2D vs 3D Landscape Designs to Preview Your Project | Creekside Landscapes
2D vs 3D Landscape Designs to Preview Your Project
Landscape Design, Projects

2D vs 3D Landscape Designs to Preview Your Project

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

(618) 374-0010 Get Quote

2D vs 3D Landscape Designs to Preview Your Project

When planning a landscape project for your property in Illinois, you have the option to preview the finished product before any work begins with a 2D or 3D design rendering. But which should you choose? Opt for 2D renderings for simpler projects like landscape renovations or single hardscape installations. These provide clear, cost-effective visualizations of layouts and dimensions. For more complex projects involving multiple features, opt for 3D renderings. They offer a dynamic, detailed perspective, perfect for expansive installations. 3D designs bring elements to life, illustrating how they interact in real-time with regard to lighting and texture. Ultimately, the choice between 2D and 3D should be guided by your project’s size and complexity to effectively achieve your vision.


What are 2D design renderings?

2D design renderings are flat, two-dimensional illustrations that depict a landscape from a bird’s-eye view. These designs offer a straightforward representation of the spatial arrangement of various features. They are typically drawn to scale, providing accurate dimensions and layouts.

While 2D renderings may seem simplistic, they are highly effective for visualizing detailed plans. This straightforward approach allows designers to map out specific zones and ensure functionality. Whether you're contemplating a garden path or planning an outdoor dining space, 2D renderings can effectively communicate how your ideas will fit within the existing landscape.


What are 3D design renderings?

3D design rendering of a backyard in Edwardsville, IL, with fire pit and landscaping.

3D design renderings take visualization a step further by creating a realistic depiction of your landscape idea. These designs provide a three-dimensional view, allowing you to see your project from various angles and perspectives. It gives a life-like representation of elements like lighting, texture, and depth.

The immersive quality of 3D renderings helps in understanding how different elements interact. It offers a real-life preview of how shadows may fall, how structures will appear at different times of the day, and how the finished project will impact its surroundings. This type of rendering is particularly beneficial for identifying potential design flaws and visualizing complex structures.

3D design renderings give a life-like representation of landscape elements.

Should you choose a 2D or 3D design rendering for your next landscape project?

The choice between 2D and 3D renderings should be guided by the complexity and size of your landscape project. For smaller and simpler projects, 2D renderings are ideal. If you’re focusing on specific landscape renovations, installations, or a single hardscape feature, 2D designs provide a clear and cost-effective solution. They efficiently illustrate layouts and measurements, ensuring that your project adheres to spatial constraints and overall design goals without unnecessary embellishment.

On the other hand, if your vision involves a more expansive, intricate design with multiple features, 3D renderings are the way to go. 3D design renderings are perfect for large, intricate projects that require a more detailed and dynamic perspective. They can bring to life an array of features, such as outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, elaborate gardens, and multi-tiered patios, providing property owners with a tangible glimpse of their dream landscapes. They allow you to see how these elements will work together in harmony, offering insights into lighting, texture, and spatial relationships.


Call our professionals today to sign up for our landscape design service!

If you have a vision for your property that you want to bring to life, we will help you. Our team at Creekside Landscapes offers a professional landscape design service to commercial and residential properties, as well as HOAs, in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Bethalto, IL, and nearby areas. We provide both 2D and 3D design renderings, so you can rest assured that you will get the ideal fit for your landscape project. Whether you have a simple renovation in mind or an extensive transformation for your landscape and outdoor living space, we'll collaborate with you to translate your plans into a beautifully made design rendering. Call us today at (618) 374-0010 to sign up!


Comments (0)

Name *
Email (not shown) *
Comment *

Thanks for your comment!

Thanks for your feedback! Your comments have been successfully submitted! Please note, all comments require admin approval prior to display.

Error submitting comment!

There is a problem with your comment, please see below and try again.

There have not been any comments left on this post.