We all have heard about landscaping and hardscaping but are very less familiar with its two most essential components. Understanding the difference between landscape and hardscape is crucial when designing outdoor spaces.As the name implies, hardscape refers to hard elements of landscaping like paving, walkways, wall-claddings while landscape involves more living elements like the contemporary designs which are interacted with nature. The combination of both Hardscape & Landscape concluded the perfect outdoor design for any home/villas. Let us understand below how the two terms differ from each other.
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What is Hardscape?
Hardscape as the name implies, basically are hard and solid design elements that are more permanent. For example: A highly hardscaped entrance for your front yard that consists for slabs or artisan paver designs. Some of the hardscaping serves purely for the purpose of creating a well-defined area for planting or softscaping. Hardscaping elements adds dimension, functionality and enhance the visual appeal for the outdoor areas. Another important benefit of hardscaping the outdoor area is it increases the property value.
Some Hardscaping Designs
1.Walkway
2. Pathway
3. Outdoor Kitchen
4. Gazebo & Pergola
5. Water Elements
What is Landscape?
Landscape is the living (animate) part comprising of plants, horticulture elements. Plants, Trees, Flowers, Turf, covering grounds and shrubs are all components of softscape landscaping designs. Landscape, although not as technical, helps bring color and life to your yard. It can either be temporary such as seasonal plants to add color as well as permanent such as evergreen trees and shrubs.
Some Landscape Designs
Contemporary Landscape and Hardscape designs
1.Artificial Grass
2. Plants & Trees.
Key difference between Hardscape & Landscape
- Hardscaping is more permanent
Hardscape is generally a long-term plan for your outdoor landscape
- Landscape is more changeable
This allows more flexibility to change and experiment with different elements.
- Landscape requires high maintenance.
Landscape requires regular care making it a high maintenance job while, Hardscape is a one-time investment.
Tips for Using Hardscape in Your Design
- Many homeowners prefer coordinating their hardscapes to the façade of their home. This makes the two settings appear to flow together fluidly. If your home’s façade has stone, consider incorporating it into your hardscaping.
Your hardscape should always seem purposeful. - Create a focus point during the design phase to direct the viewer’s attention. Keep in mind, however, that there should be resting places for the eyes along the road. This is an excellent time to take use of the gentler aspects of landscaping.
- Excessive straight lines might make your landscaping appear odd and out of place. It should feel natural, as if it were unplanned, but still maintaining visual attractiveness.
To conclude, ideally outdoor landscape design should consist a mix of both hardscape and landscape elements to create a perfect harmony and transform outdoor living area.
Let us design an outdoor landscape design for you adding the right hardscape & landscape elements. Call Toll-Free 800-635.