A home's outdoor living space needs hardscaping just as much as it needs softscaping. In fact, according to Freedonia, it's anticipated that by 2025 monetary demand for hardscaping goods in the U.S. will reach $3.9 billion annually. Hardscaping enhances a landscape by bringing balance and attention to the yard and the house. Hardscaping projects use a variety of materials. Below is an overview to help you understand the different materials and their features.

Rock

River rock and cobblestone are excellent, adaptable building materials that look great in driveways, pools, water features, and flower beds. River rock and cobblestone are ideal mulch substitutes in gardens because they interact effectively with water. They keep the soil from evaporating and weigh more than mulch, making it less prone to moving around. Because of its attractive appearance, rock is also ideal for use in driveways, garden walks, and simply to accent various sections of your yard.

Concrete

Concrete, with its contemporary industrial look and durability, is one of the most popular materials for building. Any typical home will undoubtedly have some type of concrete hardscaping. Concrete is the ideal material for nearly all hardscapes, including driveways, walls, courtyards, pathways, and patios. Concrete can be imprinted with different patterns and textures to resemble stones for a distinctive appearance.

Wood

If you're looking to build a deck, wood is likely the first material that comes to mind. Although wood is not the most durable material, it works well for many types of hardscapes like decks, fencing, and pergolas. Composite wood is another choice, which is more resilient and has a longer lifespan than natural wood. However, when properly maintained, wood complements all other hardscape elements in a very attractive way.

Tile

Although using tiles inside our homes is common, you can also use the same attractive layouts outside. Porcelain tiles are beautiful and a popular option for outdoor flooring. You'll want to make sure you're using tile that's designed for outdoor use. Tile will impress your visitors despite being a relatively more expensive hardscape material when compared to the alternatives.

Deciding which material to use for your hardscaping project may be challenging. Concrete, rock, wood, and tile are common materials that look great for hardscaping. When deciding what kind of material will suit your landscape, prioritize the material that looks the best. Call us at CTC Landscapes today to get a quote for your next hardscape project.