15 hardscaping ideas for your yard
By Francesca Singer•Last updated Jun 2, 2023
Last updated Jun 2, 2023
The key to an outstanding landscape is hardscaping — think pathways, seating areas and borders. While color, texture and balance are important, hardscape elements can take your landscape design to the next level.
Hardscape ties a landscape together by directing foot traffic and creating memorable focal points. If your yard is lacking hardscaping elements, consider it an opportunity to fill in the blanks and create an enjoyable and usable outdoor space.
What is hardscaping and what are the benefits?
Hardscaping refers to everything in a landscape design that isn't living. It may sound limited to sturdy materials like brick, concrete, or stone, but that isn't the case. Pea gravel, outdoor furniture wood, and even metal edging are considered hardscaping elements too.
There are plenty of benefits to hardscaping. Aesthetically, hardscaping is used in landscape design to create and define spaces. For example, hardscape materials give gardens a clean-lined look, shaping formal classical gardens and contemporary spaces. Good hardscape design ideas also add curb appeal by cleaning up the look of a front yard.
Functionally, hardscaping guides movement through a landscape by offering planned pathways and gathering spaces. Hardscaping also reduces maintenance by cutting down on areas that need mowing or weeding.
Best front yard and backyard hardscaping ideas
No matter how large or small your outdoor space is, these backyard and front yard hardscaping ideas can spark inspiration.
1. Build a fire pit
A backyard fire pit creates a cozy place for people to gather on a cool autumn or spring evening. Fire pits can be worked into a landscape design or added to an existing landscape. This outdoor fireplace can be built-in or portable.
2. Add a border to existing garden beds
One of the fastest ways to increase curb appeal is by edging garden beds. Hardscape borders keep mulch in place and eliminate the need for manual edging. From inexpensive options like low-profile steel edging to pricier chopped stone or custom welded steel, there is a border material for every budget and landscape style.
3. Create a water feature
Photo credit: Cornerstone Ponds and Waterfalls
The sound of flowing water is soothing, and a well-designed water feature can be a great visual addition to a landscape. A recirculating fountain can add ambiance to a small space, and a birdbath gives birds a place to drink and play. Larger water elements include waterfalls, koi ponds, and rain gardens.
The larger the water feature, the more planning and labor it will require. However, small water features can often be installed in a single afternoon.
4. Invest in an outdoor kitchen
If you live in a mild climate and enjoy entertaining guests regularly, consider building an outdoor kitchen. It adds an entirely new dimension to your living space.
Outdoor kitchens can include an electric pizza oven or gas grill, a countertop, and a hand-washing sink under an awning. Or they can be outfitted with a full range, marble-topped bar, and refrigerator in an enclosed space.
5. Build a deck or patio
Photo credit: Crafted Patios
Adding a patio or deck to your landscape makes spending time outside more convenient and enjoyable. Handy individuals will find plenty of online plans for building a DIY deck or patio, but qualified contractors are happy to help. Get a free estimate from a professional near you on Thumbtack.
6. Lay down a hardscape path
Hardscape pathways are a simple way to upgrade your landscape instantly. They can direct traffic along a well-defined walkway, replace dirt footpaths worn into a lawn, and create patterns of color and texture in the overall landscape design. A hardscape path can be made of flagstone, pea gravel, river stones, concrete pavers, brick, or cut stone.
7. Xeriscape your landscape
Watering restrictions can make it almost impossible to keep turf healthy during a drought in hot, dry climates. As such, many homeowners create xeriscapes — low-water-use gardens that replace lawns with hardscape pathways, rock gardens, and drought-tolerant plants.
Xeriscapes use containers, gravel, stone, and ground cover elements that are visually beautiful and stand up to heat and drought.
8. Construct retaining walls
Photo credit: Rock N' Block LLC
Retaining walls come in many different forms and can serve many different purposes. They can minimize erosion, contain deep planting beds, define and contain outdoor gathering areas, and add seating options.
A low, stacked boulder wall might form the border for a hillside terrace garden, while a poured concrete retaining wall can add privacy and definition to an outdoor kitchen.
9. Create privacy with a screening feature
Simple hardscape features for screening can take care of nosy neighbors or unappealing views. A wooden privacy fence, lattice, or shade sail can create privacy and block views that take away from the enjoyment of your outdoor space.
Be sure to check your homeowner's association or local building codes to make sure your screening solution is compliant.
10. Add an outdoor structure
These structures can be prefabricated, standalone features or built-in, customized projects. Either way, if you have the budget and space for an outdoor addition like this, it can feel like adding an entirely new room to your home.
Gazebos and pergolas can be used for outdoor dining, meditation, yoga, or as a relaxing backyard getaway for reading or daydreaming.
11. Install landscape lighting
Outdoor lighting enhances the safety, security, and ambiance of your landscape. You'll need to select the areas you want to illuminate, choose the appropriate fixtures and bulbs, and install them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
12. Refurbish or create a driveway if you don't already have one
Vehicles and visitors will appreciate a well-paved driveway. To execute this project, you'll need to mark a location clearly, excavate the area, and lay a base of gravel and sand. Then you can install the surface materials, such as asphalt or concrete.
13. Build an arbor
An arbor provides shade and adds visual interest to your landscape, whether over a stone patio, walkway, or garden bed. Select a location, choose an appropriate style and material, determine the size and shape of the structure, and then build it, making sure it is securely anchored.
14. Build an outdoor shower
In addition to being a unique addition to your landscape, an outdoor shower offers a convenient way to rinse off after exercising or working in the garden.
To execute this project, you'll need a location with adequate drainage and access to a water source. When that's done, you may want to hire a plumber to install it.
15. Install wooden floors
Wooden floors aren’t just for inside your home — you can also install them in your backyard. Find a professional who can put wooden decking in your backyard so you can create a cozy outdoor living space.
Hire a landscaper on Thumbtack
Landscaping is a fun hobby for some and a pain for others. For those who prefer to leave it to the pros, Thumbtack has your back. Download the Thumbtack app to check out your options. If you're ready to turn your hardscape ideas into a reality but don't want to do it alone, hire a professional on Thumbtack and get started.
A note about project costs included or linked in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.
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