Hardscape Overview
Hardscape objects are placed using wizard-driven tools. Each wizard guides you through drawing a footprint or guide path, then configuring appearance, materials, and 3D details.
Hardscape OverviewHardscape wizards are a fast way to place detailed hard landscape elements in your drawing. Each wizard walks you through drawing a footprint or path on the canvas, then configuring dimensions, materials, elevation, and 3D details in a dedicated sidebar. The result is a fully parametric object you can re-open and edit at any time. On the Hardscape tab of the Add Object panel, wizards are grouped into: Surfaces & Paths (deck, patio, walkway, stepping stones, edging), Boundaries (fence, wall, privacy screen), Structures (building, pergola, gazebo, pavilion, covered patio, louvered pergola, carport, cabana, outdoor kitchen), Shade & Trellis (arbor, trellis, shade sail), and Water Features (pond, pool). A Create from Scratch group with the Custom Structure builder is available on the Designer plan and above.
Open the Add Object panel from the inspector while the Select tool is active and nothing is selected, switch to the Hardscape tab, then choose a group and wizard. The sidebar guides you through every setting before the object is committed to the drawing.
Structure wizards
Pergolas, gazebos, pavilions, arbors, and other structures use a placement wizard. You position the structure on the canvas and configure dimensions, post spacing, beam style, and wood finish.
Editing after placement
After placing a hardscape object, select it and click the Edit button in the Inspector (or double-click the object) to re-open the wizard and change any parameters. Most structural parameters can be updated at any time.
Draw a path for walkways, fences, and edging
Walkways, fences, walls, edging, and stepping stone paths are path-based. Draw a polyline or curve along the desired route and the wizard extrudes, offsets, or distributes the object along that centre line. You can use straight segments, arcs, or bezier curves to match any garden layout.
Click to place freestanding structures
Pergolas, gazebos, pavilions, arbors, trellises, shade sails, and similar structures are placement-based. After opening the wizard, configure the structure's dimensions and style in the sidebar, then click the canvas to set its position. The wizard snaps to the grid and to nearby entities so structures align cleanly with adjacent hardscape.
Configure materials, elevation, and details
Each wizard sidebar has tabbed steps — for example a deck wizard includes Elevation, Boards, and Wood Style steps. Work through each step to set the finish material, board direction, border treatment, and how high the deck sits above the ground. A live 3D preview updates in the viewport as you make changes.
Confirm and place the object
Click Apply at the bottom of the wizard sidebar to commit the object to the drawing. The parametric object appears on the active layer and is immediately selectable. The drawing updates in both 2D and 3D views. If you are not happy with the result, press Undo (Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z) to remove it and start again.
Re-edit a placed hardscape object
Select any placed hardscape object and click Parameters in the Inspector panel, or double-click the object on the canvas, to re-open its wizard with all settings intact. Change any parameter — shape, materials, elevation, dimensions — and click Apply again. For per-component overrides such as hiding individual posts or changing a single board's material, open the Structure Edit workspace from the Inspector.
Draw your footprint or path with the curve (bezier) tool to create organic, freeform edges on decks, patios, and walkways. The wizard adopts your drawn shape exactly — no approximation is applied at the boundary.
Opening the Structure Edit workspace and saving permanent edits converts a parametric object into a baked mesh. Parametric re-editing is no longer available after that point. Use the wizard's own Edit flow for any change you might want to reverse later.
Available hardscape wizards
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wizard should I use for a swimming pool versus a garden pond?
Use the Pool Wizard for a swimming pool — it includes coping, a paved surround, and depth profile options. Use the Pond Wizard for a natural water feature with a soft, organic edge, fountain placement, and wildlife planting. The two wizards are separate because their 3D geometry and material roles are quite different.
Can I reshape a deck or patio after placing it?
Yes. Select the object and click Parameters in the Inspector (or double-click it) to re-open the wizard. You can redraw the footprint or adjust its shape handles, then click Apply to update the object. All material and elevation settings are preserved between edits.
How do I align a walkway or fence to a curved path?
Draw the guide path with the bezier or arc tool before or during the wizard flow. The walkway and fence wizards follow the exact curve of your drawn path — including mixed straight and curved segments. After placement, select the object and drag the path handles to adjust the route.
Why does my hardscape object appear flat in 3D view?
Check the Elevation step in the wizard — elevated decks and patios require the Elevation toggle to be turned on and a height value greater than zero. If the object was placed with elevation disabled, re-open the wizard via Edit in the Inspector and enable the Elevation setting.
Can I copy hardscape objects to reuse the same settings?
Yes. Select a placed object and use Copy (Ctrl+C / Cmd+C) then Paste, or hold Alt and drag, to duplicate it. The copy shares the same wizard parameters and can be independently edited. This is a fast way to place multiple matching patios or fence runs in a project.