hardscape
Non-living landscape features
Hardscape refers to the non-living, constructed elements of landscaping—patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, and other permanent structures made of stone, brick, concrete, or wood.
It contrasts with softscape, which covers plants and organic features.
The backyard redesign included new hardscape around the pool.
Landscape designers balance hardscape and softscape to create functional outdoor spaces.
Flat stone for paving
- bluestoneBluish-gray construction stone
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- graniteIgneous rock, quartz-rich
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
sandstone · travertine · basalt · cobblestone · paver · fieldstone · quartzite · marble
Hard road covering
- sidewalkPaved pedestrian pathway
- drivewayPrivate residential road
- curbRaised road margin
- slabThick flat piece
foundation · pavers · asphalt · tarmac · aggregate · cement · footpath · kerb
flagstone
Flat stone for paving
- bluestoneBluish-gray construction stone
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- graniteIgneous rock, quartz-rich
slate · sandstone · travertine · basalt · cobblestone · paver · fieldstone · quartzite · marble · porphyry
pavement
Hard road covering
slab · foundation · pavers · asphalt · tarmac · aggregate · cement · footpath · kerb · culvert
pergola
Latticework frame for climbers
barbecue · planter · fountain · courtyard · terrace · veranda · lanai · arbor · trellis
walkway
Path for foot traffic
- stepping-stonesStones for crossing water
- boardwalkPlanked waterfront pathway
- garden-pathDeliberately deceptive direction
promenade · footpath · trail · causeway · bridge · edging · border · mosaic · patterned · meandering
- landscapinglawn care, lawn mowing, grading, gardening, trees
- landscape designgarden design, plant selection, softscape, park design, master plans
- landscaping termsmulching, edging, borders, ground cover, softscape
- terrariumsterrarium kit, bottle garden, vivarium, substrate, live plants
- aquascapingaquascape, aquarium plants, aquatic plants, substrate, driftwood
- gardensflower garden, flowerbeds, Chinese garden, rose garden, herb garden
hardscapesoftscape
Living landscape components
plantings · greenery · vegetation · garden beds · shrubs