We Have Hardscaping Solutions for Wilmington & Surrounding Areas

Why Should I Consider Hardscaping for My Yard? What Are the Benefits?

So, what is hardscaping? Hardscaping refers to the non-plant elements of landscaping. Examples include patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other similar structures. While landscaping encompasses the trees, bushes, and flowers, hardscaping consists of the things around them – the things help you navigate and rest in the space.

What are the benefits and perks of hardscaping in your yard space?

• It increases your usable space. Hardscaping elements – like patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens – create defined spaces for whatever outdoor activities you have planned (be it mealtime, a get-together, a grill out, or a quiet night with a book). It effectively extends your living space outdoors, providing areas that can be used year-round.
• It enhances aesthetics. Hardscaping adds structure and variety to your landscape, incorporating different textures, colors, and shapes – all personalized to your tastes! It works in harmony with plants and greenery, creating a balanced and attractive outdoor environment.
• It increased your home and property value. Well-designed hardscaping can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Features like retaining walls, walkways, and patios are durable and long-lasting, contributing to the overall value of your property.
• It’s relatively low maintenance. Hardscaping materials, like stone, brick, and concrete, require minimal maintenance compared to grassy lawns and flower beds. Hardscaping also helps to reduce the amount of lawn and garden space that need regular care (think mowing, watering, weeding, etc…).
• It can make your space more accessible. Pathways and walkways provide safe and easy access to different areas of your yard, reducing the risk of tripping and falling – this especially goes for sloped areas. In addition, retaining walls and other hardscape elements help manage soil erosion and stabilize slopes.
• It can personalize your space. Hardscaping allows you to create personalized outdoor spaces that reflect your style and meet your specific needs. From modern to rustic designs, hardscaping can be tailored to complement any architectural style or landscape.

Ready to improve the look and usability of your yard space and enhance your overall outdoor living experience? We can help. Reach out now to discuss your options.

What Are My Options for Hardscaping?

There are lots of ways to use hardscaping to improve the look and feel of your outdoor living space. Each of these options can be customized to fit your aesthetic preferences, budget, and functional needs. 

• Pavers: A paver is a pre-formed, durable stone, concrete, or brick piece used to create patios, walkways, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces.
• Patios: The patio would be the outdoor area adjacent to a house. These are typically used for dining purposes, but can also incorporate options for relaxing or recreation.
• Walkways: If your yard is sectioned, walkways or paths made from various areas can be designed to interconnect them and make access easier.
• Retaining Walls: Sometimes, structures need to be built to hold back soil and prevent erosion. Cue retaining walls, which are known for creating level areas in sloped landscapes.
• Driveways: These paved or gravel surfaces create access for vehicles between the street and house or garage.
• Outdoor Living Spaces: Looking to extend your indoor living space to the outdoors? Outdoor areas can easily incorporate seating, cooking, and dining areas.
• Water Features: Decorative water-based installations, such as fountains, ponds, or waterfalls, can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any landscape.
• Edging/Borders: Using materials like stone, brick, or metal, you can better define and separate the different areas in your yard space, such as garden beds and lawns.
• Lighting: There are lots of outdoor lighting options available that help to illuminate walkways, patios, gardens, and other areas. Whether for safety, functionality, or improved ambiance, extra lighting is a great feature for your outdoor space.

Consult with our outdoor living experts – we can help you create a cohesive and well-planned design for your hardscaping project.

Can I Do Hardscaping Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional?

There are a lot of DIY hardscaping videos and tutorials on the web, but is taking this approach really advisable? Generally speaking, no – most hardscaping projects should be left to the professionals.

Why? Well, first and foremost, professionals understand the complexities of hardscaping – including proper installation techniques, drainage solutions, and material selection. This minimizes the risk of future issues occurring, like damage, decay, and deterioration.

Professional help contributes to long-term benefits, too, ensuring the hardscapes remain more durable over time and withstand weather conditions better.

And you always want to consider how things may look to future home buyers down the line. High-quality hardscaping can enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your property, making it sell quicker – and for more money.

And then there’s the convenience factor. Experienced contractors will typically be able to complete projects faster than your average DIY-er, and professionals have access to the necessary tools and equipment for the job too – things you’d likely need to go out and purchase if you take the project on yourself.

Now, if you have a smaller project in mind, a reasonable level of experience, and the time to dedicate, DIY might still be an option. All in all, though, projects like retaining walls, patios with intricate designs, and proper grading require a high level of skill – and trusting a pro ensures you avoid common pitfalls that many find themselves in…pitfalls that end up costing more time and money in the long run.

Interested in learning more about working with us? We’re here to answer your questions – reach out now.

How Do I Maintain My Hardscaping After Installation?

Maintaining your hardscaping after installation is crucial to ensure its longevity and keep it looking its best. Here are some general tips and best practices for maintaining different types of hardscaping:

• Keep it clean. Regularly sweep hardscape surfaces to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. Use a garden hose or pressure washer to clean surfaces. For stubborn stains, a mild detergent and brush may be needed.
• Invest in weed control. Regularly remove weeds that grow between pavers or in cracks. Apply a weed killer specifically designed for hardscapes to prevent weed growth.
• Keep an eye out for damage. Regularly check for cracks, shifting, or other damage. Promptly hire a professional to repair any damage to prevent it from worsening.
• Invest in sealants, as needed. Every few years, reseal pavers to protect them from stains and weather damage. Add polymeric sand to the joints between pavers to prevent weed growth and stabilize the pavers.
• Invest in repointing services. Have an expert repoint the mortar joints if they start to crack or deteriorate, then ask about applying a sealant to protect against moisture and staining.
• Re-stain wood surfaces. Re-stain or paint wood surfaces every few years to protect against weather damage and UV rays.

