What Are the Different Types of Hardscape Materials?

Hardscape materials are the non-living parts you use to build patios, walkways, driveways, and walls in your outdoor space. These include concrete, pavers, natural stone, brick, gravel, wood, and blocks. Each material has different benefits, costs, and looks to fit your needs and budget.

If you want to make your yard more useful and pretty, picking the right hardscape material near me is super important. This guide will help you learn about all the main types of hardscape materials so you can make the best choice for your home.

Understanding Hardscape Materials

Before you pick materials, you need to know what hardscape really means. Hardscape is all the solid, non-plant parts of your yard. It’s the hard stuff that gives your outdoor space shape and makes it work better.

Think of hardscape as the bones of your yard. It includes things like:

• Patios where you sit and eat outside
• Walkways that help you move around
• Driveways where you park your car
• Retaining walls that hold back dirt
• Fire pits where you gather with friends
• Pool decks around swimming areas

These features use strong materials that last a long time. They don’t need water like plants do. Instead, they stay solid through rain, snow, and sun.

Why Material Choice Matters

Picking the right material hardscape affects three big things:

How it looks: Some materials like natural stone hardscape give you a fancy, high-end feel. Others like concrete give you a clean, modern look.

How long it lasts: Materials like granite can last for many, many years. Other materials might need fixes or changes sooner.

How much you spend: Some materials cost less to buy but need more care over time. Others cost more at first but save you money later because they need less work.

Your climate also matters. Cold places with snow need materials that don’t crack when water freezes. Hot, sunny places need materials that don’t get too hot to walk on.

Concrete: The Popular All-Around Choice

Concrete is the most common hardscape material in America. You see it everywhere because it works for almost any project and costs less than many other options.

Types of Concrete Hardscapes

Poured concrete is when workers mix cement, water, sand, and rocks, then pour it into the shape you want. It dries hard and smooth. This works great for driveways and big patios.

Stamped concrete looks fancy because workers press patterns into wet concrete. It can look like brick, stone, or wood. You get a high-end look without the high-end price.

Stained concrete adds color to plain gray concrete. Workers use special liquids to make it brown, red, tan, or other colors. This gives you more design options.

According to <a href=”https://www.angi.com/articles/what-rule-thumb-labor-cost-vs-material-cost-hardscape-projects.htm” target=”_blank”>Angi</a>, concrete typically costs between $6 to $10 per square foot for basic work, with stamped concrete running $12 to $18 per square foot.

Benefits of Concrete

Concrete has many good points:

• Affordable: It costs less than most other options
• Strong: It can handle heavy cars and lots of foot traffic
• Flexible: You can make it look many different ways
• Quick to install: Most concrete projects finish in just a few days
• Low upkeep: You don’t need to do much to keep it nice

Downsides to Know

Concrete isn’t perfect. Here are some problems:

• Can crack: Temperature changes make concrete expand and shrink, which can cause cracks
• Hard to fix: If part cracks, you often need to replace the whole section
• Gets stained: Oil, rust, and other spills can leave marks
• Needs sealing: You should seal concrete every few years to protect it

For homeowners in cold areas, concrete can be tough because water gets in small cracks, freezes, and makes the cracks bigger.

Pavers: Flexible and Easy to Fix

Hardscape pavers near me are individual pieces that fit together like puzzle pieces. They come in concrete or clay and give you tons of design choices.

Concrete Pavers vs. Brick Pavers

Concrete pavers are made from cement mixed with sand and color. Factories pour the mix into molds, let it dry, then you have pavers in any shape or color you want.

These pavers cost less than natural stone but more than poured concrete. They’re strong and come in hundreds of styles.

Brick pavers (also called clay pavers) are made by baking clay in super hot ovens. This process, called firing, makes them very hard and gives them rich red, brown, or tan colors.

Keystone hardscapes pavers and similar brands make both types. They design them to lock together, which keeps them stable.

