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Hardscape: Landscaping With Rock

And With Other Inanimate Materials

By , About.com Guide

Picture of a flagstone walkway.

Picture of a flagstone walkway.

David Beaulieu

Q.--
What is hardscape, or "hardscaping?" Is it just landscaping with rock, or does it encompass other topics?

Q.--
When starting from scratch to create a new landscape layout, which should I tackle first, the hardscape or the softscape? Would hardscaping work precede planting shrubs, for instance, or vice versa?

Q.--
Landscaping with rock and working with concrete in hardscape projects seems to involve a lot of heavy lifting, and I'm not sure that I'm up to the task. Yet I don't have the money to hire someone to do it for me. What are my alternatives?

Q.--
I would work on hardscaping if I had the power equipment that makes such work easier, but I can't afford to buy this power equipment. What can I do?

Q.--
The terms "cement," "concrete" and "mortar" seem to be used almost interchangeably by the layman in hardscape discussions. What is the difference between these terms?

Q.--
I have heard that concrete or mortar work will crack in northern climes, due to the freezing-thawing cycle. How can I compensate for this in my hardscape projects?

Q.--
I have seen people cover freshly done concrete work with plastic. What is the purpose of this hardscape practice?

Q.--
I have seen people build brick, flagstone, or other hardscape walkways across their yards that curve, rather than going straight from point A to point B. Why do people build walkways that way?

Q.--
What are the best materials to use for installing driveways?

Q.--
How do you soften the straight edge of a patio?

Q.--
At the most basic level, what do I need to do to build a fire pit?

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