced and skilled hardscape contractor is much more than just a builder; they are a blend of an artist and an engineer. They have a deep understanding of the materials and construction techniques to make your vision come to life, but also have an eye for aesthetics and design to help you create that vision in the first place.
At Custom Design & Build, our hardscaping designers help you consider various factors such as the soil type, topography, climate, all blended together with your personal style preferences to ensure that each element of your hardscaping looks seamless with your home.
Our hardscape contractors are known for their meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to quality. We work closely with you, lending our expertise to help you make informed decisions about materials, designs, and layouts. Our goal is not just to build - but to create a space that truly resonates with your personal taste and enhances your quality of life.
Differences Between Hardscaping and Landscaping
Despite sounding similar, hardscaping and landscaping could not be more opposite of each other, though both can have a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal and value, as well as the enjoyment you get out of the space.
Hardscaping is all about the solid, unchanging elements in your garden. Think about it as the skeleton of your outdoor space, which uses rigid materials – concrete, bricks, stone, wood, and metal – that provide the foundational structure to a space that could then be used for leisure or entertainment.
When you envision hardscaping, imagine the patios, walkways, retaining walls, decks, and fences that you see in spectacular public spaces like public gardens or libraries. These spaces all offer walkways, fountains, retaining walls – you name it.
Hardscaping is the creation of different structures that give your garden its shape and form. These elements all serve not just to raise the curb appeal of the home, but also have practical uses like creating dining spaces, ensuring privacy, and managing water flow through proper drainage.
Landscaping, on the other hand, could not be more different. This is the dynamic and ever-changing selection of trees, bushes, flowers, grass, and shrubs that change every couple of years.
Unlike the permanent structures in hardscaping, landscaping changes with the seasons and grows over time. This requires regular nurturing, care, and maintenance, and is often shaped by the hardscaping that is present.
Landscaping is about beautifying your yard, and by selecting native species that are natural in your area, it will play a pivotal role in the local ecosystem by providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to environmental well-being.
Fortunately, while hardscaping and landscaping are separate, they are not mutually exclusive. The real magic happens when hardscaping and landscaping blend seamlessly together to complement the other. (1)
By incorporating natural components, your pool will feel more like a true paradise than a concrete water pit.
—Forbes
The rigid structures of hardscaping are softened by the lush greenery of landscaping, creating a balanced and inviting outdoor space.
For example, imagine a stone walkway lined with flowering plants - or a wooden deck edged with ornamental native grasses. Hardscaping offers the practical spaces and structural backbone that can either stand alone as an entertainment space, or blend with the landscaping to create a softened edge.
How Hardscaping Can Increase the Value of Your Home
Hardscaping is an investment in your home's value and appeal. When thoughtfully designed and well-executed, hardscape features like stone pathways and elegant patios or robust retaining walls can significantly increase the worth of your property. This is because hardscaping extends the living space of your home to the outdoors, creating additional areas for relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment.
First, hardscaping can turn otherwise unusable areas of your yard into functional spaces. Features like terraced gardens on a slope, or a leveled patio to even out a sloped yard can make every inch of your outdoor space usable and enjoyable.
This functionality is a key aspect in adding value, as it maximizes the livable space of your property. Prospective buyers or appraisers see this as an extension of the usable square footage of your home, which can translate into much higher property values.
High-quality materials used in hardscaping, such as natural stone, pavers, and concrete, are not only visually appealing, but are also durable with low maintenance requirements. This longevity means that the investment in hardscaping will continue to add value over time, with less need for costly repairs or replacements.
Best of all, a well-designed hardscape can dramatically transform the look of your property, making it more inviting and appealing to potential buyers. First impressions are crucial, especially in the real estate market.
For example, a charming stone walkway leading to your front door or a beautifully crafted patio in the backyard can be striking features that catch the eye of prospective buyers. These elements contribute to a strong first impression, setting your property apart in any competitive market and will allow you to sell the home for more.
Types of Hardscaping
Patios and decks stand as prominent features in many landscapes, serving as the centerpieces of outdoor living. These structures can be crafted from a variety of materials such as natural stone, concrete pavers, bricks, or wood, each adding its distinct charm.
Natural stone patios, with their rugged beauty, blend seamlessly with the surroundings, while concrete pavers offer versatility in design with a range of colors and shapes. Brick patios exude a classic look, whereas wooden decks bring a warm, cottage-like feeling to your outdoor area.
Likewise, walkways and paths are more than just practical. These features tie everything together, leading the eyes to each area of entertainment and leisure. These pathways can be created using flagstones, gravel, brick, or concrete, and they set the tone for your backyard’s overall style. A well-designed walkway not only enhances the accessibility of your outdoor space but also complements the surrounding landscape, creating a cohesive design.