Why Choose Pavers

Pavers beat poured concrete in several ways:

• Easy repairs: If one paver cracks, just replace that one piece
• Less cracking: Small spaces between pavers let them move without breaking
• Beautiful patterns: You can arrange them in herringbone, basketweave, or other cool designs
• Better drainage: Water flows between pavers instead of pooling on top
• Long-lasting: Good pavers can last 25 years or more

The <a href=”https://www.southwestboulder.com/blog/pavers-explained-types-benefits-uses” target=”_blank”>Southwest Boulder & Stone</a> website explains that properly installed pavers create remarkably strong surfaces suitable for high-traffic areas.

Permeable Pavers for Water Control

Permeable hardscape pavers are special because they let water soak through. This helps in two big ways:

First, they stop flooding. Rain goes down into the ground instead of running off into streets.

Second, they help the environment. Water filters through the ground naturally, which cleans it before it reaches streams and rivers.

Some towns even give you money back if you use permeable pavers because they help manage stormwater.

Natural Stone: Timeless Beauty That Lasts

Natural stone hardscape brings nature’s beauty to your yard. Each piece is different because it comes straight from the earth.

Popular Types of Natural Stone

Flagstone comes in flat pieces perfect for walkways and patios. It’s usually sandstone, limestone, or slate. The irregular shapes fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Limestone hardscape gives you a light, creamy color. It stays cool to touch even on hot days, making it great for pool decks. The Polycor explains that Indiana limestone has tight, consistent grain that makes it easy to work with.

Granite is the toughest natural stone. It comes in many colors from white to black, with lots of specks and patterns. It can handle freezing temperatures without cracking.

Slate has a smooth surface that doesn’t get slippery when wet. It comes in gray, green, purple, and black colors. Many people use it for walkways because it’s slip-resistant.

Bluestone is a type of sandstone with blue-gray color. It’s popular for patios in the northeastern United States.

Travertine comes from springs and caves. It has small holes that give it texture. It stays cool and doesn’t get slippery around pools.

Big Rock Natural Stone and Hardscapes

When people talk about “big rock natural stone and hardscapes,” they mean larger boulders and stones used as accents. These might be:

• Large decorative rocks in garden beds
• Boulder walls that look natural
• Big stones marking entrances
• Rock features in water elements

These big rocks add drama and make your yard feel more natural.

Cost and Care for Stone

Natural stone costs more than most other materials. Expect to pay $15 to $50 per square foot depending on the type.

Why so expensive? Because:

• Workers must dig it from quarries
• It’s heavy to ship
• Each piece must be cut and shaped
• Installation takes more time and skill

But the investment pays off. Stone can last 50 years or more with basic care. You’ll need to:

• Seal it every few years to prevent stains
• Clean spills quickly
• Sweep off dirt and leaves

The lifetime hardscape material value of stone is excellent because you rarely need to replace it.

Gravel and Loose Stone: Budget-Friendly Options

Gravel, river rock, and decomposed granite give you easy, affordable ways to create paths and ground cover.

Types of Loose Stone Materials

Pea gravel has small, smooth stones about the size of peas. It comes in gray, white, tan, and brown. People love it for paths, driveways, and around plants.

Hardscape river rock has bigger, rounded stones from 1 to 5 inches across. Water in rivers smoothed them over many years. They work great for drainage and decorative areas.

Crushed gravel has sharp edges from being crushed in machines. It packs down tight, making it good for driveway bases and paths.

Decomposed granite is granite that broke down into tiny pieces over time. It feels almost like coarse sand. When you pack it down, it makes a firm surface.

Hardscape sand is the finest option. People use it as a base under pavers or to fill gaps between stones.

Benefits of Loose Materials

These materials have many good points:

• Very cheap: Often $1 to $5 per square foot
• Easy to spread: You can do it yourself with basic tools
• Good drainage: Water flows right through
• Simple to fix: Just add more stones where needed
• Lots of colors: Match any design style

The Downsides

Loose materials have some problems too:

• Moves around: Stones spread into grass and flower beds
• Hard to walk on: Not great for people using wheelchairs or walkers
• Needs raking: You must rake it smooth regularly
• Weeds grow: Plants can push up through the stones
• Not for furniture: Chairs and tables sink into loose stones

For these reasons, most people use loose materials for paths, not sitting areas.

