As a hardscape installer, you’ve built a reputation for creating stunning outdoor spaces with pavers, retaining walls, and other hardscape elements. But in today’s evolving market, there’s an opportunity to take your business to the next level. By expanding your portfolio to include fencing, decking, and railing installations, you can offer comprehensive outdoor living solutions that meet the growing demands of homeowners.

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of diversifying your services, examine the current market trends, and provide insights on how to successfully integrate these new offerings into your business. We’ve also tapped into the expertise of Arch Winston, owner of Winston’s Outdoor Contractors, who shares his firsthand experience in scaling his hardscape business through portfolio expansion.

Whether you’re looking to increase revenue, enhance customer satisfaction, or stay ahead of the competition, this article will provide you with valuable strategies and practical advice to grow your hardscape business. Let’s dive in and discover how fencing, decking, and railing can become powerful additions to your service lineup.

Backyard with Belgard Artforms and putting green.

The Benefits of Expanding Your Portfolio

  1. Increased Revenue Opportunities
    • By adding fence, decking and railing to your service offerings, you open the door to new revenue streams.  These installations are high-demand services that can significantly increase your project size and value.  Instead of just installing a patio, offer to build or re-build a deck – or incorporate a deck with a paver patio using innovative products like the MoistureShield InstaDeck.  With this system, you can integrate pavers with decking for an interesting look and is an easy install compared to building a traditional freestanding deck.  
  2. Full Service Outdoor Solutions
    • Clients increasingly prefer working with a single contractor who can handle all aspects of their outdoor space.  “I wanted to create repeat customers, whether they wanted me to repair something, build something new or landscaping, I wanted to be the guy they were going to call”, Arch shared about why he began offering turnkey solutions to his clientele.  This not only simplifies the client experience but also create a cohesive design that integrates seamlessly with your hardscape work, enhancing overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Understanding the Market Demand

The demand for comprehensive outdoor living solutions is on the rise.  According to recent market reports, homeowners are increasingly investing their outdoor spaces seeking to create functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.  Fence, decking and railing are three key components of this trend:

  • Fences offer both privacy and create a boundary, making it a popular addition for many homeowners. There are so many styles and options available to suit your clients’ needs.
  • Decking is highly sought after for creating entertaining spaces, with a shift towards a low-maintenance materials like composite decking
  • Railing adds safety and style, complementing both decks and hardscape features with modern, durable designs.  With vinyl, composite, steel and aluminum options, RDI Railing is one of our go-to railing products on the market. 

By offering these services, you align your business with current market trends and position yourself to meet client demands.

Expanding Your Install Crew

To scale your business, you may have to do some word-of-mouth outreach, advertising or recruitment efforts to find the right installers to help you grow.  As Arch puts it: “I sought people who are smarter than me. I found people who could install the products, be self-sufficient on the jobsite, and train my crew and me!  Doing is the most important part of this job, selling is important, managing is important, but doing the installs!  That’s the most important.”   If you aren’t sure where to start, think about beginning with one product category, fences are an excellent complementary product when creating an outdoor space, like a patio, outdoor kitchen or fireplace. 

Brands That Build the Backyard

While your customers have done their research, be sure to come to them with recommendations of products that are known for their quality.  Oldcastle APG Brands such as Belgard Pavers, MoistureShield Decking and Railing and ActiveYards Fencing all have excellent warranties and a wide breadth of product offerings that compliment each other and give the homeowner peace of mind.  Arch created an outdoor oasis for one of his customers in the Atlanta, GA area using:

Backyard with Belgard elements and Artforms.
Backyard with Belgard Artforms and fire table.
Belgard Artforms and Fire table.

We asked Arch for one piece of advice If you are a hardscape installer looking to expand your portfolio: 

“Get with your Belgard and Oldcastle Reps and talk with them.  Go to tradeshows and trainings with them, network with them.  Once I started to network with my rep, that’s when the doors really opened.  And don’t be afraid to take on something new!  New products, new projects, just ask questions, get the training and you’ll figure it out!”

Backyard patio space with putting green and Belgard Artforms.

Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity to Grow Your Hardscape Business

As we’ve explored, expanding your hardscape business to include fencing, decking, and railing installations presents a significant opportunity for growth and increased profitability. Let’s recap the key takeaways:

  1. Diversifying your services opens up new revenue streams and increases project values.
  2. Offering comprehensive outdoor solutions enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  3. Current market trends show strong demand for integrated outdoor living spaces.
  4. Partnering with established brands like Belgard, RDI Railing, and MoistureShield can provide quality products and valuable support.
  5. Scaling your business may require hiring skilled professionals and continuous learning.

By broadening your service offerings, you position your business to meet the evolving needs of homeowners and tap into the growing outdoor living market. 

Ready to get started?

If you’re not a Belgard Authorized Contractor already, sign up here.  Reach out to your Belgard representative to explore how you can begin integrating these services into your business. Your journey towards becoming a full-service outdoor living solutions provider starts now!

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