9 Hardscaping Projects to Boost Curb Appeal at Any Budget

July 08, 2025

A beautifully hardscaped front yard creates an unforgettable first impression for your home. Whether you're working with a tight budget or ready to invest in more significant upgrades, there's a hardscaping project perfect for every homeowner and price point.

Hardscaping refers to the non-living elements of your landscape design—think driveways, walkways, patios, and decorative structures made from materials like stone, concrete, or wood. These features provide structure and functionality while enhancing your property's visual appeal and value.

Let's explore nine hardscaping projects arranged from most affordable to highest investment, so you can find the perfect match for your budget and goals.

A two-story home with a tan facade, stone accents, and a brown roof, surrounded by green grass and trees. A rich black asphalt driveway leads to a two-car garage.

Start Small with an Affordable Driveway Refresh

Cost: $100–$300

Your driveway is one of the first things visitors notice, making it an ideal starting point for boosting curb appeal. A basic driveway refresh is also one of the most budget-friendly hardscaping improvements you can make.

The key to success is addressing issues early. Minor cracks and surface wear are much cheaper to fix than extensive damage that requires professional intervention. For asphalt driveways, small cracks can be filled using with ASPHALT Filler & Sealant, followed by a protective coating for a smooth, water-resistant finish. For concrete driveways, use a Concrete Crack Filler or specialized concrete and masonry like our AMP Self-Levelling Sealant.

This project works well as a DIY task, though professional services are available if you prefer expert application. The investment in materials typically pays for itself by preventing more costly repairs down the road.

Check out our Step-by-Step Driveway Crack Repair Guide for detailed instructions.

Modern yet rustic home featuring a stone and wood exterior, a front porch, and a garage, surrounded by landscaped shrubs. A curved poured concrete walkway extends from the driveway to the front door.

Revive Your Walkways

Cost: $100–$400

A smooth, well-maintained walkway enhances both safety and curb appeal. Basic concrete walkway repairs can be handled using DAP’s Concrete Crack Filler or TEXTURED CONCRETE Filler & Sealant, followed by a protective coating that can enhance appearance and extend longevity. Rust-Oleum offers a range of sealants with various stone effects and finishes to transform your pathway.

For stone walkways, repairs typically involve replacing damaged stones, releveling the surface with sand or gravel, and filling spaces between stones. Remove any weeds growing between stones or embrace a more natural look with low-growing ground-covering plants that won't interfere with foot traffic.

The key to walkway maintenance is addressing problems promptly. Small cracks can quickly become major issues if left untreated, especially during freeze-thaw cycles common in Canadian climates.

Pink roses climbing on metal arches in a vibrant garden with greenery.

Add Character with a Simple Decorative Arbour

Cost: $200–$500

A decorative arbour brings instant charm to your front yard while providing a framework for climbing plants like roses or clematis. These structures are available as prefab options at garden centres and home improvement stores, or you can build one using basic lumber supplies.

Choose an arbour style that complements your home's architecture. Rustic wood works beautifully with country or cottage-style homes, while sleek metal designs suit modern properties. Position your arbour near the entryway or along a garden pathway to naturally frame your home's facade.

For installation, anchor the structure securely using ground stakes, or use cement if your location experiences strong winds. This creates a focal point that draws the eye and adds vertical interest to your landscape.

Our DAP Ambassador DIY Danie shows how to Build A Garden Arbour In Just One Day, making this an achievable weekend project.

A short (1 ft) natural stone retaining wall borders a colourful garden with tulips and bluebells in front of a red brick city townhouse.

Define Your Space with Edging and Small Retaining Walls

Cost: $50–$5,000

Edging materials help define pathways and garden beds while preventing soil erosion. Clean, crisp edges create a polished look that makes your entire landscape appear more intentional and well-maintained. Simple edging using bricks, stones, or precast metal strips can be installed for as little as $50 per linear metre.

For properties with slope challenges, small retaining walls (typically under three feet high) provide both function and visual interest. These can be built using natural stone or concrete blocks, secured with DAP’s new All-Purpose Adhesive & Filler for stability.

When selecting materials, try to match or complement your home's exterior for a cohesive look. Natural stone works beautifully with traditional architecture, while sleek concrete blocks suit contemporary designs.

A shallow stone bubbler fountain sits in a lush green garden.

