When I would say the word “hardscaping” in conversations several years ago, I’d get this funny look – like the way your dog looks at you when you say, “cookie”- and I would have to backtrack in the conversation to explain what hardscaping is. Not anymore. Thanks to home improvement shows like HGTV, there is a growing awareness of hardscaping services; the word “hardscaping” has become a household name – even in New Hampshire!
What exactly is hardscaping? In case you are not familiar with the term, I offer this definition:
“Hardscaping is the placement of non-living elements into the outdoor built environment.”
This can mean patios and brick paver walkways, freestanding or retaining walls, pergolas, outdoor kitchens or landscape lighting. Most often structural in nature, the hardscaping element is the backbone of any landscape design. Walkways define access routes; patios entertaining areas; retaining walls set the proper grade. When phasing in a landscape design/build project, it is the hardscape portion that is completed first.
Hardscaping is hard work. “Do it right the first time” never applied more than it does to hardscaping. With tons of aggregate, concrete or stone, it’s a big headache to rebuild a hardscape that was not installed properly. Retaining walls must be properly designed for loadbearing, proper base preparation and compaction means the difference between a paver patio lasting 15 years or just one year. A skilled stone mason pieces together a wall that is pleasing to look at, but an inexperienced landscaper will build a stone wall that looks more like a semi-organized rock pile than a stone wall.
At Rye Beach Landscaping, we specialize in hardscaping services. We can build it out of natural stone, concrete block and pavers, or structural concrete that is stamped and colored. All of our crews are trained in the installation of hardscapes.
Please take a moment to see our work:
To learn more about the specific hardscape services we offer:
