The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Hardscaping Materials

Choosing the right hardscaping materials is a crucial step in turning your backyard into a space that's both functional and beautiful. The materials you pick will influence just about everything - how long they'll last, how much maintenance they'll need, the price tag, the style, and even how your outdoor space feels when you step out into it each day.

In sun-baked, coastal climates like San Diego, weather and soil conditions make material choice even more of a challenge. With over 20 years of experience giving backyards a whole new look in our Service Areas, EM Landscape & Design helps homeowners pick long-lasting materials that elevate their outdoor living spaces and hold up for years to come.

What Does Hardscaping Even Mean?

Hardscaping consists of all the non-living bits of your outdoor design that aren't going anywhere. These elements create structure, guide the way you move around your yard, and define how your backyard functions

Some pretty common hardscaping features include:

• Patios - where we gather 'round to socialise
• Walkways - to guide you to the next great spot in your yard
• Driveways - the path you take to get to your front door
• Pool decks - where the fun happens
• Outdoor kitchens - where you cook up a storm
• Seating walls - where you sit and take in the view
• Fire pits - where you gather 'round for warmth and company
• Water features - the calming sounds of a running stream or fountain
• Custom retaining walls - keeping your yard looking neat and tidy

The difference between plants and hardscape materials is that the latter don't grow or change - so choosing the right ones from the get-go is pretty key to your long-term satisfaction.

The Key Things to Think About When Choosing Materials

The best hardscaping materials for you will depend on how you use your space, what your budget is, and the climate you live in. Before you start selecting anything, think about the following:

Durability and Lifespan

Pick materials that can withstand the heat, foot traffic, and coastal moisture without complaining.

How Much You're Willing to Spend

Upfront cost vs. long-term maintenance is a trade-off. Some materials are cheap to install but require more upkeep later on.

Climate Compatibility

San Diego's got a pretty harsh climate, with sun, salt air, and the occasional heavy rain - all of which can affect fading, cracking, and erosion.

Maintenance Requirements

Think about sealing, cleaning, repairs, and how much effort you're willing to invest in keeping your outdoor space looking its best.

Slip Resistance & Safety

This one's especially important around pools, spas, and steps.

Aesthetic Compatibility

Your materials should complement your home's exterior and the style you're going for in your backyard.

Drainage & Grading Needs

Get a pro to help with planning to prevent cracked surfaces, pooling water, and uneven settling.

Concrete: Affordable, Versatile and a Good All-Rounder

Concrete is one of the most popular hardscaping materials out there because it's budget-friendly and flexible. You can smooth it out, texture it, color it, or even stamp it to look like stone or brick.

Why Homeowners Love It

• It's affordable and quick to install
• You can achieve just about any design look you want
• Works for patios, driveways, walkways and more
• Modern and clean-looking with a low-maintenance finish

Things to Consider

• It can crack over time
• Needs sealing to keep it looking its best
• Gets hot under direct sunlight - not ideal for bare feet

Concrete is perfect for homeowners who want a clean, cohesive look without breaking the bank.

Pavers: Durable, Stylish and Long-Lasting

Pavers are one of the toughest and most attractive materials for outdoor construction out there. Available in a range of materials including natural stone, brick, porcelain and more, they offer endless design options.

The Benefits of Pavers

• Individual pieces can be easily replaced if they get damaged
• Strong resistance to cracking
• Tons of patterns, colors and textures to choose from
• Great for walkways, patios, driveways, and pool decks
• Especially good for San Diego's shifting soils

Popular Paver Options

• Concrete pavers
• Natural stone pavers
• Brick pavers
• Porcelain pavers

Their combination of strength, style and flexibility makes them one of the best long-term investments for any outdoor living space.

Natural Stone: Premium, Timeless and Unbeatable

Natural stone is the go-to choice for homeowners who want a high-end, organic look that's going to last the distance. Each piece is unique, adding depth and character to your yard.

Popular Types of Natural Stone

• Travertine
• Granite
• Slate
• Flagstone
• Limestone

Why Choose Natural Stone

• Rich, timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style
• Stays cooler in the sun (perfect for pool decks)
• Extremely durable and will withstand the toughest conditions
• Works with just about any architectural style

The higher upfront cost is balanced by long-term durability and unmatched style.

Gravel & Decomposed Granite (DG)

These materials are perfect for homeowners who want a natural look with minimal upkeep.

Best Uses

• Pathways
• Fire pit surrounds
• Informal patios
• Modern/minimalist landscapes
• Drought-tolerant designs

Pros

• Super budget-friendly
• Excellent drainage
• Easy to maintain and replenish

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy furniture or high-traffic areas
• Can shift or move slightly underfoot

DG and gravel blend beautifully into water-wise San Diego landscapes.

Porcelain Pavers: Sleek, Modern and Virtually Maintenance-Free

Porcelain pavers offer a clean, contemporary finish with very low maintenance needs.

