Hardscaping vs. Masonry – A Massachusetts Homeowner's Guide
- jmelo67
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
by Jorge Melo
If you are planning a patio, retaining wall, or stone feature on the South Coast of Massachusetts, you have probably heard the terms hardscaping and masonry used interchangeably. They are closely related, but they are not the same thing. Hardscaping covers all non-living outdoor construction that shapes how a space works day to day. Masonry is a specialized part of hardscaping that focuses on cement-bonded, structural, and detail-driven work.
In places like Mattapoisett and Fairhaven, confusing the two is one of the main reasons outdoor projects fail early. Patios settle, walls crack, and stonework shifts after a few winters. The problem is rarely the surface material. It is almost always how the system underneath was planned and built. Understanding the difference helps homeowners choose the right approach, hire the right contractor, and build outdoor spaces that actually hold up to South Coast Massachusetts conditions.
What is hardscaping?
Hardscaping includes the planning, preparation, and construction of all non-living elements in a landscape. Across the South Coast, hardscaping is what determines whether an outdoor space performs for decades or starts breaking down after a few seasons.
Hardscaping is not decoration. It is structural groundwork. It controls drainage, supports foot and vehicle traffic, manages elevation changes, and creates the framework everything else relies on. Without proper hardscaping, even high-quality materials will eventually fail.
That planning starts well before anything is installed. Layout, grading, and water movement need to be addressed early, especially in coastal areas where soil stays damp and freeze-thaw cycles are constant. This is why our projects begin with thoughtful planning as part of a complete landscape design process rather than jumping straight to surface materials.
Key features of hardscaping
Hardscaping focuses on what happens below and around the finished surface, not just how it looks on day one.
Common hardscape elements include:
Patios built with pavers or concrete
Walkways and entry paths
Driveways and access areas
Retaining walls used to manage grade
Steps and stair systems
Fire pits and outdoor living spaces
Drainage systems integrated into the yard
One of the most common issues we see on the South Coast is improper base preparation. A homeowner in Fairhaven recently reached out after a patio began separating and settling after two winters. The pavers were still in good shape. The issue was shallow excavation and poor compaction beneath the surface.
Professional hardscaping accounts for freeze-thaw cycles, moisture retention, and soil movement. When done correctly, the system allows controlled movement, sheds water properly, and protects the investment above it. You can learn more on our hardscaping services page. https://www.newenglandtreeandlandscape.com/hardscaping
Understanding masonry
Masonry is not separate from hardscaping. It is a specialized part of it. When a project involves mortar, concrete, block, or permanently bonded stone or brick, it becomes masonry work.
Unlike many hardscape systems that are designed to flex slightly, masonry is rigid by nature. That rigidity provides strength and permanence, but it also leaves very little margin for error. Mistakes do not disappear. They crack, shift, and remain visible.
Key features of masonry
Masonry focuses on cement-based construction, structural integrity, and precise execution.
Common masonry applications include:
Brick walls and veneers
Stone walls and architectural features
Concrete block retaining walls
Fireplaces and chimneys
Stone steps, caps, and structural accents
In Mattapoisett Center and Fairhaven, masonry issues often come from shortcuts during preparation. Uneven joints, misaligned veneer, or cracking usually trace back to inadequate footings or movement that was never accounted for in the base design.
Masonry elements behave more like part of the house than part of the yard. That is why masonry work in coastal Massachusetts requires experience with local soil conditions and winter weather.
The key differences between hardscaping and masonry
Hardscaping and masonry overlap, but they serve different roles within the same system.
Materials used
Hardscaping uses a wide range of materials such as pavers, natural stone, brick, gravel, and composite or wood elements. These materials are often dry-laid or mechanically set over a prepared base.
Masonry relies on cement-bonded materials like brick, stone, concrete block, and mortar. These materials are permanently fixed and depend on proper curing and footing design.
Purpose and focus
Hardscaping focuses on function. It manages movement, drainage, traffic, and elevation changes. A patio built for a Fairhaven home needs to handle frost movement, winter salt, and moisture from coastal air.
Masonry focuses on permanence and structure. Walls, fireplaces, and stone features are designed to stay rigid, carry load, and maintain alignment over time.
Techniques and skill set
Hardscaping requires expertise in excavation, compaction, grading, and drainage. Masonry requires precision in layout, mortar application, joint spacing, and structural planning. While related, the skill sets are not interchangeable.
Design scope and flexibility
Hardscaping allows more flexibility and controlled movement. Masonry demands precision and long-term stability. A simple rule of thumb is this: if a system needs to move and drain, it falls under hardscaping. If it must stay rigid and bonded, it is masonry.
Examples of masonry work
Masonry projects demand careful planning and execution:
Brick walls and veneer systems
Stone retaining walls built on proper footings
Fireplaces constructed to code
Block planters with internal drainage
We often repair masonry in places like New Bedford and Marion, where work failed because they did not spend enough time on preparation.
How hardscaping and masonry complement each other
The strongest outdoor projects use both disciplines intentionally. Hardscaping creates the framework. Masonry adds strength and detail.
