Hardscaping: What You Should Know

Learn about the most important aspects of hardscaping for your outdoor living project.

Hot Tub Surrounded by Stone & Grass, Terra Cotta Planters

Flagstone & Grass Patio With Hot Tub

Grass and flagstone pavers create a footpath around a hot tub to an adobe-style outdoor fireplace. Tall landscaping helps to camouflage the retaining wall, adding another layer of privacy to the backyard oasis.

By: Sean McEvoy

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Hardscaping refers to paved or stone walkways, patios and other "hard" surfaces or objects incorporated into a yard's landscaping. Fences, lawn ornaments and rocks can also sometimes be referred to as hardscaping.

Hardscaping can greatly improve the appearance and overall appeal of an outdoor living space by creating a transition between a home's interior and exterior. Paths, walkways and patios are areas where you should pay particular attention in creating a design that's seamless and aesthetically pleasing.

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Hardscaping can serve many functions other than simple beautification, as well. It can provide privacy in the form of fencing, shade and shelter via overhangs or structures like gazebos; it can also provide topographical organization in the form of retaining walls.

Hardscaping also naturally reduces the amount of exposed lawn in an outdoor space, which will appeal to anyone who's "mower averse."

Whether your hardscaping is intended for purely aesthetic purposes or also to configure and organize your outdoor living space, you're sure to find a more pleasing, proportional and easy-to-maintain space once it's installed.

See also: Deck and Patio Design Ideas

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