There are many different types of hardscape materials. Some of the most common types include limestone, granite, and marble. Each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
The types of hardscape materials are a type of material that is used to create the landscape and outdoor areas in your home. There are many types of hardscape materials, but they can be divided into two categories.
Landscaping is a term that most people are familiar with. You’ve probably heard of softscaping. But there’s a kind of scaping you may not be familiar with: hardscaping. Even if you haven’t heard the word before, there’s a high chance you’ve heard of the practice. Hardscaping, in its most basic form, refers to any non-organic, or man-made, aspect of a landscape. Steps, walls, patios, and driveways are all examples of this. Hardscape elements may be either structural or ornamental. They all have one thing in common, though: the materials they’re constructed of. So, what are hardscape materials and what are the different types?
What Exactly Is Hardscape?
When it comes to landscaping, there are two distinct elements to consider, according to zimmermanslandscapeandlawncare.com: hardscape and softscape. The softscape includes anything that is soft, growing, and living (trees, plants, flowers, grass, and so on). The hardscape, as the name suggests, is the tough material. Hardscape elements may be large or tiny, ornamental or utilitarian, and when utilized correctly, they can help to balance the softscape regions and produce a more appealing appearance.
The following are some of the most popular kinds of hardscape:
- Decks
- Pergolas
- Freestanding and Retaining Walls
- Pits for Fire
- Fireplaces
- Driveways
- Fences
- Steps
- Walkways
- Barbecue Islands
- Outdoor Cooking Areas
- Patios
- Featured Water
What Are the Different Types of Hardscape Materials?
According to landscapingasheville.com, several different types of materials are utilized to create hardscapes. Because the various materials have distinct designs, care needs, and prices, it’s important to understand their differences before choosing which is ideal for your garden. The following are the most prevalent kinds of hardscape materials:
Wood
Wood is without a doubt the most popular hardscape material. And it’s no surprise. A well-kept hardwood deck or patio looks fantastic and can be readily personalized with a variety of paints and stains. That isn’t to suggest it’s without flaws. Wood is much more susceptible to the weather than solid stone or composite hardscapes. It will also need frequent treatments and lots of upkeep to be in top shape.
Faux Wood
Faux-wood or composite hardscape material, as Hunker points out, has the same visual appeal as genuine wood but does not splinter, fade, or distort over time. Although the initial investment is expensive, it is a good choice if you want a long-lasting hardscape material that needs little maintenance.
Asphalt
If you have a driveway, there’s a high chance you’ve already installed some asphalt hardscaping around your house. It’s not the greatest option for severe conditions, but it may live for 15 years or more if it never gets too hot or too cold. Although it is long-lasting, it must be resealed on a regular basis (which may be expensive) and patched as required to maintain it in excellent condition.
Brick
There are many benefits to using brick. It comes in a range of sizes and hues, is adaptable to nearly any environment, and looks beautiful in the appropriate setting. It isn’t the most durable of materials, though, due to its inherent porosity, which renders it susceptible to weather degradation. It’s also time-consuming, both during installation and throughout the course of the hardscape feature’s lifespan. Expect to pressure wash a brick drive many times a year if you install one. To avoid damage from pressure washing, it is recommended you get help from your local pressure cleaning company.
Stone (Natural)
For good reason, natural stone has been utilized for millennia. It’s very appealing, fits in perfectly with the surrounding environment, seems natural, and is available in a number of materials, including limestone, granite, marble, sandstone, and slate. If you choose a stone that is native to your area, it will be well adapted to the environment, guaranteeing a long life and high durability. The high cost is one of its drawbacks. Despite the fact that the initial investment would be greater than for other materials, maintenance and continuing expenses will be low. If the flexibility and visual appeal of natural stone have piqued your interest, you have two options: solid stone or loose stone. Loose stone is often used for pathways and driveways, but it has a lot more potential, making it an ideal choice for garden borders or even patios. Solid stone is very flexible, since it comes in a variety of various sizes and colors that may be placed together to create a dramatic focal point.
Granite that has decomposed
Decomposed granite is a great option if you’re searching for a natural, cheap, and highly flexible hardscape material. It’s popular for pathways and flower beds, but it’s also a good choice for patios. It comes in a variety of colors, including different shades of red, green, gray, and brown, allowing it to mix in with a variety of other hardscape materials.
Pavers
Pavers are often mistaken with tiles, however pavers are made for paving, while tiles are made for tiling. To put it another way, tiles are mainly intended for aesthetic purposes, while pavers are intended to be walked on. Pavers are more durable and long-lasting than tiles, and they can withstand greater traffic. They come as pre-cut slaps that fit together like interlocking jigsaw pieces to form a paved surface. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, allowing you to tailor the final product to fit in with the surrounding environment.
Hardscape materials are the types of materials that are used to create a hard surface in a landscape. There are many different types of hardscape material, including stone, brick, and concrete. Reference: hardscape examples.
