Landscaping and hardscaping are commonly used interchangeably by homeowners, but there are some significant differences. Both elements are used to bring life to the outdoor space. Hardscaping involves hard surfaces like patios, walkways, decks, etc. On the other hand, landscaping involves soft features like lawns, garden beds, etc., to form a captivating space. However, both complement each other to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces. In this blog, we have discussed their roles, key differences, and how they integrate with each other.
Overview of Hardscaping
Hardscaping refers to the practice of creating building patios, decks, walkways, driveways, and retaining walls using materials like bricks, stones, and concrete. The goal is to increase the beauty of outdoor spaces such as yards or lawns. It has also gained popularity in recent years, attracting several landscapers to integrate hardscaping designs into a property’s outdoor space to enhance the overall aesthetics and functionality. It comes with not just the benefit of visual appeal but also the ability to upgrade drainage issues, decrease maintenance costs, and increase property or business worth. Many landscapers take it as an excellent opportunity to create unique outdoor areas for various activities and multiple gatherings. That is how hardscaping has turned into a popular choice for many homeowners and businesses.
Overview of Landscaping
Landscaping can be an excellent way to increase the value of your property and form a more pleasing and entertaining outdoor living space. It refers to arranging and crafting a piece of land to make it more attractive. It incorporates several elements, such as fountains, plants, trees, shrubs, and sculptures. It has become widespread in recent years due to its ability to turn spaces into a more aesthetic and peaceful environment. Homeowners frequently landscape their properties to enhance the exterior appearance. Moreover, many cities use landscaping for commercial purposes, boosting the curb appeal of parks and public areas to attract citizens. Approximately 70% of all households have some form of landscaping on their property. It is gaining popularity due to its ability to serve an exceptional ambiance that shows individual tastes and preferences.
Key Differences Between Landscaping and Hardscaping
Here are the significant differences between two forms of techniques to boost the functionality and curb appeal of the property.
Material
Hardscaping use hard surface materials such as concrete, brick, flagstone, pavers, wood, gravel, asphalt etc. to build walkways, decks, driveways and so on. On the other hand, landscaping contains living materials such as soil, flowers, plants, grass, mulch, shrubs, trees and so on.
Functionality
The primary function of hardscaping features is to serve various purposes; to provide a flat, level space to walk, sit and keep furniture. Many homeowners often use hardscaped sections of their properties as dining areas and walking pathways. However some hardscaping features like retaining walls may help in separating features of landscaping.
Although hardscaping can be visually appealing and functional, landscaping is known to be used for aesthetic purposes. However, exceptions like a vegetable garden also serve the purpose of functionality.
Cost
Hardscaping features are more expensive than landscaping in both upfront and long-term costs. Here is the installation price and a brief outline of the reasons for the costs.
Upfront cost - Hardscaping features have higher upfront costs due to the expensive building materials, foundations and professional installation. The cost due to the addition of a pool, paver patio or deck would be around $20,000. In addition, building decks, concrete patios could be costly because these projects require permits which add to the cost.
In contrast, landscaping causes lower upfront costs as they are mostly suitable for DIY projects and doesn't require permits. Additionally, the installation of a garden bed would cost less than a quarter of $20,000. Moreover, expenses can increase if you hire a local landscaping company, but the results are often of higher quality.
Long-term cost - Hardscaping includes higher long-term costs due to some of its features, like foundations or slabs of concrete. Thus raising your property taxes. Ultimately, hardscaping usually costs more in case of monetary investment. However, time investment is needed for landscaping.
Incorporation of Hardscaping Into Landscape Design
Every hardscaping element, like a bench, table, fire pit, patio, etc., would serve a distinctive purpose in your landscape design. This attracts people's attention due to the crafted harmony of combined architecture and natural elements such as plants, flowers, grass, trees, shrubs, etc. For example, many homeowners usually blend hardscaping features like retaining walls, stone borders with garden beds (termed landscape curbing), and paver steps that go through gardens or across the lawn.
Conclusion
Hardscaping and landscaping refers to two different kinds of elements but can be brought up altogether to create a mesmerizing outdoor space. Although the difference does matter when it comes to choosing between the hardscaping and landscaping., especially in matters of cost, materials and functionality. Hence, integrating the two together can present an aesthetically pleasing space and a wonderful functionality.