Brick: Classic Look That Never Goes Out of Style

Brick has been around for thousands of years. It brings warmth and traditional charm to any yard.

Traditional Clay Brick

Real brick comes from clay baked in kilns. The baking process makes it hard and gives it rich colors. Most bricks are red, but you can also find them in brown, tan, and even purple.

Clay brick holds its color for decades. Unlike concrete pavers that can fade, clay bricks look almost the same after 20 or 30 years.

Using Brick in Your Yard

Brick works for many projects:

• Walkways: The small size lets you make curves easily
• Patios: Arrange bricks in herringbone or basketweave patterns
• Borders: Edge flower beds or driveways
• Steps: Stack and mortar bricks to make stairs
• Walls: Build low walls for raised gardens

Brick pavers cost between $5 to $12 per square foot according to <a href=”https://unilock.com/types-of-pavers/” target=”_blank”>Unilock</a>.

Caring for Brick

Brick needs some care:

• Sealing: Seal bricks every 3 to 5 years to keep water out
• Cleaning: Pressure wash to remove dirt and moss
• Replacing: Swap out cracked bricks as needed
• Weeding: Pull weeds from between bricks

In cold climates, make sure you buy freeze-thaw resistant bricks. Some types crack when water inside them freezes.

Wood: Warm and Natural for Decks

Wood brings natural beauty to outdoor spaces. It’s the top choice for decks and some other projects.

Types of Wood for Hardscaping

Pressure-treated wood is regular wood soaked in chemicals that protect it from rot and bugs. It’s the cheapest wood option at $10 to $25 per square foot installed.

This wood is fine for most decks but needs yearly care. You must:

• Clean it every spring
• Seal or stain it to protect the surface
• Check for loose boards
• Replace damaged pieces

Cedar and Redwood naturally resist rot and bugs without chemicals. They smell nice and have beautiful color. But they cost more than pressure-treated wood.

Composite decking isn’t real wood. It’s made from wood fibers mixed with plastic. This material looks like wood but doesn’t rot, warp, or splinter.

Composite costs $20 to $50 per square foot but needs almost no care. You never need to stain or seal it. Just wash it once a year.

Best Uses for Wood

Wood works great for:

• Decks: The most popular use by far
• Pergolas: Overhead structures that give partial shade
• Fences: Privacy screens and property borders
• Arbors: Decorative arches over gates or paths
• Raised beds: Frames for vegetable gardens

At UDA Services, we specialize in building beautiful decks that expand your outdoor living space.

Wood Limitations

Wood doesn’t work for everything:

• Not for ground level: Wood touching soil will rot quickly
• Needs maintenance: Unlike stone, wood requires regular care
• Can splinter: Old wood becomes rough and unsafe
• Fades over time: Sun bleaches the color
• Not fireproof: Keep wood away from fire pits

For patios at ground level, choose stone or pavers instead of wood.

Hardscape Blocks and Retaining Walls

Hardscape blocks are special stones designed to stack and lock together. They make walls that hold back soil on slopes.

Types of Block Systems

Modular blocks are concrete blocks with lips or pins that lock each row together. They come in many textures:

• Split-face looks rough like natural stone
• Smooth-face has a clean, modern look
• Tumbled looks weathered and old

Keystone hardscape pavers and other brands make blocks specifically for building walls. These blocks are heavier and stronger than regular pavers.

Natural stone blocks are big pieces of cut stone. They cost more but look more natural than concrete blocks.

Building Retaining Walls

Retaining walls need special design. They must:

• Have a strong base of gravel
• Tilt back slightly to resist soil pressure
• Include drainage pipes behind them
• Be tall enough to hold the soil

Walls over 4 feet tall usually need an engineer to design them. Your town might require permits for walls.

Block Wall Costs

Block walls cost based on height and length:

• Small walls (3 feet high): $3,000 to $5,000 for 30 feet
• Medium walls (4 feet high): $5,000 to $7,000 for 40 feet
• Large walls (6 feet high): $7,500 to $9,000 for 50 feet

These prices include labor and materials.

