Hardscapes - The Bones

What is a Hardscape? Hardscapes include the built elements that give structure and definition to outdoor spaces - such as stone walls and stairs, patios, and walkways. These features provide form, function, and durability, serving as the architectural bones of a landscape. Thoughtfully designed hardscapes establish circulation, organize space, and complement the surrounding natural environment.

Dry Hardscape Systems: Dry hardscape systems do not have concrete footings, foundations, or bases, nor do they incorporate mortared setting beds or grout joints to bond units together. They require less excavation and allow for a portion of stormwater runoff to infiltrate the soils beneath them. Although generally less expensive to install, dry hardscape systems typically require more maintenance over time. Examples include stone walls and slab steps, patios and walkways, stepping stones, boulder work, and more. It should be noted that building units - like flagstone pavers - need to be thicker in dry-laid settings.

Wet Hardscape Systems: Wet hardscape systems may include concrete footings, foundations, and slabs, and incorporate mortared setting beds with grout joints between units. They do not allow for the infiltration of stormwater runoff and may trigger the requirement for drainage engineering. They are more labor intensive, take longer to build, and are costly up-front but, built correctly, require less maintenance over time. Examples include stone walls and stairs, patios and walkways, outdoor kitchens and bars, and more. Building units - such as stone veneer on an outdoor kitchen - can be thinner in wet hardscape systems because they are fixed to a solid base that does not move.

Landscape Architect: Outdoor living and custom landscape design with terraced infinity-edge pool and spa, patios and walkways, monolithic slab stairs, native and ornamental plantings, and landscape lighting for a high-end residential landscape in Scarsdale, New York.