Creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space often means balancing two core elements: hard landscaping and soft landscaping. These two types of landscaping serve different purposes, but when used together thoughtfully, they can transform any garden, driveway, or commercial space into a cohesive and inviting environment.
So, what’s the actual difference between hard and soft landscaping, and why does it matter for your project?
What is hard landscaping?
Hard landscaping is the backbone of any outdoor space. It gives structure, sets boundaries, and makes areas usable all year round.
What are the benefits of hard landscaping?
It defines spaces and creates usability - Hard landscaping forms the layout of a garden or outdoor area. Think of patios, driveways, paths, steps, and retaining walls. These elements help you move around, use the space effectively and prevent soil erosion by managing slopes.
It provides long-term durability - Materials like concrete, stone, brick, and resin are built to last. Once installed, they can withstand heavy use and the changing seasons without needing constant upkeep.
It’s generally minimal maintenance - Unlike planting beds and lawns, hardscapes don’t need watering, trimming, or seasonal replacements. This makes them ideal for people looking to reduce the amount of upkeep in their garden.
It helps with water management - Traditionally, hard materials like tarmac or concrete don’t allow for water drainage, which can cause surface water issues. However, newer solutions such as resin-bound surfaces are porous and SuDS-compliant (Sustainable Drainage Systems), helping water drain naturally and reducing pressure on drainage systems.
It supports design flexibility - From patios to elegant driveways, hard landscaping offers a wide range of finishes, colours, and textures. Resin-bound paving, for instance, can be used in both domestic and commercial projects to create smooth, stylish surfaces with practical benefits like slip resistance and permeability.
Are there any disadvantages?
While hard landscaping is practical, it’s not always perfect, so let's take a look at some of the disadvantages.
Poor drainage with traditional materials - Non-porous materials like concrete can create drainage issues unless properly managed. That’s why alternatives like Resin Mill’s resin-bound surfaces are growing in popularity thanks to their incredible drainage system.
It’s more permanent - Unlike planting that can be rearranged or replaced easily, hard landscaping, as the name suggests, is “harder” and more expensive to change once installed. If a layout doesn't work, making changes can be time-consuming and costly.
More complex to install - The installation of hard landscaping elements is often more complex and time-consuming.
Examples of hard landscaping materials
Here are some of the most common hard landscaping features:
- Stone or brick walls
- Patios and paved areas
- Driveways
- Resin-bound pathways
- Timber decking
- Steps and raised beds
- Fences and pergolas
- Water features and sculptures
Other hard landscaping options that aren’t as common but are effective include flexible paving systems like FlexiRox. Unlike traditional rigid materials, FlexiRox is designed to move slightly with the ground beneath it. This makes it particularly useful in areas where soil movement or tree roots might otherwise cause cracks or damage.

What is soft landscaping?
Soft landscaping refers to the natural, living parts of a garden, including plants, trees, lawns, and other elements that bring colour, movement, and seasonal interest.
What are the benefits of soft landscaping?
Here are the main benefits of soft landscaping elements.
It enhances aesthetic appeal - Flowers, shrubs, trees, and grass add colour, texture, and natural beauty to a space. They help soften the edges of hard surfaces and make gardens feel welcoming and lived-in.
It brings environmental benefits - Soft landscaping supports biodiversity by attracting birds, bees, and insects. It also helps improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions through natural processes like photosynthesis.
It assists with water absorption - Plants and soil naturally absorb rainwater, helping to manage surface runoff and prevent flooding. This works hand-in-hand with modern hard landscaping materials that now allow water to drain through.
It’s dynamic and ever-changing - Unlike hard landscaping, which remains constant, soft landscaping evolves throughout the seasons. This keeps your garden interesting and refreshing all year long.
It offers flexibility - Planting plans can be changed or updated easily, making it a great way to refresh your space without a full redesign.
Resin Mill also offers mulch and bark chippings as low-maintenance alternatives to natural planting that provide a neat, natural-looking finish while helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Are there any disadvantages?
The disadvantages are few.
Higher maintenance - Soft landscaping often requires regular care. Lawns need mowing, plants need watering and pruning, and flower beds need weeding.
Seasonal upkeep - Depending on the weather, certain elements may need replacing or replanting, especially annuals or more delicate species.
Examples of soft landscaping materials
Common soft landscaping features include:
- Grass lawns
- Trees and hedges
- Flower beds
- Shrubs and bushes
- Ground cover plants
- Mulch, compost, or bark chips
- Natural borders (including wildflower areas or decorative gravel)
What's the main difference between hard and soft landscaping?
The key distinction is that hard landscaping refers to inanimate, structural elements, while soft landscaping involves growing and living elements.
Hardscaping builds the framework of the garden. Soft scaping adds the colour, contrast, and movement.
One gives function and form. The other brings beauty and life.
The importance of combining hard and soft landscaping elements
A successful landscaping project blends both hard and soft elements.
Hard landscaping elements provide a practical and usable space, including driveways for parking, paths for walking, and patios for sitting. Soft landscaping brings that space to life, softening edges, enhancing mood, and supporting nature.
Together, they create outdoor spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful and sustainable.
Summary
Hard landscaping gives your garden its structure. Soft landscaping brings it to life. Both are essential for creating an outdoor space that is practical, beautiful, and enjoyable.
Explore the Resin Mill product catalogue to see how our range of hard and soft landscaping solutions can support your next garden landscaping or driveway project.
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