Special Materials and Modern Options

Some newer materials give you different looks and benefits.

Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are like outdoor tiles. They’re baked at super high heat, making them:

• Very strong and crack-resistant
• Resistant to stains
• Available in many colors and patterns
• Low maintenance

They cost more than regular pavers but less than natural stone.

Rubber Pavers

Rubber pavers come from recycled tires. They’re soft, which makes them good for:

• Play areas
• Gym spaces
• Walking paths for people with balance issues

They’re not as pretty as stone, but they’re practical and eco-friendly.

Recycled Materials

More people now use recycled materials like:

• Crushed concrete from old buildings
• Reclaimed bricks from torn-down structures
• Recycled glass mixed into concrete

These options cost less and help the environment.

Choosing Materials for Different Projects

Different outdoor projects need different materials. Here’s what works best for each.

Best Materials for Patios

Patios need flat, stable surfaces where furniture won’t wobble. Good choices include:

1. Concrete pavers: Best for most budgets and styles
2. Natural stone: For high-end, elegant spaces
3. Brick: For traditional or cottage-style homes
4. Stamped concrete: For large areas on a budget

Avoid loose gravel for patios because chairs and tables sink into it.

Best Materials for Walkways

Walkways need materials that are:

• Safe to walk on (not slippery)
• Comfortable under feet
• Easy to clear of snow and ice

Top picks:

1. Flagstone: Natural and slip-resistant
2. Concrete pavers: Durable and affordable
3. Brick: Classic look and good grip
4. Decomposed granite: For informal garden paths

The deck and patio services at UDA Services can help you pick the perfect walkway material.

Best Materials for Driveways

Driveways must handle heavy weight from cars. They need:

• High strength
• Good drainage
• Resistance to oil stains

Best options:

1. Concrete: Most popular and affordable
2. Asphalt: Cheaper than concrete, easier to repair
3. Concrete pavers: More expensive but look better
4. Gravel: Cheapest option for country homes

Best Materials for Pool Decks

Pool areas need special materials that:

• Don’t get slippery when wet
• Stay cool under bare feet
• Resist pool chemicals

Perfect choices:

1. Travertine: Stays cool and isn’t slippery
2. Textured concrete: Non-slip and affordable
3. Porcelain pavers: Beautiful and safe
4. Brick pavers: Good grip when wet

Never use smooth concrete or dark stones near pools. They get dangerously hot and slippery.

Material Costs Compared

Understanding costs helps you plan your budget. Here’s how materials compare:

Low-Cost Options ($1-$10 per square foot)

• Gravel: $1-$5
• Basic concrete: $6-$10
• Decomposed granite: $2-$5
• Crushed stone: $1-$3

These work great for paths and informal areas.

Mid-Range Materials ($10-$25 per square foot)

• Concrete pavers: $5-$25
• Brick pavers: $6-$12
• Stamped concrete: $12-$18
• Pressure-treated wood: $10-$25

Most homeowners choose materials in this range.

Premium Choices ($15-$50+ per square foot)

• Natural stone: $15-$50
• Porcelain pavers: $15-$30
• Composite decking: $20-$50
• Granite: $20-$50

These materials last longest and look best.

Don’t forget that labor usually costs as much or more than materials. According to research, professional installation adds $50 to $100 per hour.

Maintenance Requirements by Material

Different materials need different care. Here’s what to expect.

Low-Maintenance Materials

These need cleaning once or twice a year:

• Composite decking: Just wash with soap and water
• Porcelain pavers: Rarely stain, easy to clean
• Concrete pavers: Sweep and occasional pressure wash
• Granite: Very tough, needs little care

Medium-Maintenance Materials

These need yearly attention:

• Wood decking: Clean, seal, and stain every year
• Limestone: Seal every 2-3 years
• Brick: Seal every 3-5 years
• Poured concrete: Seal every few years

Higher-Maintenance Materials

These need regular work:

• Gravel: Rake and add stones several times yearly
• Natural wood: Stain yearly, check for damage
• Decomposed granite: Add more as it breaks down

Think about how much time you want to spend on maintenance. If you’re busy, stick with low-maintenance options.

