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Hardscape Design :
Designing Outdoor Living Spaces

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Hardscape Design

Outdoor Living Spaces Custom Designed For You and Your Budget

Hardscaping design is an integral part of landscape architecture that focuses on the non-living elements of any outdoor space. It involves the planning, design, and installation of various hard elements such as pathways, patios, retaining walls, fountains, and other man-made structures. Hardscaping not only enhances the aesthetics of an outdoor area but also adds functionality and value to the overall property. With that in mind let's delve into the details of hardscaping design, its importance, and key considerations to create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.

A well-designed hardscaping can transform an ordinary backyard into an enchanting retreat. Whether it's a small urban garden or a sprawling estate, hardscaping design plays a crucial role in creating a visually appealing and functional outdoor space. This article aims to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of hardscaping design and offer valuable insights on how to create an impressive outdoor area.

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What You Need to Know About Outdoor Living Space Design

What is hardscaping design?
Hardscaping design refers to the planning, design, and implementation of various non-living elements in a landscape. It involves the use of materials like stone, concrete, wood, and metal to create pathways, patios, walls, and other structural elements that enhance the overall look and feel of the outdoor space. Unlike softscaping (which involves plants and other living elements), hardscaping focuses on man-made features that add stability, functionality, and visual interest to the landscape.

Why is Hardscaping Design Important?
Hardscaping design is important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides structure and organization to the outdoor space. By incorporating various hardscape elements, such as walkways and walls, you can create distinct areas for different activities like dining, entertainment, or relaxation. This not only adds functionality but also enhances the overall usability of the outdoor area.

Secondly, hardscaping design plays a vital role in enhancing the aesthetics of the landscape. Beautifully designed stone pathways, decorative retaining walls, and well-placed fountains can create a visually stunning and inviting outdoor environment. Hardscape elements can also be used to complement the architectural style of the property and create a cohesive look.

What are the best materials for a covered porch?
The best materials for a covered porch are wood, aluminum, and steel. Each material has its benefits, considerations, and maintenance requirements.

Do I need a permit to build a covered porch?
Yes, you need a permit and may need zoning approval to build a covered porch. Be sure to check your local building codes before starting your project.

What is the best way to clean a covered porch?
The best way to clean a covered porch is to sweep or vacuum it regularly and wash it using mild soap and water. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for any specific cleaning recommendations.

Elements of Hardscape Design

  1. Pathways: Well-designed pathways provide functional and visual connectivity between different areas of the outdoor space. They can be constructed using various materials like stone, brick, or concrete pavers, and can be designed in different shapes and patterns to suit the overall theme.

  2. Patios and Decks: A patio or deck serves as an outdoor living space where you can relax, entertain guests, or enjoy a meal. These hardscape features can be constructed using materials like stone, wood, or composite decking and can be customized based on the available space and desired functionality.

  3. Walls and Fences: Retaining walls, boundary fences, or privacy screens not only provide structural support but also define spaces and add a sense of intimacy to the landscape. They can be constructed using stone, brick, or wood, and can be designed to blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

  4. Water Features: Fountains, ponds, or waterfalls can add a touch of serenity and tranquility to the outdoor space. These hardscape features not only create a soothing ambiance but also attract birds and other wildlife, adding to the overall appeal.
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Planning Your Hardscaping Design

Before embarking on a hardscaping project, careful planning is essential. Consider the following steps to ensure a successful design:
  1. Assess the site: Understand the existing topography, soil conditions, and drainage patterns of your outdoor space. This information will help you determine the feasibility and functionality of various hardscape elements.

  2. Define the purpose: Identify how you intend to use the outdoor area and set clear goals for your hardscaping design. Whether it’s a space for entertaining guests, gardening, or simply relaxing, defining the purpose will guide the selection and arrangement of hardscape elements.

  3. Create a layout: Work with a professional designer or create a layout yourself, keeping in mind the overall aesthetics and functionality. Consider the flow of movement, focal points, and balance between hardscape and softscape elements.

  4. Consider climate and maintenance: Choose hardscape materials that are suitable for your climate. Additionally, factor in the maintenance requirements and long-term durability of the selected materials.

Choosing The Right Materials

The selection of materials is crucial in hardscaping design as it not only impacts the appearance but also the longevity of the outdoor space. Consider the following aspects when choosing materials:

  1. Durability: Opt for materials that can withstand the local climate, including extreme temperatures, rainfall, and freeze-thaw cycles. This will ensure that your hardscape elements remain intact for years to come.
  2. Aesthetic appeal: Choose materials that complement the overall design theme and architectural style of your property. Consider colors, textures, and patterns that create a visually appealing and cohesive look.
  3. Sustainability: Whenever possible, choose environmentally friendly materials that have minimal impact on the environment. Consider options like recycled concrete, permeable pavers, or reclaimed wood.

