Hard landscaping, also known as hardscaping, plays a key role in shaping the structure of your outdoor space. If you’re fairly new to landscaping and are just starting a new project , you’ve found this guide at the perfect time.
Hard landscaping can immensely enhance an outdoor area by strategically including non-living materials that are highly durable. We’ll help you to understand what hardscaping is and why it’s something you should be thinking about when updating your garden.
What Is Hard Landscaping?
Hard landscaping is when an outdoor space uses hard materials that are typically manufactured. They are designed to be permanent features and are made from solid and durable materials like stone, brick, concrete, metal and wood. They add structure and help define the layout of your garden.
What Falls Under Hard Landscaping?
- Patios and paved areas
- Decking
- Pathways
- Walls, fencing and gates
- Driveways
- Steel garden edging
- Manmade water features
- Raised garden beds with a non-living frame like solid steel
- Pots and troughs
- Tree guards
- Sculptures and statues
- Metal arches
- Firepits and outdoor kitchens
- Pergolas and gazebos
Benefits of Hardscape Landscaping
1. Improves the structure of the garden
Hard landscaping can help you to clearly define the layout of your garden. It can also add levels and depth with retaining walls. If you’re looking to create focal points.
2. Adds durability
The hard elements like stone, concrete, wood, and metal are able to withstand changing weather conditions far better than soft landscaping. They generally require less maintenance, too.
3. Better accessibility
Footpaths create a clear way for people to walk through your garden and make it easier. They are particularly useful for those with mobility issues.
4. Enhanced appearance
Hard landscaping can make your garden look more interesting. Adding things like walls or sculptures can create a contrast between natural elements like plants and enhance the overall aesthetics of the space.
5. Practicality
Adding paved areas for seating and tables can extend your living space, creating room for relaxing and entertaining outdoors. Make your summer better by adding a BBQ.
6. Define areas
Adding walls and fencing can help you clearly define the areas within your garden.
7. Landscape management
Hard landscaping features like retaining walls can prevent soil erosion and improve drainage.
Styles of Hard Landscaping
There are different styles to choose from when considering hardscaping. Popular choices include:
Formal hardscaping
This type of hard landscaping uses clean lines and symmetry. It feels very controlled and is perfect for formal gardens or estate landscapes. Symmetrical planting beds and groomed hedges complement this style. It does require regular upkeep to maintain.
Informal hardscaping
For a more natural and relaxed look, informal hard landscaping is what you need to create an inviting outdoor space. Symmetry isn’t a requirement, so there’s far less structure to it, helping the garden blend smoothly with plants and the surrounding environment. Curved paths, natural rock walls and curved edging are common in this style.
Rustic Hardscaping
Rustic hard landscaping has a rough and natural appearance. It’s ideal for more rural settings, with imperfections a welcome sight. Natural materials like wood give this style a warm feel. Log walls are perfect for this style and encourage wildlife to your garden, which helps with pollination.
Contemporary Hardscaping
Contemporary hard landscaping creates a modern, sleek look that feels open and uncluttered. It’s ideal for urban locations within cities. It is characterised by functionality and simplicity, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding setting.
What’s the difference between hard landscaping and soft landscaping?
Soft landscaping uses living things to shape the garden. They can add colour, texture and bring life to an outdoor space.
- Plants
- Flower beds
- Lawns
- Hedges
- Soil
- Natural water features such as ponds and streams
- Vegetable patches
Combined with hard landscaping, they can bring life to your garden to create beautiful spaces that capture the eye. As the seasons change, your soft landscaping will also change as different plants grow, bloom and change colour.
Durable steel products, installed by the experts
Hard landscaping can transform how your garden looks, and can make it far more practical to use and enjoy. Adding decking, footpaths, walls, raised beds and decorative features can all enhance the overall look of your outdoor space.
If you need elegant, durable steel for your hardscaping plans, get in touch. We’re the experts when it comes to steel-based hardscaping, providing highly durable products with installation by a team with vast experience.
From steel edging options and estate fencing to metal garden gates and steel tree guards, we have a range of design options to suit all tastes. Browse our online shop to see what we have to offer.