The right hardscaping can transform your property, taking it from blah to beautiful. Not only does the right hardscaping improve the curb appeal of your home, but it also adds functionality, such as providing an entertaining area for guests or providing safe walkways between parts of the property. Hardscaping can also increase your property’s value, making it a great investment. If you’re wondering how much does hardscaping cost, it’s important to consider that the investment will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Nevertheless, you do have to start by making the investment, and the cost of hardscaping can be an obstacle for some. Learning about the various costs associated with different materials or different projects can help you make an informed choice to get the results you want for your property while also maximizing your budget. Working with a professional hardscape designer, like the reputable experts at Triad Associates, can help you find solutions that meet your goals and your budget.
Hardscaping Cost Factors
As with most projects for your home, you’ll find that there are a lot of factors that influence how much hardscaping costs. Understanding these factors can help you make choices that will keep your project under budget without compromising on the look or quality. Here are some factors you’ll need to consider when evaluating hardscaping costs:
Materials
Naturally, the cost of hardscaping will be influenced by the materials selected. Just like a gold-plated sink will cost significantly more than a stainless steel one, there are many types of stone and other hardscaping materials that are premium and come with a hefty price tag—especially when compared with budget-friendly materials. Materials like slate or flagstone will cost significantly more than concrete, for example. Your hardscape designer at Triad Associates can help you understand the different options available and where they fall in the pricing structure.
Permits
Most hardscaping projects will require a permit, and these will cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars. While some property owners believe you can do the work without a permit, you’ll run into major problems when it comes time to sell, including being asked to tear down the project or pay a fine.
Demolition and Land Prep
You may have to begin your hardscaping project by removing other elements, such as an old patio or driveway or even a shed that’s in the way. Demolition will add to your hardscaping cost by several thousand dollars, depending on what has to be done. Regardless of the situation, land preparation is a must, which involves leveling and addressing drainage concerns.
Labor
Hardscaping projects are time-intensive, and you need professionals to install them properly. Be prepared to pay for the cost of professional labor to ensure that the job is done right and that the results will last a long time.
Location
Hardscaping costs vary by market. Expect to see differences in estimates that you get locally versus what your friend or loved one may have been quoted in a different city or state.
How Much Does Hardscaping Cost on Average?
The size of a hardscaping project has a big impact on cost, as the bigger a project is, the more labor, materials, and prep required. The average cost of a hardscaping project can be anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on what you’re looking to have done. It’s better to start with a project in mind—such as adding a new patio—and then customizing as needed to fit your budget.
Pavers Cost
Pavers can be used for patios, walkways, driveways, and more, and they can look beautiful. Pavers can cost anywhere from a few dollars per square foot (such as for brick and concrete) to up to $16 or more per square foot (such as for stone). Employing special patterns or having to cut pavers to special shapes can increase the cost of labor, as well.
Concrete Cost
Concrete is typically a more affordable option for most budgets, and it can be poured in any shape. On average, it can cost $4-$8 per square foot, but that depends on the thickness required. If you want to stamp or stain the concrete, that will increase the cost significantly.
Exposed Aggregate Cost
Exposed aggregate concrete has a rough texture that is created by removing the top layer of the concrete, exposing the aggregate within the concrete mix. The aggregate usually consists of small pebbles, rocks, glass, and other materials. Exposed aggregate concrete usually costs between $7 and $18 per square foot with installation, depending on the type of aggregate you choose.
Natural Stone Cost
Natural stone can cost anywhere from $5 to $35 per square foot, depending on the type of stone you choose. Other options to get a lower cost include stone veneer, faux stone, or concrete that has been stamped or stained to look like stone.
Stamped Concrete Cost
While concrete is still drying, it can be stamped to take on a variety of looks, including pavers or natural stone. It is a great option for those who want a high-end look without the high-end price tag. Stamped concrete can cost $9 to $16 per square foot.
Retaining Wall Cost
Retaining walls are great options to deal with sloping terrain. Not only can the wall retain soil and prevent erosion, but it can also create greater definition in your landscape. The walls can be used as borders, and to create clear divisions between different areas of your yard. Retaining walls can be made of wood, bricks, stone, and a variety of materials, which heavily influences their cost. The length and height of the wall also influences total hardscaping cost, so it is hard to provide an average. However, you can expect to pay up to $10,000 for a basic wall.
Water Feature Cost
Water features can add elegance and calm to any hardscaping, whether you are considering a classic fountain or creative options like jets and water walls. The cost will depend on what you choose, the size of the fountain or area, and the materials involved. However, a typical fountain can range from $1,500 to $8,000.
Planning Your Budget for a Hardscape Project
There are many factors involved with pricing a hardscape project that it’s hard to give straight-forward costs or even averages. The best way to plan your budget for a hardscape project is to talk with one of the experienced professionals at Triad Associates about your goals for your space. Our designers can then give you tailored feedback about the best ways to achieve those goals, and options for materials or other considerations that can influence your pricing. Once you have a ballpark idea of how much your hardscaping is going to cost, you can then make edits to your project until you get it to a price that works for your budget.
Hardscaping Long-Term Costs and Savings
Though the cost of hardscaping can be a lot in the beginning, it does offer a lot of long-term benefits, including overall cost savings. For example, say you currently have a gravel driveway or you use gravel for pathways or a seating area. You will regularly have to spray that gravel with weed killer and you will regularly have to refresh the gravel, adding up costs over time. If you replace that gravel with concrete, your maintenance costs decrease significantly until you reach the end of its long lifespan and have to start repairing cracks.
Take another example: You have severely sloped terrain that makes it very hard for you to maintain your yard. Maybe you have to hire someone else to do it. Installing a retaining wall will help to prevent erosion, saving you money on topsoil, fertilizers, and other amendments you may have been adding. Now the yard is easier to mow or otherwise maintain, and you’re able to easily do it yourself, saving on those landscaping costs.
There are many other ways that the right hardscaping can save you money over the long term. Choose low-maintenance materials and create a design with functionality in mind, and beauty. Your designer at Triad Associates can help you find the right options.
Hire Triad Associates’ Hardscape Experts Today
The hardscape experts at Triad Associates have a long reputation in the Haverhill area for creating gorgeous hardscapes with long-lasting results. We are committed to excellence in our workmanship, and it shows in the beautiful results you get and the durability of our designs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to start exploring the options for your new hardscape. One of our friendly and experienced designers will perform a site visit to understand the needs of the space and will talk through your goals to understand your ultimate vision. Your designer will help you find the right solutions to elevate the curb appeal of your property while also meeting the needs of your budget. We’ll help you explore all your options so you get the right material for the right look and the right results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started!
