Hardscape is commonly being utilized in the built environment structures that are incorporated into a landscape. Hardscaping often allows the perfect formation of man-made landscaping features that would otherwise be impossible because of soil erosion, some that will compensate for large amounts of human traffic that would cause wear on bare earth or grass.

There is, however, more to hard-landscaping than just paving and drainage, and it is often these other features that will make the noticeable difference between an average job and something special. Some of these features are straightforward and they require no explanation, such as boulder arrangements or patio seating.