Choosing the Right Hardscape Materials for Landscaping

Are you ready to give your backyard a makeover with the best hardscape materials? In general, hardscaping refers to every non-living element in your landscape. That includes patios, pergolas, pavement, retaining walls, and ground covers that aren’t flowers and grass. 

A perfect home landscape cannot exist without a hardscape, as the two complement each other and create an enjoyable structure.

To elevate your outdoor experience, choose your hardscaping materials wisely. Different types of hardscape materials add structure, color, and texture, improve slip resistance, and contribute to looks and functionality of your outdoor space. In addition, knowing their weather resistance and environmental considerations helps you choose your materials for a long-term investment.

Let’s explore the hardscape materials list in detail.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardscape Materials

The best approach to selecting hardscape materials for landscaping requires considering several factors, explained below.

• Climate and Weather Conditions

What is your climate like? Are frost and heavy snow rare, or do you worry that your pavement won’t look good after an all-summer-long exposure to extensive heat and UV rays?

Understanding how different materials react in various weather conditions is essential for your landscape.

Frost-suitable landscape hardscape materials include granite and bluestone, concrete, and brick. On the other hand, pick sandstone or travertine for your hardscaping elements if they are exposed to too many UV rays.

• Style and Aesthetics

Hardscaping products and materials should match your home style to ensure a cohesive look:

1. Modern: Concrete, porcelain
2. Rustic – Flagstone, cobblestone, gravel
3. Traditional – brick, limestone, cobblestone
4. Mediterranean – Teracota, limestone, travertine
5. Coastal – Sandstone, shell-aggregate contract
6. Contemporary – Minimalistic slate, meta, polished concrete, etc.
   

• Durability and Lifespan:

Concrete pavers and natural stone are excellent for  high-traffic areas, including patios and walkways. You can focus on pea stone to add visual interest in low-traffic zones.

• Cost and Budget

Natural stone requires an extensive upfront cost but lasts a long time. On the other hand, gravel is among the cheapest options for hardscape elements, but it is more suited for light-traffic areas in your backyard. In addition, consider maintenance costs.

For example, stamped concrete is beautiful and doesn’t require significant upfront costs, but you must seal it regularly to keep its appearance and prevent cracking. If you’ve never done an extensive renovation project in your backyard, discuss the durability and cost-effectiveness of the hardscape materials for patios with your chosen contractor.

• Maintenance

Concrete is one of many materials that need regular maintenance. Some types of hardscape stones require occasional sealing to keep their color and performance. Brick needs re-sanding of joints, and gravel needs replenishment periodically. 

Each material requires some maintenance; it is essential to understand materials’ unique needs. Pick the one that matches your budget and the efforts you’re ready to take to maintain high performance and aesthetics.

Common Hardscape Materials and Their Uses

Here is all you need to know about the best hardscape materials, including features, applications, and potential drawbacks.

Concrete

Concrete is genuinely a hardscape star material. You can customize it with stamping or coloring to get a unique appearance or choose a polished or aggregate finish for visual appeal. In addition, concrete is excellent for forming complex structures. It allows for straightforward integration of steps and benches, and installation of large, seamless areas.

Pros of concrete as a hardscaping material:

• Endless customization potential
• Cheap material
• Suitable for integration with other types of hardscapes

Cons:

• Prone to cracking without proper maintain
• Not everyone likes the concrete appearance

The best use of concrete in hardscaping is for modern-style landscapes, especially for:

1. Patios
2. Driveaways
3. Retaining walls
4. Walkways

Natural Stone (Flagstone, Slate, Limestone, etc.):

The list of natural stones for hardscaping elements is extensive, and you can pick everything from versatile flagstone dark and elegant slate to soft-colored limestone and warm sandstone. 

Since you’ve got several stones to consider, understanding their features helps you choose the best one for each element in your landscape.

Pros of natural stones in hardscaping:

• Aesthetic appeal
• Longevity
• Range of colors and textures

Cons:

• Expensive
• Using natural stone in hardscaping requires professional installation
• Slippery when wet

If you want to create a high-end landscape and you don’t mind considerable upfront investment, use natural stones for:

1. Pathways
2. Patios
3. Pool areas
4. Decoration elements

Pavers (Concrete or Brick):

Flat, pre-cast pieces of concrete or prick are cost-effective and practical options for low-maintenance hardscaping elements. Their stand-out features are customization options and easy repair. Since you can replace only individual, damaged pavers, you don’t have to work on the entire area. Thus, you’ll save money and complete the tasks quickly.

