How to Incorporate Hardscaping into Your Landscape Design

As you begin to design your landscape, you may find that adding hardscaping is ideal for expanding your home’s living area and creating patio seating or space for a hot tub. Hardscapes often act as a complement to a “softscape” or the trees and shrubs that provide typical beauty, but hardscapes can also stand alone by emphasizing a specific theme. Regardless of the scope of your hardscape project, this type of addition can add value, style, and beauty to your landscape.

Choosing Hardscape MaterialsHardscape materials are typically heavy, sturdy, and durable. They provide a clear, simple, and solid foundation that can convey whatever message you want to get across—both inside and outside your home. You can choose from a variety of materials such as wood, stone, metal, and concrete. If a theme is what you seek, you can build a patio from tile or stone, or you can opt for a more rustic look with wood or cobblestone.

Get a Handle on What You WantIf you have a specific style that you’re going for with your hardscape, then you will want to research the materials that go along with that style. If you want a stone patio with a slate-like look, then you will want to determine which stones will match that style and look the best.

Evaluate Your Landscape and Consider SafetyBefore you start planning the layout of your hardscape, an existing landscape should be evaluated. First, you need to consider the amount of space needed to build your hardscape. You may need to level out the land or remove some of thatch or moss. Your hardscape should also be designed to fit the shape of your home and stay safe.

Develop a Plan and a LayoutOne of the most important aspects of building a hardscape is planning the layout. After all, you want your hardscape to be a complement to your home. The layout should be well thought out and planned. Draw a detailed plan of what you want before you buy any materials. By planning ahead, you can avoid adding items later that don’t fit with the overall look. This step will also help you budget for the project and help you know how much time you should allow yourself to complete the project. If you’re adding a new patio, you will have to consider the amount of cement that will be needed and the amount of time your contractor will need to pour the cement.

Choosing Your Landscape ContractorAfter you’ve developed a plan and a layout, you can choose the right contractor. Your contractor should have excellent references, have experience in the area you are considering, and have a reputation for building quality hardscapes. Ask your neighbors who they would recommend and see if they have any success stories to share. Be sure to choose a contractor who has experience in the type of hardscape you want to build. If you’re adding a patio, for example, you want to find a contractor who has experience in building patios.

ConclusionMaking your landscape beautiful requires a lot of hard work and careful planning. With the right materials and the right contractor, your hardscape will look great and fit perfectly with your home. DSLD Land Management is a full-service design-build landscaping firm providing exceptional service to our clients in Birmingham, AL, and the surrounding areas. Our expert designers have more than 35 years of experience in the industry, making us the perfect choice for your landscaping needs. Whenever you need Birmingham landscape construction services, DSLD Land Management is the one to call. Contact us today to learn more about our projects.