What Is Hardscaping and Why It Adds Value to Your Home
- Gerhart's Landscaping

- Jul 28
- 2 min read
When most people think about landscaping, they picture lush green lawns, trees, and flowerbeds. But there’s another crucial part of your outdoor space that often gets overlooked — hardscaping. At Gerhart’s Landscaping, we believe the right hardscape features not only transform the look of your yard but can also significantly increase your home’s value.
Here’s everything you need to know about hardscaping — and why it matters.

What Is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your landscape design. This includes:
Patios
Walkways
Retaining walls
Outdoor kitchens
Fire pits
Stone steps
Driveways
Pool decks
Seating walls
While softscaping brings life and color, hardscaping provides structure, function, and long-term durability.
Why Homeowners Choose Hardscaping
Hardscape features offer more than just good looks. Here’s why they’re a smart investment:
1. Improved Functionality
Whether it’s a paver patio for entertaining or a walkway that guides guests to your front door, hardscaping improves how your outdoor space works. It helps define areas, manage foot traffic, and create usable zones.
2. Increased Home Value
According to real estate experts, quality hardscaping can boost your home’s resale value by up to 15%. Buyers love well-designed outdoor spaces — especially in places like Lehigh Valley, where homeowners enjoy their yards for 3+ seasons a year.
3. Curb Appeal That Lasts
Plants come and go with the seasons, but hardscaping is year-round curb appeal. Materials like stone, brick, and pavers create a timeless, high-end appearance that ages beautifully.
4. Erosion Control & Drainage
Retaining walls, stone borders, and gravel walkways aren’t just for show — they can protect your property by controlling runoff, preventing soil erosion, and managing water flow.
5. Low Maintenance
Unlike lawns or gardens, most hardscape features require very little upkeep. You can enjoy a clean, polished look with minimal effort.
Popular Hardscape Features We Install in Lehigh Valley
At Gerhart’s Landscaping, we specialize in customized hardscape installations for homeowners throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. Some of our most popular projects include:
Custom patios for outdoor dining
Retaining walls for sloped properties
Walkways that connect different areas of your yard
Fire pits and seating areas for family gatherings
Natural stone features that blend with the environment
We only use high-quality materials, expert designs, and precise craftsmanship to ensure your investment lasts for years to come.
Is Hardscaping Right for Your Property?
If you're looking to:
Add functionality to your yard
Improve your home’s resale value
Create an outdoor space you’ll actually use
Reduce maintenance— then hardscaping might be the best next step.
Ready to Upgrade Your Outdoor Living?
Let’s turn your yard into a space that’s not only beautiful but built to last. Contact Gerhart’s Landscaping today for a free consultation on your hardscaping project in the Lehigh Valley area.



