What Is Hardscape?
Hardscape refers to the non-living part of a garden or landscape.
The terms hardscaping vs. landscaping tend to be used interchangeably, but there’s a difference.
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Hardscaping is one element in an overall property landscaping plan.
Softscaping also includes garden maintenance such as weed management, laying mulch, mowing, and trimming.
Hardscaping serves as a focal point, delineates sections, adds dimensionality, and helps to decorate a landscape.
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A garden or landscape without any hardscaping tends to look like a never-ending forest of wild, growing things.
A landscape with too much hardscape and too little softscape can feel stark or cold.
Discover what types of hardscape materials are the easiest to use and most popular.
Colorful flower plantings make this brick patio a joyful place to be.L Alfonse / Getty Images
Bricks have specific patterns, which can make a surface appear more formal or informal.
Used brick is currently a popular, environmentally sensitive, and recyclable throw in of material for outdoor projects.
The material sounds perfect, except that it can be costly.
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Composite decking is also an eco-conscious hardscaping material since most brands are made from wood fibers and recycled plastics.
Concrete
Concrete doesn’t have to be a plain, cold slab.
Texturized or decorative concrete is less slippery than a smooth, plain finish.
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Pouring a concrete patio can be a good advanced DIY job.
Irregular flagstone pieces have a more rustic look, while cut, geometric shapes are more formal.
Stone or flagstone can be placed over a sand or pea gravel base or mortared onto a concrete slab.
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Ceramic tile should be set in a bed of mortar on top of a concrete slab.
Tiles made of recycled materials are an environmental choice.
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Wood
Wood is often the material of choice for outdoor decks.
Add color(s) to your liking as a finishing touch for your patio project.Charles Schmidt / Getty Images
Availability varies by locationlocal woods will be less expensive than imported hardwoods.
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The Spruce /Christopher Lee Foto
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