Are you wondering how you can update your property without spending a fortune or digging up your entire yard? There’s often a misconception that hardscaping projects must be part of a larger project, but that’s not always the case.

To maximize the value of your outdoor living spaces, your landscape does not require a total overhaul. Small hardscaping projects can go an incredibly long way.

In this article, we’ll talk about some of these hardscaping features that can greatly impact your property.

• What is an example of a hardscape?
• How much value does hardscaping add?
• What are the best hardscaping ideas?
• Consider a walkway design
• Consider a retaining wall design
• Consider a paver patio design
• Consider a fire feature design
• Choosing Landscape Design in Northern Virginia

We’ll also discuss the type of value these projects can add and why they are worth considering.

What is an example of a hardscape?

Before going any further, we want to define what we mean when discussing hardscaping features.

A hardscape is any solid-surface addition to the landscape. This would include projects like walkways, retaining walls, patios, driveways, and fire features (like fire pits and fireplaces).

These structures are built from materials like concrete pavers, natural stone, or blocks.

How much value does hardscaping add?

One of the most common questions people ask is how much ROI they can expect from adding hardscaping features. The answer can vary, but we’ve seen reports indicating that you can expect a 20% to 30% ROI on hardscaping additions like walkways, patios, and more.

Adding hardscaping has many benefits, including enhanced functionality, improved aesthetics, and more enjoyment of your space. For that reason, these types of projects are highly desirable and tend to maintain a strong ROI.

When considering the addition of hardscaping, it’s important to remember that there is more to it than the monetary return you can expect. There is also what we like to call “ROE,” or “return on enjoyment” (or “entertainment”).

In other words, if you plan to stay in your home for any extended period of time, you should also consider the enjoyment you’ll get out of adding hardscaping features.

What are the best hardscaping ideas?

Any hardscaping project that will enhance the usability of your space is a good idea. This can be a very individualized choice but some of the projects that we find homeowners like the most include walkways, retaining walls, patios, and fire features.

These are small hardscaping projects that can go a long way.

People sometimes assume that a hardscaping addition has to be part of a massive project, but that’s not the case at all. Simple or stand-alone projects can enhance the use and enjoyment of your outdoor space. These projects do not necessarily have to be part of any larger project or master plan.

Let’s talk about some small hardscaping projects that have a big impact.

Consider a walkway design

Whether you’re heading from your vehicle to your front door or even from your front yard to your backyard, it’s important to you that your family and guests can get around safely. This is where walkways are so valuable. When done well, they also add a lot of aesthetic appeal.

Sometimes it’s a matter of updating an existing walkway. If you have an old concrete pathway that is starting to show its age, we can update that with beautiful pavers or flagstone. Updating an outdated or dilapidated walkway is a relatively simple project that can add much value.

Of course, maybe you want to add a brand-new walkway where you didn’t already have one. Homeowners often like the idea of adding a walkway to get from the front to the backyard. Most homes do not come “standard” with this type of walkway, so that’s a simple addition that can enhance your home's functionality and curb appeal.

Another idea is to upgrade an existing walkway with a brand-new design. A builder’s grade walkway design usually takes people directly from the driveway to a front stoop without much interest or appeal. While you don’t want to take people down a meandering path, adding a curve or making the design slightly more interesting can go a long way.

It is common for builders to leave out a “landing area,” but this is a great feature that improves how a walkway functions. Also thought of as a “greeting area,” you can step outside to say goodbye to guests as they leave your home.

It will become an area where people can congregate when they show up as a group to your home (instead of trying to awkwardly stand on the stoop).

Hardscaping additions like these are simple but impactful.

Consider a retaining wall design

Retaining walls are another hardscaping addition that can be valuable in more ways than one. While retaining walls are almost always added to a property for functional purposes (typically related to grading), homeowners sometimes choose to add them as purely decorative additions.

Of course, when built properly, a retaining wall can be both functional and aesthetically beneficial.

This can be more than just a wall. There are retaining walls with steps and railings, made for seating, and even those that incorporate lights. Don’t feel you have to be limited to a plain, boring wall.

The materials used will also play a key role in the finished look. A retaining wall can be built using all sorts of colors and types of blocks.

Consider a paver patio design

A patio is a valuable hardscaping addition as it often ends up being the “heart” of an outdoor living space. The patio is a place where you can cook and dine outside, lounge outside, and more. And when it comes to paver patio design patterns, you might be surprised to learn just how many different directions you can go in.

Depending upon your specific wants and needs, you can make your patio design something truly unique.

It’s important to note that unique patio patterns require more time and skill than an ordinary patio. Laying certain patterns or even creating a unique border can take a lot of intricacy. This is why choosing the right company to design and build your patio is important.

Consider a fire feature design

Another hardscape design idea is customizing (designing and fabricating) an outdoor fireplace or fire pit fueled by a dedicated natural gas run. If you prefer the smell (and sound) of real wood, that’s an option, too. We can use smokeless inserts for wood-burning fire pits.

Recently, we finished a design for a client that included a propane-powered fire bowl, which was a unique and fun addition to the outdoor living design.

Fireplaces can be stand-alone structures or have wood storage boxes or additional seating. There are many ways to make your fire feature unique to you and your property.

Choosing landscape design in Northern VA

When it comes to any of these hardscaping projects, you want to make sure that you choose the right company for the work. Since these types of projects will deliver the most value when they are custom, you want a company that can design and build something truly original.

Researching and ultimately choosing a landscape company is a big decision and may require a lot of work. But by putting in the effort on the front end, you’ll find a company you can build a long-term relationship with rather than feeling as though you’re headed right back to square one when it didn’t work out with the company you chose.

It helps to partner with a pro who will listen to your ideas and contribute their skill and expertise. Together, you can craft your dream space.

In the end, making a smart choice will help give you peace of mind. By choosing the right landscaping contractor for the work, you’ll be able to feel confident that you have the optimal solution for enhancing your property.

If you want to be confident that your landscape design will have everything it needs, request a landscape consultation, get your customized plan, and relax as you receive the royal treatment.