--- title: Top 5 Tips for Getting Started with Hardscape description: Here are five steps to get you started on your next hardscape project! image: https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Pavers-Circle1-2.jpg --- ### Resources [![Ewing Outdoor Supply Logo V 4 Color](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Ewing%20Outdoor%20Supply%20Logo%20V%204%20Color.png) ](https://www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com/) [![Login/Register](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20200354/5d045e9a-574a-4a92-a8cc-1ce2a4352784.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20200354/5d045e9a-574a-4a92-a8cc-1ce2a4352784) 0 You have no items in your shopping cart ### Shop Products Shop Products # Irrigation & Landscape supply Blog # Top 5 Tips for Getting Started with Hardscape [Ewing Outdoor Supply](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/ewing-outdoor-supply) on August 8, 2016 Share - [**](https://twitter.com/share?source=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/top-5-tips-for-getting-started-with-hardscape&text=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Getting%20Started%20with%20Hardscape%20-%20https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/top-5-tips-for-getting-started-with-hardscape) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/top-5-tips-for-getting-started-with-hardscape&title=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Getting%20Started%20with%20Hardscape&picture=https://20200354.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20200354/Imported_Blog_Media/Pavers-Circle1-2.jpg&description=Here%20are%20five%20steps%20to%20get%20you%20started%20on%20your%20next%20hardscape%20project!) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/top-5-tips-for-getting-started-with-hardscape&title=Top%205%20Tips%20for%20Getting%20Started%20with%20Hardscape&summary=Here%20are%20five%20steps%20to%20get%20you%20started%20on%20your%20next%20hardscape%20project!) - [**](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/top-5-tips-for-getting-started-with-hardscape) ![](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Pavers-Circle1-2.jpg) Hardscape. The hybrid of traditional landscaping. This stone clad sister to traditional plant-based yard décor offers an eco-friendly and low maintenance alternative to turf. Watering, mowing, and trimming are not required for hardscape creations. Below are five steps to get you started on your next hardscape project. 1. **Learn** If you are new to hardscape, taking a course is the way to go. Jesse Cravath, National Hardscape Product Manager for Ewing Irrigation said, “The entry point for pavers is the ICPI course.” It is a two-day course that teaches hardscape procedures ranging from estimation to installation. [Click here for more information](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/hardscape-pavers/hardscape-tools). 1. **The Right Tools** The next thing to plan out before you start your project is a comprehensive list of [hardscape tools](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/hardscape-pavers/hardscape-tools). [![Landscape Supplies, Tools & Accessories](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-LS-Tools1-300x200-4.jpg?width=170&height=113&name=PRIMG-LS-Tools1-300x200-4.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-LS-Tools1-Mar-02-2022-04-54-10-54-PM.jpg) Items like [tape measures](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/hardscape-pavers/hardscape-tools/hardscape-measuring-tools), [levels](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/tools-accessories/tools-hardscape), and an [assortment of blades](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/hardscape-pavers/hardscape-tools/blades-splitters) are standard tools needed for a typical hardscape project. You might also consider renting larger equipment, such as an excavator, depending on your projects needs. 1. **A Solid Base** Knowing your soil is essential when constructing a hardscape project. “It’s very important to [![Hardscape Display at Ewing Irrigation](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-HS-188-Build1-300x225-2.jpg?width=189&height=142&name=PRIMG-HS-188-Build1-300x225-2.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-HS-188-Build1-3.jpg)know what kinds of soil are on site,” Cravath said. For instance, clay and round granules are generally going to be more difficult to work with than sandy soil and angular granules when it comes to hardscape projects. Knowing what soil your base consists of will set you up for success. 1. **Location** There are many places hardscape can be used to enhance a home, but some are more common than others. “The most natural places are in the backyard for additional entertaining space,” Cravath said. Backyards are often left unfinished and hardscape provides an easy way to define or expand that space. Hardscape can also be used for more functional purposes such as re-surfacing a driveway. 1. **Centerpieces and Accessories** Installing a [BBQ grill](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/hardscape-pavers/outdoor-kitchen/bbq-grills), [fire pit](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/hardscape-pavers/fire-features), or [outdoor lighting](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/products/lighting), often rounds out a hardscape project.[![PRIMG HS Primo Grill](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Primo-Ceramic-Grill1-2.jpg?width=197&height=150&name=Primo-Ceramic-Grill1-2.