Hardscaping includes elements made from wood, even though wood was once animate (in the form of trees). Living plants, by contrast, constitute the "softscaping" or "softscape."

In particular, as the name implies, "hardscaping" refers to hard elements such as those composed of concrete, brick or stone, in addition to wood. For instance, constructing a patio or deck is a hardscaping project, as is a brick walkway, a stone wall, or a wooden fence.