What is Hardscape Landscaping?

landscaping services in chicago

Hardscape landscaping is the process of enhancing a yard or business exterior with structures like walls, fences, pergolas, and water features. Hardscaping can make a home more appealing to potential buyers, increase the property value and save money on maintenance costs.

Whether you are a homeowner who wants to transform your backyard or a commercial property owner looking for a way to generate new revenue streams, adding hardscape can be a worthwhile investment. New structures will help your business thrive by adding luxurious outdoor hangout areas for eating, walking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

What are some of the best hardscaping features?

There are many hardscaping options to choose from, and they all come with their own set of benefits. Choose something that works for you and your budget, as well as create a design that will appeal to your family and guests.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are a popular hardscape feature that adds a sense of structure and definition to any landscape. They can separate soils at different elevations for erosion control and make a great focal point in the design of your garden. You may see retaining walls in both traditional and modern styles, often paired with other softscape organic materials to create a balance between hard and soft elements. In hilly areas, many homes use retaining walls to create parking spaces on a slanted piece of land.

Patios and Decks

The most common way to use hardscape is through the creation of a patio or deck area. These provide a welcoming place for friends and families to gather outside or an intimate spot for quiet relaxation. These types of hardscape features are low-maintenance, durable and require little attention to keep them looking their best.

A backyard patio can be made from brick, concrete, flagstone, or other hardscape materials that are inexpensive, yet still offer a nice touch to outdoor living spaces. You can find many different colors and designs of hardscape materials, and they can also be stained with non-toxic dyes to give them a more natural look.

Built-in Barbecue Grills and Seating

A barbecue grill is a hardscape element that will not only improve your outdoor cooking experience but also expand the amount of time you can spend enjoying your property. They are a great option for people with limited budgets who want to get the most out of their backyard.

Fire Pits and Fireplaces

A fire pit is a hardscape element that can improve the appearance of a yard, add ambiance to an outdoor space, and help prepare for entertaining. They can be installed in a variety of locations, including beneath trees or gazebos or near a pool deck, making them an ideal addition to any outdoor space.

Benches

Garden benches are a great hardscape feature that can be installed in nearly any landscape. These easy-to-install structures provide seating for small or large gatherings and are available in every price range. They can be used with other garden elements, such as patios or gazebos, to create an outdoor entertaining area that everyone will love.

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"We have been customers of Grant and Power for years and enjoy the relationship we've built together.  Grant and Power doesn't only provide an exceptional service for us, they are reliable and dedicated to our practice's image and the safety of our patients.  The landscaping and snow removal is not one of my concerns because I know I can always count on Grant and Power.   We are thankful to be their customer."
Erica – Premier Dermatology     
"I would gladly refer your company to my friends and neighbors. I just wish I had taken pictures of the backyard before the transformation. My backyard is now beautiful and I can't wait to entertain."
Carol – Naperville     
"I wanted to thank you for your great service, and our beautiful brick patio. We receive compliments from people who walk by our home on their way to the park. Some have brought their friends and relatives by to see it. It has transformed the way our home looks, and provides a warm and elegant entrance for anyone who comes to visit us."
Kathy & Frank – Hoffman Estates     
"Please send our thanks and appreciation to Scott Hutchings. He worked with us on our landscape project from design to completion. He took the time to revisit us three different times to answer questions and help us make changes to achieve our goal. We could not be more pleased with the final outcome and I am happy to say that many people have come by to ask who we worked with and tell us how beautiful our landscape looks."
Ron and Mary – St. Charles     
"Ben, Thank you for all your hard work and planning for the installation of our patio and front walk. We greatly appreciate your professionalism and dedication to seeing the project through with great results. It turned out so well, and I could not be happier with the end result."
Joseph – Lake Zurich     
"I was motivated to write because the quality of the product and service exceeded my expectations. To Jenny Ubben who provided a superb design and Ben Ubben whose customer service and follow through were much appreciated and to the crew who completed the landscape, I want to extend a sincere thanks."
Brad – Fox River Grove     
"The design of our patio was unique and outstanding. He took the time necessary to determine what would be best for our needs and he always made us feel like the job at our house was his top priority."
Wayne – Elmhurst     
"Audrey, You are a pleasure to work with and the landscape team did a beautiful job. Thank you!"
Cathy and Bob – Downers Grove     
"What a joy to look out from the windows and admire your work along with coming home at night to a beautiful entrance. Grant & Power Landscaping has exceeded our expectations!"
Joe and Jan – Wayne     
"The entire experience has been enjoyable. We want to thank Jan, Elias Hernandez, Pedro Miranda, Alberto Hernandez and Miguel Monnarez. Each one had a part in making our dream come true. The entire installation process was done with care."
Fernando and Sandra – Wayne     
"All of our neighbors comment on the wonderful improvement we made. It actually surpassed even our own expectations. Hats off to Jan, Angel and all others who contributed to this success. What Teamwork!"
Helen and Harold – North Riverside     
I would like to thank you for the exceptional work that you did on our front landscape. You transformed our ideas, perfected them and gave us a unique, beautiful piece of art. We knew, the day that we met you, you were the one."
Dan and Sandra – Naperville     
"Working with Grant & Power has been a pleasure from start to finish. Thank you for the great work! From our first to last contact, we have been impressed with the professionalism of the firm."
John and Wendy – Rolling Meadows     
"For people who want a beautiful landscape...but who also want a responsive partner and great ideas...you won't do any better than Grant & Power."
Michelle and Don – Lisle     
"I would say that my experience with Grant & Power Landscaping was defined by integrity, initiative, and follow-through, key traits that I value highly. I have been happy to praise G&P to others, and will continue to do so. I am now, finally, looking forward to a beautiful spring and summer in my restored back yard."
Maura – Hinsdale     
Principal Photographer: Linda Oyama Bryan With Additional Photography by Gina Olsen