Hardscaping vs Softscaping
If you’ve been looking into landscape design or exterior home improvement, you’ve most likely heard the terms hardscaping and softscaping. Well, that’s because every landscaping project can be broken down into these two aspects: hardscaping and softscaping. So, what is the difference and how can you use it to plan your own design?
Let’s take a look at hardscaping versus softscaping and the ways to integrate them into your project.
Hardscaping:Hardscaping refers to the solid parts of your design. These are the elements which will remain the same over the years, so it’s important to get them perfect the first time.There are many kinds of hardscaping designs, which you can install in your back or front yard to enhance the space.
Hardscaping designs can be created using many different materials, but some of the most commonly used ones include:
- Concrete Pavers
- Brick
- Flagstone
- Slate
Softscaping: Softscaping is the term for the changeable, natural and “softer” areas of your landscape design. These normally go through yearly changes, unlike hardscaping which stays the same year after year. Softscaping is used to add color and life to your design. Some choose to create a more natural look with a lot of softscaping, while others use it minimally to add to their hardscaping.
So, the first step in designing your new landscape is to decide what type of design you want. Depending on how you want the space to look and feel, how you plan to use it and the surrounding space, your landscape will most likely contain both hardscaping and softscaping. When the two are blended together properly, they complement each other, create a great sense of balance and are very pleasing to look at.
To learn more about designing your new outdoor space or to speak with one of our designers, give us a call at: (818) 275-8271.
