3 Things To Consider About Hardscaping

When it comes to your home's outdoor space, hardscaping is just as important as landscaping. Hardscaping refers to any "hard" surfaces that are incorporated into your landscape. Some examples include stone or paved walkways, patios, and other elements. Hardscaping can add both function and beauty to your outdoor area. While you will likely want to add a few hardscaping elements to your home's landscape, there are a few things that you should consider. Here's what you need to know about hardscaping.

Added Value

Adding hardscaping elements to your home's yard or outdoor space can add value to your home. However, it can be easy to go over budget. The return on investment can vary greatly when it comes to hardscaping projects. An outdoor kitchen can see a return on investment between 100 and 200 percent while a patio typically only has a return on investment between 30 and 60 percent. A good rule of thumb is to spend between 5 to 10 percent of your home's value on landscaping and hardscaping. This means that if you have a $200,000 home, you will want to spend between $10,000 and $20,000. 

Function

Another thing to consider when it comes to hardscaping is function. Elements like retaining walls and paved walkways may be necessities. Other elements, such as outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, are nice luxuries to have but they tend to not be necessary. When choosing hardscape elements, it's important to consider how you use your home's outdoor area. If you like to cook and the weather is nice for most of the year, then an outdoor kitchen may be a good investment. If you entertain often, then a large patio will likely be useful. It's important to choose hardscaping that is both functional and that matches the style of your home.

Cost

The overall cost and where you spend your money is also important when it comes to hardscaping. Costs can vary greatly from project to project. A concrete patio will run between $10 and $15 per square foot while a stone or paver patio costs between $15 and $30 per square foot. Outdoor fireplaces can range in price from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. A basic outdoor kitchen runs between $10,000 and $25,000 while an upscale outdoor kitchen can cost more than double that. It's important to have a budget in place and to focus on hardscape elements that will be useful to you.

When it comes to hardscaping it's important to consider the value that it will add to your home and whether or not you will receive a good return on your investment. You should also consider hardscaping elements that you will enjoy using or that are necessary to your landscape. Cost is another factor that you should consider. It's important to have a budget set before making decisions. 

To learn more about how to improve your outdoor space, contact a business such as White Oak Land Management.