Any seasonal tips?
Now, some maintenance tips will vary based on the season we’re in. Here in the Wilmington area, we tend to get hot summers and cold winters, so you’ll need to prepare your hardscaping for those temperature fluctuations. 

• In the spring… Once spring has sprung, inspect for any damage caused by the harsh winter conditions and look for indications of the freeze-thaw cycle. Have any damages addressed right away, then clean your hardscaping thoroughly and re-seal any areas, as needed.
• In the summer… Summertime is more about maintenance. Hardscaping surfaces typically see more use during this time of year, so keep surfaces clean and clear of debris, and regularly check for (and remove) weeds.
• In the fall… Fall is the time to prepare for winter! Clean and inspect before the first frost, then repair any damage to prevent further issues during winter. Throughout the season, regularly remove fallen leaves to prevent staining and mold growth.
• In the winter… Two words: snow removal. Use a plastic shovel or snow blower to remove snow (avoiding metal shovels that can damage surfaces). Avoid using salt-based de-icers on hardscapes, as they can cause damage. Use sand or a pet-safe, plant-safe ice melt instead.

How Can I Keep My Hardscaping Project Within Budget?

Hardscaping can seem like a big project that’s always going to fall out of your ideal budget, but there are definitely ways to create your ideal space and improve aesthetics without breaking the bank in the process – it just requires some strategic planning.

First things first, determine what your budget is (including a contingency fund for unexpected expenses), and prioritize elements based on importance. What items could you not live without? And what could be taken off the list if costs are getting too high?

Next up, choose materials that fit in well with your budget. Research and compare material costs, opting for affordable alternatives that still offer durability and aesthetics. Mixing high-end and budget-friendly materials can achieve a balanced look without overspending.

Phased implementation can also help manage costs. Divide your project into manageable phases, completing each as your budget allows. Focus on essential elements first and add enhancements over time.

And monitor expenses closely as you go! Keep detailed records, regularly compare expenses against your budget, and resist the temptation to add unnecessary features – like we said, you can always add new stuff down the line once you build up your balance a bit more.

Need some guidance? We’d be happy to answer your questions and offer advice as you plan your hardscaping project in Wilmington. Give us a call or reach out to us online now.

How Does Hardscaping Affect Drainage and Water Runoff?

Hardscaping can significantly improve drainage and water runoff, but it’s important to manage these effects properly to avoid problems like erosion, flooding, and water damage. This is another big reason why working with a professional is always so highly recommended!

How can hardscaping negatively impact drainage and water runoff, if not done correctly?

Well, hardscaping often involves creating impervious surfaces (e.g., patios, driveways, walkways) that do not allow water to penetrate the ground. This can lead to increased water runoff, as rainwater cannot soak into the soil and must find other paths.

In addition, installing hardscape features can change the natural flow of water on your property, and poorly designed hardscaping can lead to water pooling where it shouldn’t. This could also lead to runoff flowing toward your house, creating more issues – like a flooded basement or foundation instability.

So, what strategies can be used to manage drainage and water runoff in your hardscaping?

• Ensure that hardscaped areas are properly graded to direct water away from your house and other structures.
• Use permeable materials, such as permeable pavers, gravel, or porous concrete, to allow water to seep through and reduce runoff.
• Install drainage systems, such as French drains, channel drains, or catch basins, to capture and redirect water away from hardscaped areas.
• Ensure that downspouts and gutters are properly connected to drainage systems to manage roof runoff effectively – and keep them clear of debris to keep them functioning properly.
• Create rain gardens or bioswales in low-lying areas to capture and slowly infiltrate runoff.
• Use retaining walls to manage slope and prevent soil erosion, and incorporate proper drainage behind retaining walls, such as weep holes or drainage pipes.
• Plant native vegetation, ground cover, and grass to help absorb water and reduce runoff.
• Inspect hardscaped areas regularly for signs of water pooling or erosion and address issues promptly.

By carefully planning and implementing these strategies, you can enjoy the benefits of hardscaping, all while effectively managing drainage and water runoff to protect your property and the environment.

Why EP Henry?

With more than 100 years of experience, EP Henry prides themselves in being more than just a manufacturer. EP Henry is the oldest family-owned and -operated manufacturer of unit concrete products in America and has long been committed to being the market leader in both consumer and commercial Hardscaping.

We Deliver Hardscaping & Paving Stones: Work With Us Today!

Angerstein’s has a wide selection of colors and styles showcased in our store, conveniently located in Wilmington, Delaware. You can pick up your paving stone order or we can deliver directly to you. Just like EP Henry, Angerstein’s is dedicated to educating our customers. We hold several paving stone “How To Install” seminars each year!

Not a DIYer? Angerstein’s can lead you in the right direction by recommending one of our Authorized Hardscaping Contractors. Authorized Hardscaping Contractors are independent contractors who are not industry certified, but they have also met the standards set by E. P. Henry to ensure the highest level of performance.

Please contact us if you would like to be on our mailing lists for Angerstein’s events. Even if you do not plan to install your own patio, we recommend that you attend the seminar to learn more about the installation process. Reach out now!