The 3 Most Functional Hardscaping Features (And 3 That Are Just For Fun)

 

Hardscaping is pretty much all the stuff in your landscaping design that isn’t a plant. There are functional hardscaping elements, like front walkways, and some projects that are more, let’s say, luxurious. 

We’re going to tell you about three hardscaping features you can’t live without and three that you won’t want to.

3 Functional Hardscaping Features

1. Walkways (Front or Side)

Why walkways are useful:

Walkways provide clear paths, often from your driveway or sidewalk to the entrances of your home. They protect your landscaping, guide your guests, make movement easier (especially during wet or icy weather), and keep you from tracking dirt and debris from inside your house.

Options to consider:

• Materials: Choose from concrete, bricks, pavers, natural stone, or gravel.

• Styles: Layouts can vary based on your home and your design aesthetic. Straight, curved, or patterned walkways are all possibilities.

• Additional features: You can incorporate lighting or edging on either side of your walkway for safety and visual appeal

Walkways offer a seamless flow from your driveway or sidewalk to entrances.

2. Driveway

Why driveways are useful:

Yes, we know many suburban homes are built with driveways, but homes in more urban areas are less likely to have them. You might consider getting one for your city dwelling if you don’t already have one to cut down on the hassles of parking on the street, including finding a convenient space and keeping your car out of harm’s way (aka, safe from other drivers or whomever may be walking on the street at any given hour.)

When designing a driveway for your home in the city, there are often space considerations. Which is why it’s important to hire a professional landscaper to do the job!

Options to consider:

• Materials: Choose from asphalt, concrete, pavers, gravel, or permeable surfaces for improved drainage.

• Styles: Options include single-lane, double-lane, or circular driveways.

• Customization: Incorporate borders, stamped designs, or decorative inlays for added charm

The type of driveway you choose will impact its lifespan and functionality, as well as how much it adds to your home's curb appeal.

3. Retaining Wall

Why retaining walls are useful:

Retaining walls may seem like an attractive way to tier your landscaping, but they also help manage soil erosion if your yard sits on a slope. They do this by holding back the soil and creating level planting areas. They also prevent water runoff issues, limiting damage to the foundation of your home. 

Options to consider:

• Materials: Look for natural stone, poured concrete, bricks, or modular blocks

• Heights and designs: The look of your retaining wall will vary based on your terrain. Less of a slope will result in short, decorative walls. A more intense grade will require tall, structural walls. 

• Multi-functionality: You can turn a retaining wall into a stone bench to further incorporate it into the aesthetics of your hardscaping. 

Retaining walls may be essential to challenging landscapes, but with the right landscape designer, they can bring visual interest to your yard as well as functionality. 

3 Fun Hardscaping Features

1. Water Feature

Why you may want a water feature:

A water feature can bring your yard to life with its constant movement and soothing sounds, enhancing your relaxation and contributing to a calming ambiance. It also attracts birds and wildlife, enriching the natural vibe.

Options to consider:

• Types: There are a variety of water features to choose from, including fountains, ponds, waterfalls, or bubbling rocks

• Sizes: Water features can be grand or humble. Homeowners install everything from small tabletop fountains to large garden ponds.

• Styles: There are as many styles of water features as there are types. You can go modern, rustic, or naturalistic. 

Water features become tranquil focal points in your yard that can elevate the mood and style of your favorite part of the home.

2. Sunken Fire Pit

Why you may want a sunken fire pit:

Regular fire pits are great, but a sunken fire pit can add a whimsical element to your yard. It’s also perfect for intimate evenings, either entertaining dear friends or unwinding at the end of a long day with you or your family.

Options to consider:

• Materials: You can build your sunken fire pit out of stone, brick, concrete, or metal fire rings

• Shapes: Get creative with the shape of your sunken fire pit! Consider a circular, square, or custom design

• Amenities: Enhance your sunken fire pit even more with seating walls, built-in benches, or surrounding paver patios

Sunken fire pits are for homeowners all about the ambiance, creating a memorable feature in your outdoor living space.

3. Brick or Concrete Patio Bar

Why you may want a patio bar:

If you love dining and entertaining outdoors, why not give your yard’s patio all the conveniences of your indoor kitchen? 

A patio bar could be the hub of your outdoor entertaining space: A convenient place for all your drinks and snacks, a place to prepare your feast, or the spot where everyone gathers, chatting and laughing.

Options to consider:

• Materials: Make your patio bar look good with matching or contrasting bricks, natural stones, or decorative concrete

• Features: Up the convenience of your patio bar with built-in grills, sinks, storage, or seating ledges

• Styles: Tailor your patio bar to fit your outdoor design theme with a classic, coastal, modern, or rustic design. 

A patio bar enhances the fun factor of your space while adding a practical spot for outdoor hosting.

Getting Started On Your Fun Or Functional Hardscaping Project

Incorporating functional hardscaping features like walkways, driveways, and retaining walls ensures your outdoor space is practical and reliable. Meanwhile, adding fun elements such as water features, sunken fire pits, and patio bars infuses personality and enjoyment into your yard.

To get the best quality job, consider a landscaping professional specializing in hardscaping. If you live in Southern Indiana or Louisville, there’s no better hardscaper than Walnut Ridge Landscape & Design. This family-owned business employs generations of experts who have worked on the finest homes in the area. Find out more at walnutridgelandscape.com.