A project we recently completed in the Mattapoisett Bay Club, combined a paver patio with masonry-built seating walls and a fire feature. The hardscape system handled drainage and seasonal movement. The masonry elements handled heat, load, and permanence.
Together, the space performed exactly as intended through multiple winters.
Frequently asked questions about hardscaping and masonry
If polymeric sand was applied incorrectly, can it be fixed?
Sometimes. Severe failures often require full removal of the sand and reapplication, which we commonly see when improperly done.
How do you prevent water damage when building a block planter against a shared wall?
Proper waterproofing, drainage matting, and a clear path for water to escape are
required. Without those steps, moisture will migrate through the wall and cause damage over time.
Is installing pavers over concrete a good idea?
It can work if the slab is sound, pitched correctly, and drainage is addressed. In coastal areas like Mattapoisett, trapped moisture is a common cause of long-term problems when this is done improperly.
What are the requirements for backfilling a retaining wall?
Drainage stone, filter fabric, and proper compaction are critical. Most retaining wall failures on the South Coast are caused by trapped water behind the wall.
What is the cheapest hardscape option?
Gravel usually has the lowest upfront cost, but it requires ongoing maintenance. Many Fairhaven homeowners find that properly installed pavers provide better long-term value.
What are three types of masonry?
Brick masonry, stone masonry, and concrete block masonry. Each serves different structural and aesthetic needs.
What is softscaping?
Softscaping refers to living landscape elements such as lawns, plants, mulch, and trees. It complements hardscaping rather than replacing it.
What is the stone wall law in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law protects stone walls that are built or maintained to enclose land. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 105, it is illegal to willfully and without right pull down, remove, or disturb any portion of a stone wall or fence used to enclose property.
Violations can result in criminal penalties, including a fine of up to ten dollars per offense. While the fine itself is minor, the real risk comes from property disputes, forced restoration, civil liability, and stop-work orders. In some cases, state or local authorities can require the wall to be rebuilt exactly as it was, at the homeowner’s expense.
This law most commonly applies to boundary walls, older fieldstone walls, and walls that have historically marked property lines, which are common throughout South Coast Massachusetts.
To avoid legal issues:
Confirm property boundaries before altering any existing stone wall
Never remove or rebuild a wall that may be shared without a written agreement
Check with the local building department if the wall sits near a lot line
Document existing conditions before repairs begin
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Massachusetts?
Often, yes. Most towns require permits for walls over four feet tall, and sometimes for shorter walls that affect drainage or support slopes.
How much does a patio cost?
Costs vary based on size, materials, and site conditions. On the South Coast, excavation and drainage are often the biggest cost drivers.
Do I need a permit to build a patio in Massachusetts?
Often, no, but it depends on the project. In Mattapoisett, a simple ground-level patio that is not attached to the house and does not change grading or drainage typically does not require a permit. A permit may be required if the patio is attached to the home, involves significant excavation, alters drainage, or includes walls or structures. Because requirements can vary by project and location, it is always best to confirm with the Mattapoisett Building Department before construction.
Frequently asked questions about New England Tree & Landscape
What areas do you serve?
We serve Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, Marion, Rochester, New Bedford, and surrounding South Coast communities.
Do you handle both hardscaping and masonry?
Yes. We manage complete outdoor projects, including patios, retaining walls, stone features, and masonry construction, so everything works together as one system.
What makes your company different?
In our 35+ years of business, most failures we repair come from poor preparation. We focus on excavation, drainage, and long-term performance rather than shortcuts.
How long have you been in business?
We have been serving homeowners across the South Coast of Massachusetts for over 35 years. Our longevity comes from building projects correctly, communicating clearly, and standing behind our work long after installation.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We are fully licensed and insured to operate in Massachusetts. We carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you, your property, and our crew in the event of an accident or unexpected issue during a project. We are always happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.
Can I see examples of your past work?
Yes, click here to view our gallery.
How can I book a free estimate?
Booking a free estimate is easy. You can contact New England Tree & Landscape by phone or email, or submit a request through our website (click here).
Once we receive your request, we will follow up to discuss your project, answer any initial questions, and schedule a time to visit your property. During the estimate, we review the site conditions, talk through your goals, and provide clear guidance on next steps.
Phone: 508-763-8000
Sources
Sullivan & Son Land Management. “From patios to pillars: what’s the difference between hardscape & masonry?” 2023. https://www.sullivanandsonlm.com/post/from-patios-to-pillars-whats-the-difference-between-hardscapes-masonryEd Castro Landscape. “What is the difference between hardscape and masonry?” 2023. https://edcastro.com/what-is-the-difference-between-hardscape-and-masonry/HICON Inc. “Masonry vs. hardscaping: what’s best for your outdoor project?” 2025. https://hiconinc.com/masonry-vs-hardscaping-whats-best-for-your-outdoor-project/Mutual Materials. “Know the difference: hardscape, landscape, and masonry.” 2025. https://www.mutualmaterials.com/hardscape-landscape-masonry/Village Precision Pros. “Hardscapes vs. masonry: understanding the key differences.” 2024. https://villageprecisionpros.com/hardscapes-vs-masonry-understanding-the-key-differences/