Climate Considerations for Material Selection

Your local weather affects which materials work best.

Cold Climate Choices

In places with freezing winters, pick materials that handle freeze-thaw cycles:

• Granite: Won’t crack from ice
• Concrete pavers: Spaces let them move without breaking
• Brick (freeze-thaw rated): Check that bricks are rated for cold
• Composite decking: Better than wood in cold

Avoid:

• Smooth concrete (cracks easily)
• Some limestones (can flake in cold)
• Wood without proper sealing

Hot Climate Picks

In hot, sunny areas, choose materials that stay cool:

• Travertine: Reflects heat instead of absorbing it
• Light-colored concrete: Stays cooler than dark colors
• Decomposed granite: Cool to walk on
• Permeable pavers: Let heat escape

Avoid:

• Dark stone (gets too hot)
• Smooth metal (burns skin)
• Black materials

Rainy Region Options

Places with lots of rain need good drainage:

• Permeable hardscape pavers: Let water through
• Gravel: Drains instantly
• Textured surfaces: Give good grip when wet
• Properly sloped concrete: Lets water run off

Add drainage systems behind walls to prevent water buildup.

Combining Materials for Better Results

Mixing materials often gives you the best of both worlds.

Popular Material Combinations

Stone and gravel: Use flagstone for stepping stones with gravel between them. This costs less than all stone but looks great.

Pavers and grass: Create a checkerboard pattern with pavers and grass squares. This adds green space and reduces heat.

Brick borders with concrete: Frame a concrete patio with brick edges. This adds color and breaks up large gray areas.

Stone and wood: Build a stone patio with a wood pergola over it. The contrast looks beautiful.

Design Tips for Mixing Materials

When combining materials:

• Stick to 2-3 materials max: Too many looks messy
• Repeat materials: Use the same stone in different areas to tie things together
• Consider color: Make sure colors work together
• Think about texture: Mix smooth and rough for interest

Our team at UDA Services can help you design combinations that work.

Environmental Impact of Hardscape Materials

Some materials are better for the environment than others.

Eco-Friendly Options

Permeable materials help the most because they:

• Let rain soak into the ground
• Reduce runoff pollution
• Recharge underground water
• Prevent flooding

Good permeable choices include:

• Permeable pavers
• Gravel
• Decomposed granite
• Grass pavers

Locally sourced materials reduce transportation pollution. Ask your supplier about local stone or gravel.

Recycled materials keep waste out of landfills. Look for:

• Recycled concrete
• Reclaimed brick
• Composite materials with recycled content

Less Eco-Friendly Choices

Some materials have bigger environmental costs:

• Concrete: Making cement releases lots of carbon dioxide
• Natural stone from far away: Shipping uses fuel
• Pressure-treated wood: Contains chemicals
• Materials requiring frequent replacement: Create more waste

You can still use these materials, but consider their impact.

Working With Contractors vs. DIY

Some projects you can do yourself. Others need professionals.

Good DIY Projects

You can probably handle:

• Simple gravel paths: Spread fabric, add gravel, rake smooth
• Small paver areas: Follow directions carefully
• Basic raised beds with blocks: Stack shorter walls (under 2 feet)
• Loose stone ground cover: Just spread and rake

For ideas on deck projects, check out our blog on modern deck designs.

Projects Needing Professionals

Hire experts for:

• Large patios: Need proper base and drainage
• Driveways: Must handle vehicle weight
• Retaining walls over 3 feet: Require engineering
• Pool decks: Safety is critical
• Complex patterns: Hard to get right

Professional contractors bring:

• Experience with proper techniques
• Right tools for the job
• Knowledge of building codes
• Insurance protection
• Warranties on work

At UDA Services, our experienced team handles all types of hardscape projects from start to finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ mistakes to save money and frustration.

