What Is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping is the use of non-living elements in landscape design. This can include things like paved areas, fire pits, fences, water features, and more. Hardscape is the opposite of softscape, which includes all the living things in your yard, like shrubs, grasses, flowers, and trees.

Hardscape and landscape are typically used together to create landscape design. So, landscaping is the encompassing umbrella term—referring to the process of modifying the land to enhance its appearance and functionality—and hardscaping and softscaping are the more specific examples that fall under the umbrella.

Examples of Hardscaping

Patios

While plants may be first of mind when you picture landscaping, it's actually common practice to do hardscaping first, and follow with softscaping. Patios are often the largest element of hardscaping in landscape design, and they play an important role of designating functional spaces in the backyard.

Walkways

Walkways are another highly functional element of hardscaping. They create designated paths for walking throughout, keeping the stress off your grass or groundcovers.

Water Features

Water features—like waterfalls, water fountains, and even reflecting pools—are all examples of decorative hardscaping. Like many of the plants and bushes used in landscape design, water features can be used to help enhance the overall appearance and atmosphere of an outdoor space.

Fire Pits

Fire pits are often coupled with patios, another element of hardscaping, to create a designated area for relaxing and entertaining.

Pergolas

Pergolas can help take a patio to the next level—literally—by adding more height to the space. They can also help mark and section off an area in your yard and provide varying levels of shade, depending on the style and options you choose.