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Hardscapes that Shape Santa Barbara Living
At Mountain View Landscaping, we believe hardscapes are the backbone of any truly exceptional landscape design. Whether it’s a winding stone pathway, a welcoming patio, or a timeless courtyard, hardscapes provide the structure that ties your outdoor spaces together — both functionally and beautifully.
In Santa Barbara, outdoor living is a way of life. Thoughtfully designed hardscapes not only enhance the natural beauty of your property, they create spaces for gathering, relaxing, and connecting with the stunning environment we’re so lucky to call home. A well-crafted hardscape brings balance between architecture and nature, giving your landscape a sense of place, purpose, and enduring style.
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, we understand the authentic aesthetic that defines our town — from classic, natural stonework that looks as if it’s been here forever, to crisp, modern designs that make a bold, clean statement. Our team at Mountain View Landscaping specializes in crafting custom hardscape features that blend seamlessly with their surroundings and your vision. Whether you’re dreaming of an “intentionally placed” rustic retreat, a sleek contemporary courtyard, or something uniquely your own, we have the experience, craftsmanship, and local knowledge to bring it to life with exceptional quality and care.
Stepping Stone Pathways
Stepping stone pathways bring charm, movement, and a sense of discovery to a landscape. Using individually spaced stones — set in grass, gravel, or mulch — these paths create casual, inviting walkways that guide guests through gardens, yards, or courtyards. We hand-place each stone with intention, ensuring a natural flow that fits the character of your property.
Investment Level: Low to Moderate — one of the most cost-effective ways to add beauty and function.
Best For: Homeowners who want to create welcoming garden paths or accentuate natural areas without a heavy construction footprint.
Staircases
Outdoor staircases are essential when working with Santa Barbara’s often sloped terrain. Beyond functionality, a well-designed staircase can become a stunning focal point — tying different levels of your landscape together seamlessly. We build custom stairs from stone, wood, concrete, or a mix of materials, depending on the style and setting of your property. Whether it’s a grand entryway or a hidden garden path, our staircases are crafted for safety, beauty, and long-term durability.
Investment Level: Moderate to High — depending on materials and complexity.
Best For: Properties with elevation changes, multi-level yards, hillside gardens, or anyone wanting to create a dramatic visual feature.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most versatile materials we work with — clean, strong, and adaptable to countless styles. We pour everything from traditional broom-finished driveways and patios to sleek, modern concrete slabs with crisp edges and custom textures. Concrete can be stained, scored, or finished in a variety of ways to create the exact look you’re after, whether rustic or contemporary.
Investment Level: Moderate — a strong, long-lasting solution with great design potential.
Best For: Clients who want a clean, polished look or need high-durability surfaces like driveways, large patios, or modern outdoor living areas.
Pavers
Pavers offer the perfect balance of durability, design flexibility, and affordability. Available in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and finishes, pavers can be used to create anything from old-world cobblestone courtyards to sleek, modern driveways. They’re also highly durable and easy to repair — individual pavers can be replaced if damaged, making them a smart long-term choice.
Investment Level: Moderate — a smart choice for both homeowners and businesses looking for long-lasting beauty with lower maintenance costs.
Best For: Those who want a customizable, resilient surface with plenty of design possibilities.
Flagstone
Flagstone is a timeless choice for Santa Barbara landscapes, offering a natural, organic look that blends seamlessly with the coastal environment. Each stone has its own unique shape, color, and texture, giving patios, walkways, and outdoor living areas a relaxed but elegant feel. We specialize in both loose-laid and mortared flagstone installations — whether you want a rustic, “intentionally placed” garden path or a clean, formal patio surface.
Investment Level: Moderate to High — a perfect investment for homeowners wanting a truly custom, lasting feature.
Best For: Anyone seeking a natural, classic aesthetic that feels connected to the land.
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Decomposed granite (DG) offers a natural, casual finish that’s perfect for Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate and aesthetic. DG creates compacted, walkable surfaces ideal for pathways, patios, or informal gathering spaces. It’s permeable, eco-friendly, and available in soft, earthy tones that blend naturally with surrounding landscapes. Stabilizers can be added for a firmer, dust-free finish.
Investment Level: Low to Moderate — a budget-friendly option with great visual appeal.
Best For: Clients looking for naturalistic pathways, garden spaces, or rustic patios without the heavier look of stone or concrete.
Gravel
Gravel is an extremely versatile and economical hardscape material, perfect for pathways, driveways, garden accents, and casual patio spaces. With a range of sizes, colors, and textures, gravel can be used to create anything from a classic Santa Barbara courtyard to a modern zen garden. We carefully install proper underlayers and edging to keep gravel areas clean and low-maintenance.
Investment Level: Low — one of the most affordable ways to enhance a landscape.
Best For: Homeowners who want a relaxed, flexible, and cost-effective solution that still feels stylish and intentional.
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