If you’re like most people, you’ve probably heard about landscaping and are familiar with what it entails. However, when you look more closely at landscaping and landscape design, you will realise that there are actually niche aspects of landscaping, such as hardscaping. In this post, we examine what exactly hardscaping is and what it entails, as well as the role that steel has to play in hardscaping.
What is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping is an important aspect of landscaping and landscape design. The term is normally used to refer to the non-living elements of landscape design, primarily including structural and functional elements. These can include things like pathways and walkways, fences, patios, and decks.
Key Elements of Hardscaping
You would probably be familiar with the key elements of hardscaping, even if you might not have known that they fell into the category of hardscaping. Some of the most common elements in hardscaping include:
- Pathways and Walkways: Pathways and walkways can be constructed out of a variety of different materials including bricks, pavers, gravel and more. They provide a much needed structural element to a landscape, separating different areas within the landscape and providing a clear path to walk along.
- Retaining Walls: Retaining walls are another key feature in many landscapes. They can help create tiered sections within a landscape, hold back soil, and create a raised bed that can be used for planting. Their presence can also help to minimise soil erosion in a landscape.
- Outdoor Structures: Outdoor structures such as pergolas, gazebos and trellises all fall into the category of hardscaping. They can also be used as a key focal point in a landscape design.
The Role of Steel in Hardscaping
Steel plays an important role in hardscaping because of its unique properties that make is ideal for use in outdoor applications. It is one of the best materials for constructing hardscaping elements such as retaining walls and outdoor structures as it has very high durability and strength. This translates to a high load-bearing capacity that is suitable for use in structures that need to support weight like retaining walls and pergolas.
In addition, steel is very versatile and can be cut and moulded into different shapes, sizes and lengths to meet different needs. Steel is also relatively low maintenance and is much more resistant to harsh weather conditions compared to other materials such as wood, with certain varieties of steel such as Corten steel even developing a unique patina over tiem.
Get Your Steel for Hardscaping from RW Steel
If you’re looking to do some hardscaping, it is crucial for you to get your steel from a reputable supplier to ensure that you are able to reap the full benefits of steel. RW Steel is a premier supplier of steel and steel products in Melbourne and our extensive catalogue includes retaining wall steel H beams, galvanised steel posts and much more. Contact us today for more information about the products and services we offer!
Image Source: The Spruce