Incorporating Creative Features

To make your hardscaping design truly unique and personalized, consider incorporating creative features that reflect your taste and preferences. These could include:

  1. Fire features: Fire pits or fireplaces can create a cozy and inviting ambiance, making your outdoor area usable even during colder months.
  2. Outdoor lighting: Strategically placed lighting fixtures can accentuate the hardscape elements, create a warm ambiance, and enhance safety during nighttime use.
  3. Sculptures and art installations: Incorporating sculptures, art pieces, or other creative installations can add a touch of creativity and personality to your outdoor space.
  4. Outdoor kitchens or grilling areas: If you enjoy cooking and entertaining outdoors, consider adding an outdoor kitchen with a grill, countertop, and sink. This will elevate your outdoor dining experience.

Maintenance And Upkeep

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your hardscape elements looking their best and ensure their longevity. Here are some basic maintenance tips:

  1. Clean surfaces: Regularly sweep or hose down your hardscape surfaces to remove dirt, debris, and leaves. Use mild soap or specialized cleaners for stubborn stains.

  2. Inspect for damage: Periodically check for cracks, loose stones, or damaged materials. Promptly fix any issues to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of your outdoor space.

  3. Weed control: Regularly remove weeds and unwanted vegetation growing through the joints or cracks in your hardscape surfaces. This prevents them from causing damage or compromising the integrity of the structure.

Hiring a professional hardscaping designer

While DIY hardscaping projects can be fun for small projects, hiring a professional hardscaping designer offers many advantages. A professional can provide expertise, and creativity, and ensure the project is executed efficiently. They have the knowledge of local regulations, and access to high-quality materials, and can create a design that perfectly suits your needs.

Our designers have exemplary credentials (see below) and extensive training in the latest design and installation methods and best practices in the industry.  They also have experience with successfully completing hundreds of projects. Working closely with all the different teams, be it landscaping, tree service, construction, estimation and billing and others gives them a broad view of the entire process which is invaluable to ensuring that projects are completed without surprises that cause delays, avoiding costly errors and completed on time and on budget.

Call Us at 610-796-7818. We would love to hear about your project and answer any questions you may have.

The Magic Starts Here

Our Landscape Design Team

Designer

Phil Neri
Landscape Designer

Tricia Voss

Designer

Phil Neri

Phil has been in the green industry for 20 years. He joined New Castle in the spring of 2012 and is an ICPI & NCMA certified contractor. Phil began his career at New Castle as a construction foreman. After a few years as a foreman he became the hardscape construction supervisor and then became one of the New Castle designers. Along with designing hardscapes and landscapes, Phil also creates all of New Castle’s marketing material. He prides himself in his attention to detail along with excellent vendor and client relationships. Phil is experienced in many aspects of landscaping, hardscaping and graphic design. Although his passion is in creating outdoor living spaces.Outside of work Phil enjoys spending time with his wife Rebecca and their two children, Giada and Noah. He also enjoys hunting, camping and restoring his classic pickup truck.

Landscape Designer

Tricia Voss

Tricia joined the New Castle team in 2014. Entering the green industry in 2000, she started out as a greenhouse employee and landscape construction crew member. Tricia then earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Contracting from Penn State, with a focus on Design and Ornamental Horticulture. Her career as a Landscape Designer has taken her to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, the Main Line and Berks County, where she primarily works on residential design and landscape restorations. A highlights of Tricia’s career was co-designing an exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower show that was awarded “Best in Show” and the “People’s Choice” awards. Another rewarding experience for her, was being a guest Lecturer/Designer in a senior level Landscape Design course at Penn State. Tricia loves to share her knowledge with future landscape designers, as well as, friends and family. She will never turn down a trip to go plant shopping or dig in the dirt with a friend! A graduate of Wilson High School, Tricia and her husband are thrilled to be able to raise their three children in the same community that she grew up in. When she isn’t crafting, decorating or playing in her own yard, Tricia and her family enjoy hiking, camping and tackling home improvement projects.

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“ They removed several damaged large shrubs without damaging nearby plants. Then planted 2 new trees. They put gator bags around my new trees so I can easily water them and give them the best possible start. ”

Edna Asbell

" I have been a New Castle customer for over ten years and they have been great to work with since Day 1. They have done landscape design & maintenance, hardscaping, tree maintenance & removal, lawn care, field water conservation seeding, and likely other things for us I can’t remember. Always professional, knowledgeable, personable, responsible, and trustworthy. Some companies I have dealt with have not been able to maintain those qualities as their firms grew. That’s not the case with New Castle. "

Rick Thomson

“ I just wanted to let you know that I am having a dead tree removed in my backyard by New Castle; my experience with your team has been amazing. Andy has been fantastic, and I couldn’t have asked for a more down-to-earth individual to be paired with to get the ball rolling on work around my house. Between my experience with your team in a work capacity as well as privately, New Castle has far exceeded my expectations and I am happy to point anyone I know to New Castle. ”

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New Castle offers a full spectrum of hardscaping options; including patios, walkways, driveways and retaining walls. Our installation technicians are ICPI certified and implement innovative and practical designs that are tailored to each customer’s desires and needs.

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