Furthermore, few people think of fencing and gates as hardscaping, but these elements should be considered in your overall hardcaping design. Good fencing will provide security and privacy but also contribute significantly to the overall curb appeal of your property. Materials range from wood and metal to composite, each offering different levels of durability and style.
Hardscaping Ideas to Structure Your Outdoor Space
At Custom Design & Build LLC, we understand that your backyard is an extension of your home, and we are committed to working with you to create spaces that reflect your personal taste and lifestyle. Give us a call today and let us help you bring these visions to life.
Poolside Patio
A well-designed poolside patio offers the luxury of relaxation as you dry off after a swim. Think of smooth, cool pavers that don’t get hot under the summer sun, lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Nearby, an outdoor bar or a dining area is the perfect space for hosting pool parties or having intimate family dinners.
The key here is to create a seamless flow from the water to the lounging area, making the space an inviting retreat on hot summer days.
Fire Pits and Benches
Imagine a custom-built fire pit. The flames flicker under a starlit sky, surrounded by curved benches that invite conversation and storytelling.
This design is not just about providing warmth, but about a communal space where memories are made. The fire pit could be crafted from rustic stone or modern concrete, based on the overall design of your home. Suddenly this fire pit space becomes the perfect spot for roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the quiet of a cool evening.
Outdoor Kitchen Patio
This space is designed not just for cooking, but for entertaining and enjoying the outdoor ambiance. Equipped with a grill, a pizza oven, countertops, and even a fridge, it becomes a hub of social gatherings. Surrounding seating areas, perhaps under a pergola, ensure that the cook is always part of the party.
How to Decide on a Hardscaping Design
Deciding on a hardscaping design is a creative and thoughtful process that involves several key considerations. The goal is to create a space that is not only beautiful but also functional and in harmony with your lifestyle and the natural appeal of your home.
Start by assessing the style your home is designed in. The hardscaping should complement and enhance the existing structures.
For example, a modern minimalist home might benefit from clean lines and a simple-yet-bold color schemes in the hardscaping, while a traditional home might suit more classic designs and natural materials. (2)
“An outdoor getaway is the perfect place to flex your creativity. Think of a place that inspires you — whether it's a luxury resort you've visited or even a photo you saw online.”
—HGTV
Consider the intended use of your outdoor space as well. Do you envision a serene retreat for relaxation, a vibrant area for entertaining, or a functional space for gardening and outdoor activities?
Understanding and deciding on your aesthetic preferences are essential when creating a space that you love. Think about the textures, colors, and styles that appeal to you.
Do you prefer the rustic charm of natural stone, the sleek look of polished concrete, or the warmth of wood?
The materials you choose should resonate with your personal taste and bring you joy every time you step into your outdoor space.
Making these decisions before you write a check will guide your choice of features like patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, or play areas. The functionality of each element should align with your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space.
At Custom Design & Build LLC, we are dedicated to guiding you through this process, ensuring that your outdoor space is not just a reflection of your personal style but a masterpiece of functionality and beauty.
How Much Does Hardscape Work Cost?
The cost of hardscaping projects can vary widely, largely depending on the materials selected, the complexity of the design, the size of the area being hardscaped, and the geographical location of your property.
For instance, the choice of materials has a significant impact on cost. Natural stone, while offering a unique and elegant look, tends to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Alternatively, materials like concrete pavers or bricks offer durability and a wide range of design options at a much more budget-friendly cost. The complexity and customization of the design also play a role. Intricate patterns and custom designs require more labor and expertise, which increases the cost.
Furthermore, the size of the project is a straightforward determinant of cost. Larger areas require more materials and labor, while smaller projects tend to be more affordable. It's also important to consider the preparation required for the project. For example, leveling a sloped yard for a patio or installing proper drainage systems for a driveway can add to the overall cost.
What Does Hardscape Paving Include?
Hardscape paving involves the installation of flat surfaces like patios, walkways, driveways, and pool patios. Beyond material selection, when you choose to work with Custom Design & Build, hardscape paving also includes the art and design process.
This process involves laying out the pavers or stones in patterns that can range from classically simple to complex and artistic. This design phase is crucial in ensuring that the paved area not only looks appealing, but also functions well in the given space. A well-designed walkway or pool patio should always provide a comfortable space to engage with your backyard, offering plenty of room for relaxation and entertainment.
Design Your Custom Hardscaping with Us
References:
- Forbes, 15 Gorgeous Pool Landscaping Ideas, https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pool/pool-landscaping-ideas/
- HGTV, Wow-Worthy Hardscaping Ideas, https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/20-wow-worthy-hardscaping-ideas-pictures