{"id":6474,"date":"2024-06-28T17:02:48","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T21:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.gcdev3.com\/?p=6474"},"modified":"2026-02-27T17:08:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T22:08:25","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-a-hardscape-company-and-a-patio-contractor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.gcdev3.com\/?p=6474","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s the Difference Between a Hardscape Company and a Patio Contractor?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a landscaper? What is a hardscaper? And what are the differences? <\/span>Once you start looking into topics like patio construction and outdoor kitchen installation, you will likely run into these two terms. And, if you\u2019re someone who hasn\u2019t ever worked in this industry, they might feel confusing. In fact, we are often asked what the difference between a hardscape company and a patio contractor actually is.<\/span><\/p>\n

The answer isn\u2019t as solid as you might expect. To help you understand why \u2013 and what it means for your home renovation project \u2013 I\u2019d like to share some insights based on my 20+ years of experience in the patio contracting business.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with the simple difference between landscaping, hardscaping, and patio construction\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Hardscape Company Takes on Bigger Projects<\/b><\/p>\n

The big difference between a hardscaping company and a landscaping company is that the hardscaper takes on bigger projects. In addition to installing pools and patios, they might level ground, hook up utilities, or deal with granite and other types of stone<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Landscapers usually don\u2019t handle such a wide range of work. They will typically handle smaller jobs like planting trees or maintaining lawns. For instance, a landscaper might show up with shovels and rakes, whereas a hardscaping company might use heavier equipment like e<\/span>xcavation equipment and CDL trucks. That\u2019s a simplification, of course, but I think it\u2019s a helpful visual for homeowners who are just learning the terms and are trying to find the right company to work with.<\/span><\/p>\n

The distinctions aren\u2019t always clear, but you can just remember that the \u201chard\u201d in hardscaping equates to tougher, more complex projects.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Patio Contractors Use Different Terms for the Same Things<\/b><\/p>\n

Knowing the difference between hardscaping and landscaping might make it easier for you to talk about your project, but it won\u2019t necessarily help you choose the right patio contractor. That\u2019s because lots of different businesses use the same terms interchangeably.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of the time, this isn\u2019t because they don\u2019t know the difference themselves. Instead, it\u2019s because they have learned (as we have) that homeowners will look for a \u201clandscaper\u201d or \u201cpatio contractor.\u201d Very few of them will ask for a hardscaping company, even if that\u2019s what they actually need.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fact that customers in the industry don\u2019t know these terms makes it difficult to market our services in a precise way. Technically, much of what we do in my company would fall under the category of hardscaping. Making space for outdoor pools and waterfalls, building stonework, or clearing degraded concrete are all big jobs. But homeowners don\u2019t know the special term for this work so they refer to it as landscaping.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the same way, some smaller and less experienced companies will say they do hardscape on their websites. That\u2019s usually because their customers have heard the term somewhere, making it an important marketing buzzword.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing all of this, it\u2019s a good idea to not worry too much about what a business calls itself, or which services they list on their website or brochure. Instead, you\u2019ll want to talk your project through with them to ensure that they can provide the kind of planning and care you need to bring your backyard to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, when it comes to finding the differences between landscaping, hardscaping, and patio installation, there is really one role that\u2019s more important than all the others.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It\u2019s All About Your Vision for an Outdoor Space<\/b><\/p>\n

When you hire a patio contractor it\u2019s not because you want landscaping or hardscaping \u2013 it\u2019s because you have a vision for what your outdoor space should look like and how you want to spend time in it. It\u2019s best to keep that at the front of your mind when you evaluate different companies and bids.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rather than focusing on the scope of the project in terms of equipment or definitions, ask yourself questions like the following:<\/span><\/p>\n