Your Hardscape Questions,
Answered.

A standard 200–400 sq ft patio takes 2–4 days for installation. Larger or more complex projects with seating walls, steps, built-in features, or drainage solutions can take 5–7 days. We provide a clear timeline before work begins and update you if anything changes.

Settlement happens when the base wasn't compacted properly or wasn't deep enough for the soil conditions. Georgia's clay soil expands and contracts with moisture — a base that wasn't engineered for clay movement will settle over time. We always excavate to the proper depth (typically 6–8 inches for clay soil), use the right aggregate base material, and compact in layers. A well-built base will not settle. If you have an existing paver patio that's sinking, we can often repair it without replacing the whole patio.

In Gwinnett County's clay-heavy soil, we typically excavate 6–8 inches below final grade and replace that with compacted aggregate (road base) and bedding sand. This gives proper frost protection, drainage, and stability. In sandy loam areas (parts of Forsyth and north Fulton), we may go deeper to find stable subgrade. Your soil type is assessed during the site visit.

Yes — but it's not a simple add-on. An existing concrete patio isn't designed for fire pit weight and heat. We cut out the area, excavate and compact a new base, and build the fire pit with proper drainage and heat-resistant materials. It costs less than a full patio replacement and avoids cracking down the line. See our fire pit page for options.

Matching an existing patio exactly is difficult — paver styles are discontinued, colors fade from UV exposure, and new batches vary slightly from old ones. What we can usually do: extend the patio with a compatible paver that blends well, add a transition strip of complementary material, or use a different but complementary pattern that creates visual continuity without looking like a patch job. We'll show you options during your site visit.

You can walk on it the day we finish. Light use (furniture, foot traffic) is fine immediately. Wait 24–48 hours before placing heavy items. For sealed pavers, wait until the sealer fully cures (usually 48–72 hours) before placing anything on the surface. We give you a specific timeline based on the materials used in your project.

A built-in gas or wood-burning fire pit starts around $4,000–$5,000 depending on size, materials, and complexity. Gas fire pits cost more to install (gas line work, burner system) but are easier to use year-round. Wood-burning are less expensive to build but require more maintenance and can have HOA restrictions. See our fire pit page for a full breakdown.

Both have merits: Gas fire pits are cleaner, easier to light, and work year-round with no smoke. But they require a gas line (added cost) and give up the crackling fire experience. Wood fire pits have the authentic ambiance and scent but produce smoke, require wood storage, and may face HOA restrictions in some neighborhoods. Many customers in North Metro Atlanta go with gas because of HOA rules and convenience. We can build both — see our fire pit page for more.

We monitor weather and plan around it. Rain can delay base preparation and joint sealing, but most installation can continue in light rain with protective covers over open areas. If a heavy rain hits mid-project, we stop, protect the work, and resume when conditions allow. This rarely adds more than a day to the timeline. We never pour base material or lay pavers in standing water — that's how you get settlement issues.

1. Call or submit form — we schedule a free site visit within 3–5 business days.
2. Site visit — we assess your yard, discuss your goals, and give a ballpark estimate.
3. Proposal — within 2–3 days, you receive a detailed written proposal with drawings, specs, and pricing.
4. Contract & deposit — sign the agreement and put down a 20% deposit to hold your build date.
5. Installation — we show up on time, work efficiently, and communicate daily.
6. Final walkthrough — we review the completed work together and answer any maintenance questions.

Our site visit is a 45–90 minute meeting at your property where we assess soil conditions, drainage, access for equipment, and your site's specific challenges. We discuss your vision, take measurements, and provide a ballpark estimate on the spot. There is no charge for this visit. We then follow up with a detailed written proposal within 2–3 business days.

We discuss your landscape priorities before work begins. Mature plants, trees, and irrigation lines are marked and protected during excavation. Small plants are typically moved and replanted. For mature trees near the work area, we work with a licensed arborist if needed. We use small equipment and hand-excavation near sensitive areas to minimize root damage. The goal is to integrate the new hardscape with your existing landscape, not replace it.

Signs of drainage issues: water pooling after rain that doesn't drain within a few hours; a slope that sends water toward your foundation; clay soil (common across Gwinnett County) that stays wet for days. During our free site visit, we assess drainage and factor it into base design — French drains, swales, or permeable base materials may be needed. We never build a patio without addressing drainage first.

Concrete pavers need very little maintenance: rinse with a hose occasionally, re-sand joints every 1–2 years, and seal every 3–5 years if you want to maintain color. Pull any weeds that germinate in joints — polymeric sand prevents most regrowth. Natural stone should be sealed annually to prevent staining from Georgia red clay soil. We include a maintenance guide with every project.

Seal natural stone annually with a penetrating sealer — this prevents staining from clay soil, fallen leaves, and rain. Reapply after pressure washing. For flagstone set in mortar, check for cracked joints every few years and re-apply mortar as needed. For dry-laid flagstone with ground cover in joints, keep the ground cover trimmed and refresh joint material as it settles.

Every 3–5 years depending on sun exposure and foot traffic. North-facing patios (less sun) last longer; south-facing patios in direct Georgia sun may need sealing every 2–3 years. Resealing restores color and adds a layer of protection against staining. We can do this as part of an annual maintenance visit — contact us to schedule.