{"id":1486,"date":"2023-04-04T22:38:52","date_gmt":"2023-04-04T22:38:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kaleidoscapellc.com\/?p=1486"},"modified":"2023-04-04T22:39:40","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T22:39:40","slug":"landscapes-and-hardscapes-and-softscapes-oh-my","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kaleidoscapellc.com\/2023\/04\/landscapes-and-hardscapes-and-softscapes-oh-my\/","title":{"rendered":"Landscapes and Hardscapes and Softscapes, Oh My!"},"content":{"rendered":"
What is all the hype about hardscape? Hardscape refers to the permanently built structures and features of a landscape, while softscape encompasses all the organic, living aspects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hardscapes can include patios, retaining walls, paver driveways, seat walls, pathways, steps, fire features, water features, outdoor kitchens, shade structures, artificial turf, landscape lighting, and more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When clients share what their dream landscape looks like, it almost always includes some form of hardscape. The reason for this is because hardscaping helps to create a sense of home beyond four walls. It pays tribute to KALEIDOSCAPE\u2019s mantra, \u201cHome is where the yard is.\u201d Hardscapes not only increase the value of your home, but they increase the value of your life. Hardscaping allows us to carve out pockets of usable, meaningful space amidst the natural world. To walk the paths of your garden, to prepare dinner at your outdoor kitchen, or to sit around the fire pit with loved ones, these are often the kinds of visions that people hold for their yards. KALEIDOSCAPE sees the importance of your investment, and we install hardscapes with the intention of bringing you those memories for years to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hardscape is going to be one of the most expensive parts of a landscape, but knowing the extent of the process involved in constructing quality hardscapes does offer insight on the cost. Hands-down, the most important part of any hardscape is the installation process, especially base preparation. We install our pavers over a 6\u201d minimum, compacted, open-graded base, ensuring a final product that can handle Colorado\u2019s moody freeze thaw cycles. Site analysis, slope, drainage, labor, materials: these are all factors that must be accounted for prior to installation. Read more about our process <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Intentional planning and proper installation techniques are important, but the materials used to build your hardscape help ensure its longevity, as well. There are a wide range of hardscape materials to work with, but at the end of the day, quality matters. For instance, if you\u2019re looking to extend your patio space, your options might be a poured concrete slab, a paver patio, or a porcelain patio. While concrete is much more inexpensive upfront, the material will inevitably crack, stain, and wear, demanding future maintenance and more money. Porcelain, on the other hand, is more of an investment initially, but you\u2019re left with a patio that won\u2019t stain, deteriorate, or require any additional care. A porcelain patio will always look as good as the day it was installed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA great landscape strikes the balance between hardscape and softscape elements.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
Hardscape should be seen as an investment.<\/b><\/h3>\n
Quality matters!\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n