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Primo-Ceramic-Grill1-2.jpg) Whether your focus is food, safety, additional privacy, creating a family-friendly space or simply sprucing up your outdoor living area, items like these will help you put the finishing touch on your striking, easy-care, eco-friendly hardscape creation. Stop by your [local Ewing store](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/locations) to see what products are available in your area, or check out [Ewing’s Outdoor Living Guide](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/outdoorlivingguide) online. TAGS: [Landscape Lighting](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/landscape-lighting), [Hardscape](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/hardscape), [Outdoor Living](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/outdoor-living), [Ewing Education](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/ewing-education), [Water Conservation](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/water-conservation), [Landscape Supplies](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/landscape-supplies) ### Looking for More? ### Topics - [Ewing News (194)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/ewing-news) - [Irrigation (191)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/irrigation) - [News Release (180)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/news-release) - [Business Tips (134)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/business-tips) - [Turf (100)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/turf) - [Water Efficiency (96)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/water-efficiency) - [Smart Irrigation (85)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/smart-irrigation) - [Business (79)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/business) - [Landscape Maintenance (71)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/landscape-maintenance) - [Outdoor Living (69)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/outdoor-living) - [Landscape Lighting (61)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/landscape-lighting) - [Water Conservation (58)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/water-conservation) - [Athletic Fields (52)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/athletic-fields) - [Sports Fields (52)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/sports-fields) - [Golf (50)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/golf) - [Lawn Care (50)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/lawn-care) - [Hardscape (47)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/hardscape) - [Sustainable Solutions (46)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/sustainable-solutions) - [Ewing Education (45)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/ewing-education) - [Green Industry (41)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/green-industry) ## Related [ Managing Localized Dry Spot with Smarter Moisture Solutions ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/managing-localized-dry-spot-with-smarter-moisturesolutions) By [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/kevin-lewis) On July 7, 2026 [ Managing Sports Fields with Smart Irrigation Technology ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/managing-sports-fields-with-smart-irrigation-technology) By [Ian Yarian](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/ian-yarian) On July 2, 2026 [ Smart Irrigation Starts with the Controller ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/smart-irrigation-starts-with-the-controller) By [Greg Williams](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/greg-williams) On June 30, 2026 ## Related ## [Preparing Your Outdoor Space for Mosquito Season](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/preparing-your-outdoor-space-for-mosquito-season) By [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/kevin-lewis) On June 26, 2026 ## [Chris Morales Transforms Landscaping with Passion and Drive](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/chris-morales-transforms-landscaping-with-passion-and-drive) By [Greg Williams](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/greg-williams) On January 15, 2025 ## [Generate Winter Revenue with Holiday Lighting](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/2024-winter-revenue-holiday-lighting) By [Roger Ramsey](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/roger-ramsey) On September 9, 2024 ### Subscribe via Email Enter your email to get special offers, exclusive discounts, and more! [![Subscribe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20200354/88ccb08c-3300-4e9a-b7b8-69d093daaa55.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20200354/88ccb08c-3300-4e9a-b7b8-69d093daaa55) ### Company ### Resources ### Help ### Sign up for our Newsletter Enter your email to get special offers, exclusive discounts, and more! [![Sign up](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20200354/c28dc24c-bf78-40c0-817f-c1e966c7b2b9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20200354/c28dc24c-bf78-40c0-817f-c1e966c7b2b9) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/EwingOutdoorSupply) - [**](https://twitter.com/EwingOutdoor) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/ewingoutdoor/) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ewingoutdoorsupply/) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/@ewingoutdoorsupply) © 2025 - Ewing Irrigation Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved.