Choosing the Right Hardscape Material

Concrete, flagstone, decking, gravel, there are a lot of ways to create an outdoor surface. The right choice is not necessarily about which material is "best." It is about which material makes sense for the architecture, landscape, intended use, and feeling of the space. Here are a few we commonly consider.

Concrete
Clean, durable, and incredibly versatile. Concrete works especially well when we want strong geometry or a contemporary feel. Finish, color, joint layout, and texture can completely change its character.

Stamped or textured concrete
When additional texture or visual variation is desired, concrete can take on a different character through finishing techniques. The key is choosing a finish that complements rather than competes with the rest of the material palette.

Flagstone
Natural stone brings variation in color, texture, and shape that manufactured materials cannot completely replicate. It works beautifully when a landscape calls for something more organic or connected to its surroundings.

Decking
Decking can create warmth and contrast against stone or concrete. It is also useful when navigating grade changes or creating outdoor spaces that relate closely to the elevation of the home.

Gravel or decomposed granite
These materials can soften a landscape and create more informal circulation. They are especially effective for garden paths, secondary gathering spaces, and transitions between planted areas.
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Ultimately, material selection is about more than appearance. We think about how something feels underfoot, how it meets another material, how it will weather, and how it relates to the architecture. A restrained palette of the right materials will usually feel stronger than using too many.