Poor Base Preparation

The base under your hardscape matters more than the surface material. Common base mistakes:

• Not digging deep enough
• Skipping the gravel layer
• Not compacting the base
• Forgetting drainage

A bad base causes settling, cracking, and uneven surfaces.

Wrong Material for the Job

Don’t use:

• Gravel for patios (furniture sinks)
• Smooth concrete near pools (too slippery)
• Wood touching ground (will rot)
• Materials rated for wrong climate

Match materials to their purpose.

Inadequate Drainage

Water causes most hardscape problems. Make sure:

• Surfaces slope away from buildings
• Walls have drainage pipes behind them
• Water has somewhere to go
• Low spots don’t collect water

Good drainage extends the life of any hardscape.

Ignoring Maintenance

Even low-maintenance materials need some care. Set reminders to:

• Seal materials on schedule
• Clean surfaces regularly
• Fix small problems before they grow
• Replace damaged pieces promptly

Regular maintenance saves money over time.

Hardscape Fabric: The Hidden Hero

Hardscape fabric (also called landscape fabric) goes under many hardscape projects. Most people never see it, but it does important work.

What Hardscape Fabric Does

This tough fabric:

• Blocks weeds: Stops plants from growing up through stones
• Prevents mixing: Keeps gravel from sinking into dirt
• Improves drainage: Lets water through while blocking soil
• Stabilizes ground: Adds strength to the base

Where to Use It

Put landscape fabric:

• Under all gravel paths and areas
• Under paver patios
• In raised garden beds
• Around decorative rock areas
• Under playground surfaces

Don’t use it in regular garden beds where you plant flowers. It makes planting hard and doesn’t help there.

Choosing Quality Fabric

Buy heavy-duty fabric rated for hardscaping. Cheap fabrics:

• Tear easily
• Let weeds through
• Break down in a few years
• Don’t support weight well

Good fabric costs more but lasts 15-20 years or longer.

Questions to Ask Before Starting

Before you pick materials, answer these questions:

What’s your budget? Be honest about what you can spend. Include both materials and labor.

How will you use the space? Heavy use needs tougher materials. Decorative areas can use softer options.

Who will maintain it? If you hate yard work, choose low-maintenance materials.

What’s your climate like? Match materials to your weather patterns.

What style do you want? Modern? Traditional? Rustic? Pick materials that fit your vision.

How long do you plan to stay? If you’re moving soon, spend less. If you’re staying forever, invest in quality.

Do you need permits? Check local rules before starting big projects.

Getting Professional Help

Even with this guide, you might want expert advice. Here’s when to call professionals:

• Complex designs: Multiple materials and levels
• Large projects: Anything over 500 square feet
• Structural walls: Any wall holding back dirt
• Drainage issues: Standing water or slope problems
• Property line questions: Don’t want to upset neighbors

Professional help costs more upfront but prevents expensive mistakes.

At UDA Services, we offer free quotes on all hardscape projects. Our team has years of experience with all types of materials and designs.

We also handle home additions and custom garages if you’re planning bigger projects.

Final Thoughts

Choosing hardscape materials doesn’t have to be hard. Start by thinking about:

• Your budget and what you can spend
• How you’ll use each space
• Your local weather and climate
• How much maintenance you want to do
• The look and style you prefer

Each material type has good points and bad points. Concrete costs less but can crack. Natural stone looks amazing but costs more. Pavers are easy to fix but take time to install. Wood brings warmth but needs care.

The best choice for your neighbor might not be the best choice for you. Think about your specific needs and situation.

Remember that quality materials and proper installation matter more than saving a few dollars. A cheap patio that fails in three years costs more than a quality one that lasts thirty years.

Whether you’re building a simple gravel path or a complex patio with multiple materials, understanding your options helps you make smart choices.

Ready to start your hardscape project? The team at UDA Services is here to help. We work with all types of hardscape materials and can guide you to the perfect choice for your home. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.

Your dream outdoor space is waiting. With the right materials and expert help, you can create a beautiful, lasting hardscape that you’ll enjoy for years to come.