Pros:

• Pavers come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures
• You can lay it out in different patterns for further customization
• Simple repair
• Durable

Cons:

• Complex installation
• Work best on a flat and stable foundation

Pavers are excellent options for structured and formal landscapes, especially for:

1. Driveaways
2. Walksways
3. Patios

Gravel and Crushed Stone:

Gravel consists of naturally rounded stones, while crushed stone in hardscaping refers to crushed granite, trap rock, or limestone. Both options are economical and excellent for casual aesthetics, drainage, or base layer.

Pros:

• Affordable and versatile hardscaping materials
• A natural aesthetic that is easy to blend with different landscape styles
• Excellent drainage

Cons:

• Requires edging
• Not suitable for heavy traffic areas
• Prone to shifting and erosion without edging

Best use:

1. Ground cover
2. Base layer for pavers
3. Drainage-improvement
4. Casual, informal landscape

Wood (Decking or Timber Elements)

In hardscaping, wood has the unique purpose of blending with natural surroundings and being a functional structure. Cedar, redwood, pressure-treated pine, teak, and ipe are standard options for hardscaping.

Pros:

• Natural warmth
• Unique appearance
• Versatile use, suitable for fences, decking, pergolas

Cons:

• Requires regular sealing and staining to maintain good-looking and performance
• Prone to rot and pests

Best for:

• Garden borders
• Functional structures such as pergolas
• Decking

Brick

Brick is a classic, weather-resistant hardscape material that brings a timeless appearance and minimal environmental impact, since it is recyclable. Moreover, you can choose from red, brown, and gray bricks to create a beautiful landscape.

Pros:

• Classic appearance
• Excellent durability
• Adds warmth to the landscape

Cons:

• Expensive
• Prone to shifting and cracking
• Brick is most suited for:
• Pathways
• Driveways
• Retaining walls

Metal (Corten steel, aluminum, etc.):

Despite not being as popular as other hardscape materials, metal has a wide use in hardscaping. You can use it for edging, adding visual interest, planters, screens, fences, or grates. It is an option in modern landscapes.

Benefits of using metal in landscaping include:

• Adding industrial appeal
• Durability
• Flexibility and unique application for different structures

Cons:

• Prone to rust or weather damage over time
• High upfront cost
• Metal is most suitable for:
• Retaining walls
• Edging
• Adding focal points – planters or decorative screens

Composite Materials:

Busy homeowners prefer composite materials because of their simple maintenance. Composite materials in hardscaping consist of wood fibers, recycled plastic, or synthetic resins, which are suitable for outdoor applications.

Their benefits include:

• Simple maintenance
• Long lifespan
• Environmentally-friendly

Cons:

• High initial costs
• Limited customization options

Most environmentally-conscious homeowners pick composite materials for:

1. Decking
2. Raised garden beds

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Considerations

If you want to minimize the environmental impact of your landscape, consider:

• Choosing permeable wavers for driveways, patios, and pathways; mitigate erosion and reduce runoff
• Locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy
• Integrate recycled materials such as recycled concrete, reclaimed brick, or composite materials from recycled plastic to reduce landfill waste
• Minimize the use of concrete hardscape materials to reduce heat island effects
• Focusing on longevity to minimize resource use over time
• Repurpose existing materials in your landscape
• Trust experienced contract to do proper water management 

Conclusion

Choosing hardscape materials affects the functionality and appearance of your landscape. So pick wisely, with the following consideration in mind:

1. Natural stones are expensive, but they are long-lasting, low-maintenance and beautiful
2. Concrete is versatile, affordable, and flexible but requires upkeep
3. Brick is timeless but prone to cracking
4. Composite materials are environmentally friendly but with a high price tag
5. Metal is an option for contemporary elements in your landscape, while wood contributes to the traditional appearance

FAQ

What are the most durable hardscape materials for patios?

Natural stone is excellent for patios. For example, granite can last up to 75 years despite heavy traffic and weather conditions.

Why should I hire a hardscape experts near me instead of doing a DIY project?

Hiring local hardscape experts brings you their experience, expertise, proper tools, and knowledge on which materials and structures are best for your landscape. They are also adept in permits and regulations; professional work increases your home value.

How do I integrate several hardscape materials in my backyard design?

First, divide your space into different functional zones. Then, add texture, color, and focal point. Look for online photos to get inspired on various combinations and use transition elements such as borders and stepping stones to integrate different materials.

What is the budget range for hardscaping materials?

The budget for hardscaping materials is broad. For example, you may pay $2 per square foot for pavers, $5,000 for water features, and between $100 and $600 per ton for some stone types.