Blog | First Class Lawn Care

How Much Does Hardscaping Cost in Wilmington, Delaware?

Written by Andrew Ogden | Aug. 16, 2024

If you're like many homeowners, you've been mulling over investing in hardscaping for your Wilmington, Delaware home. There's no place like home, particularly a home that's been hardscaped to your specific needs and lifestyle. In this blog, we'll cover how much hardscaping costs in Wilmington, Delaware, how you can build your budget, and why First Class Lawn Care is  New Castle County's most trusted hardscaping company.

What Does Hardscaping Include?

Let's start with the first question you likely have about hardscaping. What is included in hardscaping? Our hardscaping services encompass all the non-living elements of landscaping. This includes patios, walkways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, stairs, landings, and pergolas. Hardscaping is both functional and aesthetic, allowing you to create a more attractive and comfortable space for your family.  Let's talk about some of your neighbors' favorite forms of hardscaping, what they cost, and why they may be a great idea for your home.

Walkways

These walkways are made for walkin'. Walkways are perhaps the most practical form of hardscaping for your Wilmington, Delaware home. There's nothing like walking outside and not tromping through grass and dirt, keeping your feet clean and your greenery green. In Wilmington, Delaware, the average price of installing a walkway typically falls between $3,000 and $5,000. The cost can vary based on the materials used. If you want to pair your walkway with a patio, the cost of installing a patio in Wilmington ranges from $11,500 to $17,500. 

Stairs and Landings

If you install a walkway, you'll likely need stairs or a landing area. The average cost for stairs and landings in Wilmington, Delaware, typically falls between $4,500 to $5,500. These projects require careful planning to ensure they integrate smoothly with the existing landscape and any other hardscaping elements.

Retaining Walls

Keeping with the practical elements of hardscaping, retaining walls give your property an intentional look and provide essential structural support. A talented retaining wall contractor will be able to work with you to find the right spot on your property to add a retaining wall. On average, the cost for retaining walls in Wilmington, Delaware, ranges from $8,500 to $10,000, including drainage. The main cost drivers are the height and length of the wall.

Pergolas

Picture this: you're comfortably sitting on your patio with a beverage of your choice, enjoying the weather while protected from the weather. Pergolas extend your outdoor living from the best weather to many forms of weather. On average, the cost of a pergola in Wilmington, Delaware, can vary widely, from $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the type and features. Options include open-top pergolas for aesthetic purposes, motorized steel pergolas that can open or close, and gazebos with fixed roofs. 

Outdoor Kitchens

If you love your home and plan on staying in it for at least a few more years, the cost of an outdoor kitchen is a worthwhile investment in your Delaware home. On average, outdoor kitchens in Wilmington, Delaware, cost between $17,000 and $20,000, not including appliances or utilities. Common features requested by clients include sinks, storage spaces, pull-out trash can drawers, mini-fridges, and ample countertop space.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Let's get bougie! An outdoor fireplace can be a luxurious upgrade and a stunning focal point in your Delaware background. While it likely shouldn't be the first hardscaping project you attempt for your Wilmington, Delaware home, it is an incredible investment piece. The cost of an outdoor fireplace in Wilmington varies widely, ranging from $15,500 to $25,000. The primary factor influencing the cost is the size of the fireplace. Standard elements like the hearth, mantle, and firebox contribute to the overall cost, but the choice of materials remains relatively consistent.

How Do I Prepare for Hardscaping?

If hardscaping is the goal, then preparation is the next step. Here's how you can prepare for hardscaping and set your goals for success. 

1. Define Your Goals

Determine what you want to achieve with your hardscaping project. Do you need more space for entertaining, or are you looking to improve your home’s curb appeal?

2. Set a Budget

It's important to have a realistic budget before you begin your project. The right professional will tell you what your intended hardscaping projects will cost and weigh in on what choices align with that budget.

3. Hire the Right Team for Your Wilmington, Delaware Hardscaping Project

The right team will work with your budget and with you to create the hardscaping structures that add to your lifestyle and your home's value. A team like First Class Lawn Care will be able to provide you with a solid estimate of hardscaping costs and work with you to build the structure your home needs. Our process allows you to be informed and understand every step of the project.

How Much Value Does Hardscaping Add?

Investing in hardscaping can significantly increase the value of your property. Well-designed outdoor spaces enhance curb appeal, provide additional living areas, and can lead to a higher resale value. A beautifully crafted patio, outdoor kitchen, or fireplace can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Even if you're not planning on selling your home, the value hardscaping can add to your home is also intrinsic. Investing in your home also adds value to your lifestyle and daily routine. At First Class Lawn Care, we take pride in adding value to your home through hardscaping, making your home both more beautiful and more functional.

Contact Wilmington, Delaware's Trusted Hardscape Company

If you're interested in hardscaping your Wilmington, Delaware, home, we hope this breakdown of hardscaping costs was insightful. 

Contact First Class Lawn Care today if you're ready to begin a hardscaping project! We can't wait to hear from you and work with you.