What is Hardscape Design?
Hardscape Features
A homeowner’s backyard can be their own haven or a place where they entertain many guests. Adding hardscape features to a backyard landscape design in Monmouth County can be like adding the perfect touch. There are many different ways to incorporate hardscapes in the backyard and it can be very different for each homeowner depending on how they desire to use the space as well as their particular taste in style and décor. Softscape elements like plants and greenery are generally thought of as landscape elements, but fountains, decks, walls or statues can all be decorative elements as well. It’s up to the homeowner as to what types of hardscape or softscape elements they want to include. Here are some basic ideas on adding hardscapes to the yard of your NJ home.
Hardscape Elements
There are plenty of hardscape elements to choose to incorporate into a backyard theme. Some homeowners choose to start by adding a gazebo, patio, deck or terrace. The main considerations will include what you want to use the area for and your specific tastes. Some of the most commonly used hardscape elements include rocks, gates, walls, fences, paths and water features. Some homeowners like to use sculptures to add an artistic flare and others prefer to use various hardscapes to provide seating options for their guests. The types of hardscapes you use will really depend largely on what the area is primarily used for.
Big vs. Small Hardscape Features
Just because your backyard is very small does not mean that you cannot use hardscape features. They can actually be very useful for extending the softscape elements upward. Another option is to use portable units so that they can be relocated on patios or in other areas of the backyard. Of course with a large backyard more hardscape features can be used. In a larger space, homeowners may choose to use walls, patios, or walkways to create separate areas of the yard. These elements can also allow for plenty of room for using other types of hardscape elements like sculptures or waterscapes.
Hardscapes can Provide Sun or Shade
Providing shade can be as simple as adding a roof on a patio. Other hardscape elements which can be used to provide shade may include trellises, arbors, pergolas or walls. For those who desire to add more sun in their backyard it is essential to keep the bigger sections of the yard away from overhead hardscapes which could block the sunlight. You may want to monitor the changes in the amount of sun different areas of the backyard experience each day to get a good idea of where more shade is desired and where more sun is desirable. Once you are sure of how the sun is dispersed throughout the day, you can talk to a landscaping professional to develop a good plan for where you want the shading hardscape features.
Functionality
Today’s modern design for interior as well as exterior areas is functionality. Hardscaping elements are permanent fixtures in the landscape. This can be paved areas, walkways, retaining walls, or stairs for starters. But each of the hardscape elements will serve a specific function which will make the outdoor space even more functional and usable. Features can also be used to define specific spaces as well as to highlight planted areas which provide extra color and texture. Driveways and patios are types of hardscapes that are made out of materials like brick, slate, quarry stone, or composite pavers. These will require very little maintenance but serve a very functional purpose. Another benefit of these types of hardscapes is that in many cases they can also increase the value of the property.
Hardscape Elements
There are plenty of hardscape elements to choose to incorporate into a backyard theme. Some homeowners choose to start by adding a gazebo, patio, deck or terrace. The main considerations will include what you want to use the area for and your specific tastes. Some of the most commonly used hardscape elements include rocks, gates, walls, fences, paths and water features. Some homeowners like to use sculptures to add an artistic flare and others prefer to use various hardscapes to provide seating options for their guests. The types of hardscapes you use will really depend largely on what the area is primarily used for.
Big vs. Small Hardscape Features
Just because your backyard is very small does not mean that you cannot use hardscape features. They can actually be very useful for extending the softscape elements upward. Another option is to use portable units so that they can be relocated on patios or in other areas of the backyard. Of course with a large backyard more hardscape features can be used. In a larger space, homeowners may choose to use walls, patios, or walkways to create separate areas of the yard. These elements can also allow for plenty of room for using other types of hardscape elements like sculptures or waterscapes.
Hardscapes can Provide Sun or Shade
Providing shade can be as simple as adding a roof on a patio. Other hardscape elements which can be used to provide shade may include trellises, arbors, pergolas or walls. For those who desire to add more sun in their backyard it is essential to keep the bigger sections of the yard away from overhead hardscapes which could block the sunlight. You may want to monitor the changes in the amount of sun different areas of the backyard experience each day to get a good idea of where more shade is desired and where more sun is desirable. Once you are sure of how the sun is dispersed throughout the day, you can talk to a landscaping professional to develop a good plan for where you want the shading hardscape features.
Functionality
Today’s modern design for interior as well as exterior areas is functionality. Hardscaping elements are permanent fixtures in the landscape. This can be paved areas, walkways, retaining walls, or stairs for starters. But each of the hardscape elements will serve a specific function which will make the outdoor space even more functional and usable. Features can also be used to define specific spaces as well as to highlight planted areas which provide extra color and texture. Driveways and patios are types of hardscapes that are made out of materials like brick, slate, quarry stone, or composite pavers. These will require very little maintenance but serve a very functional purpose. Another benefit of these types of hardscapes is that in many cases they can also increase the value of the property.