6 Commercial Hardscaping Ideas

Whether your commercial property is retail oriented or an office building, landscaping can do a lot to boost its appeal. Shoppers, visitors, employees and prospective tenants alike get their first impression from your landscaping. Studies have shown that well designed landscape architecture can induce shoppers to spend up to 12% more, increase employee productivity by over 20% and boost rental rates by 7% or more. Our image of beautiful landscaping is often dominated by flowers, trees and shrubs, but hardscaping should be an integral part of the commercial design. Hardscaping is essentially anything in the landscape design that is man-made and not vegetation. Brick, concrete, stone, wood and steel are typical hardscape materials. Let’s take a look at 6 commercial hardscaping ideas that can really make your business landscape design stand out.

Sidewalks and Walkways

Concrete walkways might not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing impressive landscaping, but they are among the first things a visitor sees when approaching the front entrance. Discolored, cracked, or broken concrete creates a terrible first impression.

If the concrete sidewalk is not damaged to the point of being dangerous, you can often resurface or overlay it. This approach is not only less expensive than pouring new concrete but also offers many decorative options. You can add pigments to provide a wide range of colors. Overlays can also be stamped to replicate brick, flagstone, or wood, delivering a look that can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing without the added expense.

For new or replacement walkways, consider adding a flourish. Even a slightly curving pathway is more visually appealing than a straight sidewalk. Incorporate flower beds or planters into the design to add even more visual appeal.

Pots and Planters

Pots and planters are a relatively simple hardscaping element, but a great way to showcase beautiful plants and flowers in a commercial environment. There are a myriad of different sizes, shapes and designs of planters available that can really help to emphasize the design theme of a landscape. Consider installing planters that have the same colors as your company logo.

An added advantage to planters and large flower pots is that they place vegetation higher, where it will not be damaged by foot traffic. At the same time, the height can make vegetation more eye-catching.  Well placed planters can also help to direct visitors to entrances or points of interest.

Benches

Benches and other seating are great commercial hardscaping ideas. They provide a place for visitors to rest or employees to take a break. There are many styles of outdoor seating on the market to choose from. Crafted from wood, metal or stone, the right bench can blend in with existing architecture and can be used to highlight certain viewing areas. Many include integrated planters to make them even more appealing. 

Outdoor Meeting Spaces

Expanding on the idea of seating, outdoor meeting spaces are becoming more common as a hardscaping element. Benches and tables with a pergola, umbrella or trees to provide a little shade will create an inviting space for shoppers or employees to spend a little time. 

Office buildings in particular can showcase an outdoor meeting area. Employees will enjoy a break from the typical meeting room or just a place to spend their lunch hour in a peaceful setting. An outdoor meeting space can also be a great way to impress a potential client or tenant. 

Fountains and Water Features

Take the peaceful setting to the next level with a fountain or water feature. Even a small fountain will provide the relaxing sound of water flowing. A large fountain can be the impressive centerpiece of the entire landscape design.

The value of a water feature as a hardscaping element goes beyond the aesthetic, too. A strategically placed fountain or waterfall can mask unwanted traffic or construction noise. Flowing water can also help cool the surrounding area, making seating and meeting spaces even more inviting when the weather is hot. 

Lighting

Given the choice between a dark shopping center and one softly lit by bistro lights strung overhead, it’s not hard to guess which one shoppers will prefer. Effective lighting provides both an aesthetic appeal and a higher sense of security. Accent lighting can set the mood or draw attention to certain aspects of the property. Pathway lighting can help guide visitors and improve safety.

The Value of Hardscaping

Many of the commercial hardscaping ideas we’ve described may seem rather expensive when compared to landscaping options. It’s important to remember that the initial cost will add value to the landscape and the property as a whole for years to come. The investment in permanent features as a centerpiece of the architectural design also pays benefits in reduced landscape maintenance costs, as well.

Hardscaping can serve as the core of a beautiful and inviting commercial landscape, but the expense and permanence make it critical to get it done right. An experienced landscape architect can be an invaluable resource in helping to choose the right design and hardscaping elements to complement your property.