Landscape design includes softscape (plants and soil) and hardscape (masonry materials). Hardscapes enhance the built environment with masonry materials for pavements, walls, fireplaces, countertops and more. They are a natural outdoor extension of living space in residential property. Hardscape falls into two broad categories: pavers for horizontal surfaces and walls for vertical surfaces.
Hardscape includes features such as boulders for gardens and pools, planters, trash enclosures and garden structures such as a portico. As a part of hardscape, masonry furniture includes structures such as tables, benches, counters, ovens, altars, wall seats, herbal couches, and decorative focal points.