Don’t Overlook These HNA Awards Categories
Every year, hundreds of exceptional projects are submitted to the Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards. While some categories naturally attract a large number of entries, other categories typically receive fewer submissions.
If you’re looking to maximize your opportunities for recognition, it’s worth taking a closer look at some of this year’s less-crowded categories. A smaller field means your project has more opportunity to stand out on its own merits and catch the judges’ attention.
Here are a few categories to consider before the 2026 submission deadline on August 5:
Segmental Concrete Pavement – Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP)
Permeable pavement continues to grow in popularity as communities seek sustainable stormwater management solutions, yet the PICP category has historically received fewer entries than the other segmental concrete pavement categories. If your project incorporates permeable pavement, this is an opportunity to showcase not only craftsmanship but also innovative environmental design.
Retaining Walls – Commercial
Retaining walls are often among the most complex projects contractors tackle, especially in commercial settings where engineering, site constraints, and long-term performance all come into play. If you completed a project that overcame difficult grades, stabilized a challenging site, or integrated retaining walls into a larger commercial development, this is a category worth considering.
Segmental Concrete Pavement – Commercial
Commercial hardscape projects often showcase some of the industry’s most technically demanding work. From plazas and streetscapes to campuses and public gathering spaces, these projects demonstrate precision, durability, and thoughtful design at scale.
Porcelain Paver Pavement – Residential and Commercial
Porcelain pavers have become an increasingly popular choice for contemporary outdoor spaces, but many eligible projects never make it into this category. Whether you’ve completed a sleek residential patio, a rooftop terrace, or a sophisticated commercial installation, don’t overlook the opportunity to compete alongside other porcelain paver projects.
Adhered Thin Veneers – Residential and Commercial
Adhered thin veneer applications can dramatically transform outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, seat walls, columns, and other vertical features. If manufactured stone veneer, dry-cast concrete thin veneer, natural stone thin veneer, or clay brick thin veneer played a significant role in your project, consider submitting it in this category.
Vintage Installation
One of the most unique categories in the HNA Awards, Vintage Installation recognizes projects completed more than 10 years ago that continue to perform beautifully today. Quality hardscape installations are built to last. If you completed a project years ago that still looks exceptional and continues to meet your client’s needs, now is the perfect time to bring it back into the spotlight. And if you are an HNA Award Winner from prior to 2017, think about submitting your winning project to this category to see if it can win again!
One Project May Qualify for Multiple Categories
Many installations feature multiple hardscape elements that may qualify for different categories.
“If a project can be entered into multiple categories, why not?” said Jeremy R. Martin, owner of Willow Gates Home & Landscape LLC and a 2025 HNA Award Winner. “If it’s a permeable paver patio next to a pool with some retaining walls, it could easily be eligible for three different categories!”
You can also resubmit projects from the previous HNA Awards cycle. If your project did not win or receive an honorable mention in a previous year, you may resubmit it in the same category. If your project won or received an honorable mention, it will only be considered if entered into a different category for the 2026 HNA Awards.
Take a fresh look at your portfolio before submitting. You may have more opportunities than you think!
Every Category Recognizes Excellence
Regardless of the category, every HNA Awards submission is evaluated using the same rigorous judging criteria, including design excellence, craftsmanship, quality of construction, compatibility with related materials and systems, and achievement of client goals.
The best strategy is to make sure your project is entered in the category where it truly belongs.
Not sure which category is the best fit? Review the full category descriptions or reach out to the HNA Awards team.
Ready to submit your project to the 2026 HNA Awards? Enter today!
