You can think of hardscaping as the foundation of your outdoor space: Hardscaping encompasses patios, walkways, retaining walls, sitting walls, water features, fire pits, landscape lighting, grill surrounds, pergolas, and more. These are the structural elements brought in to create functional and aesthetic features in your yard.

When you invest in the right hardscaping project, you can anticipate a return of 20% to 30% of your investment. For instance, if you install a $10,000 paver patio in your backyard, you can expect it to increase your home's value by $2,000 to $3,000 when you sell or refinance.

Paving specifically refers to flatwork, which involves covering flat surfaces with paving materials of any kind. While paving is a component of hardscaping, not all hardscape structures are made of pavements. This distinction is the most notable difference between hardscaping and paving.

The duration of a hardscaping project varies based on the complexity and scope of the work. Simple projects like small patios or walkways might take a few days to a week, while larger projects such as extensive patios, retaining walls, or complete outdoor living spaces can take several weeks to a couple of months. Factors such as weather, site preparation, and the availability of materials can also impact the timeline.