Hardscaping services cover the non-living, built features of a landscape: walkways, steps, patios, retaining walls, driveways and other features made from stone, brick, pavers or concrete. Landscaping, or softscaping, covers the plants, trees and lawn. Hardscaping gives a yard its structure, and softscaping fills it in.

Gravel is usually the least expensive hardscape material, followed by poured concrete. Pavers, brick, flagstone and natural stone cost more up front but often last longer and look better over time. The right choice depends on how the area will be used, how much traffic it gets and how it needs to fit with your home.

A typical hardscaping project includes planning the layout, excavation and grading, a compacted base, drainage where needed, installing the stone, brick, pavers or concrete, and final cleanup. Hardscaping design services focus on the planning stage, deciding on layout, materials and how the space will connect to the home. Hardscaping installation services cover the build itself.

Yes, well-built hardscaping can add value through curb appeal and usable outdoor space. According to Angi, homeowners can expect to recover roughly 20% to 30% of the cost of the right hardscaping project, for example about $2,000 to $3,000 on a $10,000 paver patio. The actual return depends on your local market, the project and the quality of the work.

A few hardscaping trends stand out in 2026:

• Warmer colors: natural color palettes inspired by stone, clay and weathered materials, replacing cool grays.
• Permeable pavers: pavers that let rainwater soak into the ground instead of running off.
• Low-maintenance materials: such as porcelain pavers.
• Larger-format pavers: laid in clean, simple lines.

In older neighborhoods, natural stone and flagstone that match the character of the home remain a lasting choice.

Yes. Driveways are part of hardscape because they are built surfaces made from concrete, asphalt, pavers, brick or stone. BJK handles concrete driveway aprons and related concrete services.