Why Homeowners Choose Porcelain

• Its fade-resistant qualities keep your pool deck or patio looking its best for years to come
• Slip-resistant too, so you can have peace of mind when walking around
• Plus, it's non-porous so no more staining from dirt, grime or any other unwanted mess
• Get the look you want with all the modern textures and colors available
• Perfect for those luxury pool decks and patios

They come with a higher upfront price tag, but be warned – porcelain is almost maintenance-free in the long run.

What Makes a Great Retaining Wall?

A good retaining wall does more than just keep the earth from sliding down the slope – it gives your yard a whole new look and adds some real structure to your outdoor design

Top Material Choices for Your Retaining Wall

• Natural stone – it's a classic choice for a reason
• Concrete block systems – reliable and easy to work with
• Engineered wall systems – they're strong and do the job

Things to Consider When Choosing a Retaining Wall

• Just how tall is the wall going to be and how much pressure will it be under?
• How are you going to deal with drainage in the surrounding area?
• What kind of style are you going for and do you want it to be decorative or functional (or both?)
• And how much function do you need – ie will it be holding up a driveway or just a patch of lawn?

A well-designed retaining wall can turn what was once a dead-end slope into a real showpiece.

Eco-Friendly Hardscaping is the Way to Go

People are getting wise to the benefits of eco-friendly hardscaping – and rightly so

Sustainable Outdoor Ideas to Get You Started

• Try using permeable pavers that let water drain through – it's a game changer
• Consider using recycled materials – it's good for the planet and your wallet
• Decomposed granite is another popular choice – its light colouring and natural texture make it a winner
• Light coloured surfaces are also a great option – they stay cool even in the hottest sun
• And don't forget to pair your hardscaping with some water-efficient landscaping

Eco-friendly hardscaping is all about creating a healthier yard with better drainage and the right style – and its benefits are only just starting to become apparent.

Hardscaping Materials – A Quick Comparison

If you're looking for a quick rundown on the pros and cons of different materials, here's a handy comparison

Cost

• Rock and gravel are your cheapest option
• Pavers are in the middle of the pack – a good value for the price
• Natural stone is pricey, but it lasts a lifetime
• Porcelain is right up there with natural stone for durability – but it's often a lot cheaper

Durability

• Porcelain is top of the pops when it comes to durability – it's a tough cookie
• Concrete is a close second – but it's far from perfect
• Natural stone is basically indestructible – but it's also pretty pricey
• And porcelain, pavers and natural stone are all pretty low-maintenance, while gravel and DG take a bit more work

Maintenance Level

• Porcelain, pavers, natural stone and concrete are all pretty easy to look after
• Gravel and DG take a bit more elbow grease, but its still not too bad

Compare all this up and you'll get a quick idea of what material will work best for your project – but the real experts are the ones who can give you a custom solution for your exact backyard.

Mixing and Matching Your Hardscaping Materials

Different materials can really add some depth and interest to your design – its all about finding the right combination

Modern

• Big, bold porcelain pavers can make a real statement
• Smooth concrete gives a sleek, modern look
• Stick with a neutral color palette and you'll be all set

Mediterranean

• Travertine is the classic choice for a Mediterranean-style backyard
• Light natural stone gives a warm, inviting look
• And pair it all with some warm-toned brick for a really authentic feel

Rustic

• Flagstone is perfect for a rustic look – it's got a real natural vibe
• Textured stone adds a lot of character to your design
• Reclaimed-looking pavers can really add some interest to your backyard

Coastal

• Light stone is a great choice for a coastal-style backyard
• Porcelain with driftwood tones adds a real touch of the ocean
• And natural textures make it feel really authentic

All it takes is a bit of creativity to turn a few different materials into something really special.

Why You Really Need a Hardscaping Pro

It's all well and good to choose the right materials, but the real secret to a long-lasting, beautiful backyard is in the installation – and that's where a pro comes in

What a Hardscaping Pro Can Do for You

• Choose the right materials for your climate – it's not all about aesthetics
• Make sure your slopes are safe and your water is flowing properly
• Prevent those cracks, shifts and settling – it's all part of the job
• Create a cohesive design that flows from one element to the next
• And build something that'll last you 20 years – no problem

EM Landscape & Design has all the expertise you need to create your dream backyard – we handle everything from patios and walkways to custom fire pits and outdoor kitchens.

You can take a look through our Gallery for some inspiration – or learn more about what we do and how we work on our About Us page.

The Final Word on Hardscaping Materials

When it comes to choosing the right materials for your backyard, it's all about finding the right balance between durability, maintenance, style and climate – and we're here to help.

Whether you're looking to upgrade a driveway, create a new patio or transform your whole backyard, EM Landscape & Design is the team to call.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and let us help you create the backyard of your dreams.