Hardscapes are permanent features that include walkways, patios, retaining walls, water features, fire pits, and more. They define outdoor spaces, guide traffic, and create focal points.

From safety to a boosted reputation, professional hardscaping can benefit businesses.

A backyard patio adds an extra entertaining and relaxing living space. It can also help your home’s value if you choose to sell.

A well-maintained hardscape can last much longer than a softscape that isn’t cared for properly. This is because it’s not affected by the same softer elements that landscaping is. However, hardscapes need to be cleaned regularly to prevent unwanted growth like mildew and weeds from forming. Unwanted stains from spills or food can also damage and discolor the surface. In addition, adding a coat of stain or sealant helps to protect and preserve the surface.

Hardscapes are often used in commercial landscapes to promote a specific brand or image. When done correctly, they can increase the value of a property and draw in more customers and clients. They can also create a welcoming environment for those that enter the business. For example, a large fire pit and seating area in the center of a courtyard can invite people to come inside to experience the product or service.

Retaining walls and stone stairs or pathways are commonly used to help improve the drainage of a landscape. This will help to avoid areas of the yard that are prone to flooding and lack adequate water for plant life. They can also be used to level off sloping areas of the yard and reduce erosion. They are also great for making a dramatic and visual impact in the landscape. However, be sure to incorporate curves and rounded edges into your hardscape design as too many straight lines can make it look artificial and unnatural.

Walkways

Just like built-in closets immediately add value to a home, well-designed hardscapes can do the same for your backyard. A cozy garden bench, a poolside cabana or even an outdoor kitchen can create a space where you’re more likely to socialize with friends and family.

Walkways, paths and stepping stones are another popular and functional hardscape project. They can help guide traffic through a yard and prevent people from accidentally tripping or walking into your prized flowerbeds, vegetable gardens or trees. Adding a walkway can also be an attractive way to direct visitors to important features in your landscape, such as a water feature or your home’s entryway.

Paved walkways and pathways can be made of concrete, stone or a variety of other materials. When selecting a material, it’s important to think about how the walkway will blend with the rest of your landscaping and house. For example, if your home has brick siding or a wood fence, try to find a walkway color that compliments those features instead of matching them exactly.

Concrete is a versatile, affordable and durable hardscape material that can be stained, stamped or mixed with other materials to add texture and design. For example, some homeowners choose to incorporate sea glass or pebbles into their concrete for a unique and beautiful look.

Walls, fences and pergolas can be functional or decorative hardscape projects that define areas in a yard, provide privacy and protect family pets and children. They can also add a pop of color and curb appeal. When creating a wall or fence, it’s important to consider the sun exposure and wind patterns of your specific location, as these factors will affect the wear and tear on the structure over time.

Retaining Walls

A retaining wall is a structural element that holds back earth and prevents it from sliding or eroding. The retaining wall needs to be able to resist the horizontal – or lateral – earth pressure that is exerted against it, so it must be designed and built with that in mind.

Retaining walls are a key part of hardscaping, as they can help create more usable space on a sloped property. For example, a retaining wall can be used to create an area where you can build a patio, install an outdoor kitchen, or add more gravel pathways. It can also be used to create a terrace where you can grow lush vegetables or flowers.

Concrete is a common material for retaining walls, and it can be stained or stamped to make it look more interesting than a plain slab of gray. It’s also a great material to use for walkways because it is durable and can be made into many different shapes and sizes.

Retaining walls can also be made from wood, natural stone, or masonry. The choice of material depends on the look that is desired for the project and the budget. For example, a retaining wall could be made from brick and mortared with stone for a rustic style or it can be constructed of natural stones with a more traditional design.

Functional hardscape elements can be seen all around us in urban environments, including tree grates that allow for a proper root zone and water access to the tree. These are essential to the health of a city’s trees and are being used in innovative ways to bring nature back into the urban landscape.

Fire Pits

A fire pit is a key feature that upgrades the outdoor experience, turning your backyard into a destination for family gatherings well after the summer sun sets. Families come armed with marshmallows for s’mores roasting, and adults sip cocktails in the cool evening air while the flames add a warm glow to the setting.

Today’s fire pits aren’t the rudimentary steel rings used in the past, but rather sleek and functional designs that can be moved from one place to another in the yard. A few things to consider when selecting a fire pit are the style you prefer, how often you’ll use it, your budget, and whether or not you have to adhere to local codes dictating a distance that must be observed between seating, plantings or structures and your fire pit.

Some models even act as grills, allowing you to cook your food over the flames. Some are designed to look like large metal barrels akin to an outdoor turkey smoker, while others have a sleeker finish and can be made from materials that resist corrosion for durability. One example is the BioLite Campfire Pit, which features a double-wall construction and holes or vents that redirect smoke back into the flames for less air pollution.

Some fire pits may also need to be anchored in order to stay stable and not be blown over by wind. Other things to keep in mind when choosing a fire pit are the size of the space where it will go and the type of wood you plan to burn in it. For example, hickory and oak produce more heat than other types of woods. For more information, contact Prism Hardscapes to speak with a representative about your landscaping needs.

Decks

A deck can be an excellent way to bring more functionality to your backyard, as well as enhancing the aesthetic. It can also add to the value of your home, as people are willing to pay more for a property with thoughtful hardscapes that complement and improve the natural elements of a landscape.

Hardscapes are all of the non-living components in a landscaping design, such as walkways, patios, retaining walls, and fire pits. They can be made out of a variety of materials like concrete, stone, or wood. It’s important to include these elements in the overall landscape design because they provide a balance of form and function and can offer contrast to the more organic softscape elements.

Depending on the materials used to make a hardscape, they can be easy or difficult to maintain. For instance, a wood deck can be susceptible to splintering and rotting if it is not properly maintained. To protect your investment, it is a good idea to have the deck sealed periodically to keep the surface safe from water damage.

Concrete is an extremely versatile material that can be stained, stamped, and embedded with pebbles to make it unique. It is a great choice for walkways, patios, and pool areas because it is durable and easy to clean. Aside from its practicality, it can add a touch of elegance to the overall landscape design with a little bit of creative thinking.

Unlike the more natural elements of your yard, hardscapes are permanent features that will stay with you and your family if you ever choose to sell your home. In addition, they will be an asset to the next owners who will be able to enjoy them as well. This is why it is so important to make wise choices when selecting hardscapes, as they will serve a long-term purpose for the entire family.