These clients have been a part of the Eagleson family for a while; we’ve been doing their landscape maintenance for years and we installed plantings in their front yard. As their children began having children, they realized they needed more outdoor entertaining space. It was time to build a new patio that would accommodate their growing family.

The existing structure consisted of a multi-level configuration; one step down to an wood deck, then another step down to an enclosed porch. One of the goals was to place everything on the same plane. Also, the homeowners did not know if there was a concrete pad under the deck, so we had no idea what we would be getting into until it was gone. Finally, we needed to create enough space for a firepit, outdoor cooking and overflow dining.

We began by tearing out the old deck and did indeed find concrete, which came out pretty easily (no rebar, thank goodness). To begin the install, we started with a new product we love – Gator Base. It is an underlayment for paver patios made out of  ¾” thick poly material that minimizes excavation work and rock subbase. The reduction in time and materials means we can save our clients money on a patio build, while also giving them a superior product. The system allows for the base components to connect, making the patio float as one unit which minimizes heaving caused by weather and water later on. We are managing Mother Nature in a sense. For this project, Gator Base allowed us to set the Reading Rock Boardwalk large format pavers our clients wanted, which can bring their own set of challenges.

Again, we wanted to make sure the new patio was level with the existing porch and offered more outdoor entertaining space. One end of the project the land sloped away from the house, so we had to build up the ground and create a short retaining wall to support the expanded patio. Stone steps were installed for the steps up into the home. We also adjusted some of the woodwork on the porch to accommodate the level entry point.

The shape of the patio was a fun aspect of this project. Our clients wanted a round firepit, and we like to mimic that shape when we create sitting space around them. Then, instead of building a rectangle off the circle, we reversed the curve down to the angular wall where the grill and prep station were set. Continuing the curves creates a natural look for the patio – there are few straight lines in nature. Our clients gave us the freedoms to get creative with the design, which is fun for us and tends to elevate the final look.

To the grill area, we built a pedestal with a granite top for a prep station. Finally, we added simple plantings – lots of perennial for seasonal color, a few box woods and few Juddi viburnum. Now our clients can enjoy their patio with minimal maintenance.

If you are in need of a new patio for additional outdoor entertaining, let us help. Send us an email, or give us a call at 317-997-4803.