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Service Areas: Waterloo, Kitchener, Stratford, Elmira, Elora, St. Jacobs, Cambridge, St. Clements, New Dundee, Conestogo, Baden, Petersburg, Blair, Breslau in Ontario.

ExCL Outdoor Services

Hardscaping Services

Get the Perfect Hardscape for Your Home

ExCL was started with hardscapes in mind. We pride ourselves in delivering practical quality hardscapes that allow you to spend more time outdoors and improve your lifestyle. We offer a variety of solutions including interlock patios, walkways and driveways. Seat walls, front entry ways, fire pits, armour stone and flagstone. We have a design team to see your project in Waterloo and surrounding areas in Ontario through from conception to finish.

hardscaping 101

Everything You Need to Know About Hardscaping 

Hardscaping is a great way to add beauty, structure and organization to your yard. It can also provide extra space and functionality.From patios and walkways to fire pits and retaining walls—there’s no limit when it comes to transforming your backyard into something special with hardscapes!

  • What is Hardscaping?

    Hardscaping refers to any non-living elements that are incorporated into your outdoor space. This includes things like patios, decks, walkways, retaining walls and more. The goal of hardscaping is to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape that adds structural value and visual appeal to your property. 


  • What are the Benefits of Hardscaping?

    Hardscapes offer many benefits for homeowners. They can help define a space and create usable areas in the yard that can be used for entertaining or relaxing. They can also help control erosion, improve drainage and reduce maintenance time. Plus, they can add value to your home if you ever decide to sell it down the road. 


  • What Materials Are Used For Hardscapes?

    The most common materials used in hardscape projects include natural stone (such as sandstone or limestone), brick or concrete pavers, wood (like cedar or redwood), metal (aluminum or steel), synthetic materials (like plastic lumber) and precast concrete products (like edging). Each material has its own unique characteristics and will require different levels of maintenance over time so it’s important to consider which material is best for your specific project before making any decisions. 


  • What to look for before hardscaping?

    Before beginning the hardscaping project of your dreams, it is important to take certain steps. Since soil structure and drainage can make a big difference in how your project turns out, it is wise to test the site's topsoil and its drainage capabilities. In addition to getting this information, you may also want to look into any permits or regulations from the local municipal authorities so that you can plan accordingly. Taking these preliminary measures will help ensure that your project goes smoothly and that you get the desired results.

  • How Long Will My Hardscape Design Last?

    The lifespan of your hardscape design will depend heavily on how well it was installed initially as well as how much maintenance it receives over time; however, properly-installed designs typically last anywhere from 10-20 years before needing any significant repairs or replacement components added back into them due to wear-and-tear over time.. Additionally, certain materials such as flagstones may need resealing every few years depending on environmental conditions where they’re located so they remain protected against weathering or cracking caused by moisture infiltration into their pores when exposed continuously over long periods of time

  • How Much Does A Hardscape Project Cost?

    The cost of a hardscape project depends on several factors including the size of the area being worked on, the type of material used and labor costs. Generally speaking, projects that use premium materials such as natural stone will be more expensive than those using basic materials like concrete pavers. However, these higher-end materials tend to require less maintenance over time so they may actually save you money in the long run

Why You Should Invest in Hardscaping for Your Home

Hardscaping is a great option for adding texture, color, and interest to your backyard or garden. It’s a low-maintenance way of creating an inviting and aesthetically pleasing space outside your home

  • Enhance Aesthetic Appeal

    The most obvious benefit of investing in hardscaping is that it can have an immediate impact on the curb appeal of your home. Adding pavers, stones, or other stonework elements to your yard can create an instant wow factor that leaves visitors speechless. These additions are also great conversation starters when hosting friends and family outside. Plus, if you ever decide to sell your home down the line, potential buyers will be drawn to its aesthetic appeal and increased overall value. 


  • Increase Property Value

    When you invest in hardscaping, you are actually investing back into the value of your property because it adds tangible equity. Depending on the type of stonework you install—whether it’s a patio, pathway, retaining wall or any combination thereof—your home will have increased resale value over time. This means that you can recoup much more than what you originally invested into the project once you go to sell your house! 


  • Increased Functionality

    Hardscaping isn’t just about aesthetics; it also helps to increase the functionality of outdoor spaces around your home. Installing walkways with pavers or stepping stones adds convenience when moving from one area of the yard to another without having to trudge through mud or grassy areas. You can also add seating areas with fire pits or small patios where guests can congregate during gatherings or events like barbecues and family reunions!  


  • Extreme Durability

    Another benefit of investing in hardscaping is its durability. Hardscape materials like pavers and concrete are designed to withstand exposure to weather conditions such as snow, rain, sun, wind, etc., making them ideal for outdoor use. This means that you won’t have to worry about replacing or repairing damaged surfaces any time soon—saving you both time and money in the long run. 


  • Cost Efficiency

    Hardscaping is also cost efficient when compared with other landscaping options available on the market today. While installing a quality hardscape may require a larger initial investment than other landscaping options like softscapes (which involve planting flowers and shrubs), it will save you money over time due to its superior durability and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, because it adds value to your home or business’s exterior design, it can potentially increase the resale value of the property as well!  


  • Easy to Maintain

    Unlike landscaping with flowers and shrubs that require regular tending and pruning, hardscape elements are easy to maintain. In fact, once they are installed you won’t need to do anything else other than perhaps clean them occasionally if dirt builds up over time. This makes hardscaping an ideal choice for busy homeowners who want a beautiful outdoor area without all the hassle of tending to delicate plants and lawns. 


benefits of hardscaping

FAQs

We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about hardscaping so that you can make an informed decision

  • What's the Purpose of Hardscaping?

    The purpose of hardscaping is not just to improve aesthetics but also to provide practical solutions such as improved drainage or increased safety. For example, installing a retaining wall can help reduce erosion on sloped land while adding steps can make navigating your outdoor space safer and easier.  

  • What Are the Benefits of Hardscaping?

    There are several advantages to hiring a professional contractor for your hardscaping needs. Firstly, experienced contractors have the necessary skills and experience needed to ensure that your project is completed correctly and safely. Secondly, they can recommend materials and designs that will best suit the needs of your particular property. Lastly, having a professional install your hardscape elements means that you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself - leaving you more time for other tasks! 

  • What Types of Materials are Used?

    The type of materials used will depend on the project and the preferences of the homeowner. Popular materials for hardscaping projects include stone, brick, concrete pavers, wood chips and gravel. All of these materials provide excellent durability and require minimal upkeep over time.  

  • How Long Does it Take?

    The length of a hardscaping project depends on its size and complexity. Generally speaking, smaller projects can be completed in a few days while larger ones may take weeks or even months to complete. Once you have chosen a contractor for your project they should be able to give you a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your job.  

Other Services

We specialize in a range of services from excavating to hardscape design and construction, providing our clients with all the resources needed for successful projects. Let us help you create the outdoor space of your dreams!

excavation services
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