Create a Peaceful Focal Point with Water Features

Cost: $300–$1,500

Water features can elevate your outdoor space, bringing both vitality and serenity to your garden. Even a simple birdbath can become a captivating focal point, attracting wildlife and adding charm to your landscape. From classic birdbaths and spillway bowls to sculptural fountains, there are endless options to suit any style.

For a timeless look, consider lightweight concrete or stone birdbaths. If you prefer something more dynamic, self-contained fountain kits featuring urns, columns, or spheres, like those from Aquascape, can add striking visual appeal. Positioning one near a downspout is also a sustainable way to reuse rainwater.

Many fountain systems are designed to operate year-round, depending on your climate. Enhance the beauty of your water feature by surrounding it with native plants or vibrant flowers, creating a harmonious and picturesque landscape, as seen in this simple yet beautiful design by Rockscapes of Canada (see tutorial here).

A curving flagstone path is nestled in gravel, surrounded by a lush green lawn with greenery all around.

Guide Visitors with Inviting Pathways

Cost: $500–$2,000

Well-designed pathways do more than provide a route from point A to point B; they create flow and guide visitors through your landscape. Consider meandering paths that lead from the curb to your front door, or around to side entrances, garden features, or seating areas.

For flagstone stepping stone paths, lay stones with equal spacing and set them in sand or soil for stability. This creates a natural, organic feel that works well with cottage garden styles.

Gravel paths offer a different aesthetic and typically cost less than stone options. Define the edges with metal strips or stone borders, then fill with compacted pea gravel for a clean, finished appearance.

Enhance safety and nighttime appeal by lining pathways with solar lights. This lighting will be featured in our next blog post about outdoor lighting solutions.

A red brick house with a gray stone pathway, steps, and landscaped plants next to a grey brick herringbone-patterned driveway.

Wow with a Driveway Overhaul

Cost: $4,300–$20,000

When basic maintenance isn't sufficient, driveway replacement can dramatically improve your home's curb appeal. Repaving an existing asphalt or concrete driveway costs significantly less than installing decorative pavers but still provides a fresh, smooth surface.

For a more upscale look, decorative pavers offer customization options with various patterns, colours, and textures. Choose neutral tones or colours that complement your home's exterior for the best long-term appeal.

A modern house with a brick exterior and a black front door, surrounded by green grass. The black asphalt driveway is bordered by a modern grey paver path with two sets of steps leading to the house.

Create a Grand Entrance with New Walkways

Cost: $5,000–$20,000

When repairs won't suffice, a completely new walkway can transform your home's entrance. Interlocking pavers provide a sleek, uniform appearance and typically cost $5,000 to $15,000 for installation.

For a more upscale option, flagstone walkways feature natural, irregularly shaped stones that create a sophisticated, timeless look. While more expensive at $10,000 to $20,000, flagstone offers distinct natural beauty.

Enhance the finished walkway by adding complementary landscaping along the edges. This creates a polished, flowing look that integrates the hardscaping with your overall landscape design.

A charming house sits atop a sloped lawn. A concrete pathway leads to a staircase that leads to a black front door. On either side of the stairs, natural stone retaining walls support well-maintained shrub gardens.

Tackle Slopes with Large Retaining Walls and Terracing

Cost: $10,000–$50,000+

For homes with significantly sloped yards, large retaining walls or terracing systems improve both usability and aesthetics. These substantial projects require professional expertise but can transform challenging terrain into functional, beautiful outdoor spaces.

Terracing creates multiple levels using large stone walls or concrete structures, allowing you to maximize usable space while preventing erosion. Consider incorporating built-in planters or seating areas for added functionality.

For dramatic nighttime appeal, integrate lighting within terrace layers. This creates visual interest after dark while improving safety and extending the usable hours of your outdoor space.

Your Investment in Lasting Beauty

Hardscaping investments range from under $100 for basic maintenance to tens of thousands for major installations. The key to success lies in choosing projects that match your budget while addressing your property's specific needs and challenges.

Remember that even basic upgrades require ongoing attention to preserve your investment. Regular inspection, cleaning, and minor repairs help prevent costly problems and keep your hardscaping looking its best.

Whether you're starting with a simple driveway refresh or planning a complete landscape transformation, quality materials and proper installation techniques ensure lasting results that enhance your home's value and appeal for years to come.