What is a hardscape and why should I be considering this feature in my landscape renovation plans? When we meet with potential and repeat customers from the King City, Caledon, Newmarket and Aurora areas surrounding Toronto, this is often one of the questions we get asked. In this article we are going to try to answer that question with a rundown of several reasons why hardscapes can be a great benefit to you and your landscape design. But, first things first – just what is a “hardscape”?

Hardscape Definition and Common Features – Hardscape is a term landscaping companies use to describe features such as paved areas, walls and other items including pools, fireplaces, patios, sidewalks and fountains. Basically, a hardscape is anything that covers the natural soil and prevents either air or water from coming into contact with it. This is an appealing characteristic of hardscape features as landscaping companies understand that hardscapes can provide them with a lot of design flexibility due to the fact that a hardscape will prevent soil erosion better than almost any other landscaping option. Below are listed a few other advantages of incorporating a hardscape into your landscape renovation project.

• Expand Your Available Living Space – An area of your yard that is paved or covered with cement can be used as additional living space, especially if there is some type of overhead protection incorporated into the design of the area. Experienced landscaping companies will be able to advise you on different ways you can use an outdoor kitchen design concept to create a summertime BBQ area that is perfect for evening dinners or parties, saving a lot of wear and tear on the interior of your home.
• Hardscaping to Control Traffic – Cement or brick paths are a great way to keep traffic off of the grass and to also subconsciously steer people away from areas you don’t want them around, like electrical utility sheds or kennels where your less than friendly dog hangs out.
• Hardscapes can Increase the Value of Your Property – A professionally designed landscape can add significant value to a property. Most real estate agents will tell you that a beautiful wildflower garden bordered with a cement walkway can be a huge selling point for a potential buyer who has always wanted a beautiful back yard but may have been living in an apartment all of their life. If your home is located in an area that is populated with very similar houses, a unique outdoor feature that incorporates a garden, patio, or dining area can make your home stand out among the others.

These are just a few of the reasons why landscaping companies are so enthusiastic about hardscape features when doing an outdoor renovation project. At M&S Architectural Ltd., our professional landscape designers can offer you a wide variety of hardscape features and tools that will optimize the outdoor space of your property, ensuring maximum value and functionality.