If you’ve ever had a contractor use the term “hardscape,” you may wonder what exactly that means and how it’s different from landscaping. As Walnut Creek concrete paver professionals who specialize in patios, driveways, pool decks and other elements that distinguish your home and make the outdoors more functional, we’ll explain the difference between the two.

It isn’t uncommon for those who aren’t in the home improvement industry to believe these terms actually mean the same thing, but the truth is they’re very different.

Landscape is the term you’ve probably heard most often and involves all of those things that are in the earth – the “soft” components including dirt, grass, shrubs, flowers, trees, or even the bark or mulch used in decorative beds. Landscaping involves taking factors such as the size and shape of the land, its slope and how your home is situated to determine the best placement for flower beds, trees, hedges and other elements to make your lawn its most appealing.

Hardscape involves the “hard” elements of your landscape such as stone retainer walls, the bricks in steps or patios, concrete in the driveway, interlocking pavers, even water features or fire pits made of stone, rocks or other non-living materials. If you have a concrete swimming pool surrounded by a paver pool deck, it is a hardscape. Brick or stone used around a built-up flower bed is part of the hardscape. Not only do hardscapes beautify the landscape and help set off specific elements of your lawn, they can also provide a focal point, prevent erosion and strengthen soil structure depending on the application.

Now you understand the difference and it’s easy to see how the two go hand-in-hand to give your property that “wow” factor that captures the attention of passers-by. When you incorporate the two the possibilities are endless! You’ll enjoy beautiful, functional outdoor spaces and increase the value of your property at the same time.

To learn more about interlocking concrete pavers and all of the endless options when it comes to beautifying your landscape, give The Paver Guys, your Walnut Creek paving company, a call.