Hardscaping: A Guide to Exterior Living

If you’re looking to improve the outdoor space around your home, you’ve likely come across the term “hardscaping.” But what exactly does that mean, and how can it benefit your property? At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we specialize in hardscaping in the Mountain Brook, AL area and would like to share some insight on this topic. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hardscaping we’ve seen on the Internet:

What is hardscaping?

Hardscaping refers to the use of hard materials to create functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living spaces. As a general rule of thumb, hardscaping encompasses all parts of landscaping that are non-organic. It includes the use of materials such as stone, concrete, and brick to create structures like walkways, retaining walls, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens.

What is considered a hardscape?

A hardscape is any feature in your outdoor living space that is constructed from hard materials. Some common examples of hardscapes include stone pathways, concrete patios, retaining walls, pergolas, and outdoor fireplaces. Typically anything that requires masonry tools to install or repair, in an outdoor setting, counts as a hardscape.

What is the difference between hardscaping and landscaping?

Landscaping typically refers to the use of plants, trees, and other natural elements to enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor living spaces. On the other hand, hardscaping involves the use of hard materials to create structures and features that serve a functional purpose in addition to adding aesthetic value.

There is some debate as to whether materials such as wood, and structures such as patios and decks, technically count as hardscapes. Wood is an organic material, but is also non-living. Decks and patios are part of Exterior Living, but if they’re not ground level and don’t utilize cementitious or rocky materials, are they considered hardscapes? If you ask a remodeler from two different businesses, you’ll receive two different answers. At Reliable, we tend to think that if a deck or patio is elevated above the ground, it doesn’t count as a hardscape project.

What are the pros and cons of hardscaping?

One of the main benefits of hardscaping is that it can add value to your property by creating functional outdoor living spaces. Additionally, hardscaping is low maintenance and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, the initial installation cost of hardscaping can be higher than landscaping, and it can be more difficult to change the design once it’s been installed.

How expensive is hardscaping compared to landscaping?

The cost of hardscaping always varies depending on the size of your project, the materials used, and the complexity of the design. In general, hardscaping is typically more expensive than landscaping, but it can add significant value to your property and last longer than traditional landscaping.

Do I have to get special permits for hardscaping on my Mountain Brook, AL property?

The need for permits can vary depending on where you live and the scope of your project. In some cases, you may need to obtain a permit if it involves major construction or alterations to your property. We recommend checking with your local government to see what permits are required for your specific project.

Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!

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