Our Hardscape Projects in Georgia

The challenge: A sloped corner lot with drainage running toward the back fence. The grade change meant we needed a seating wall on the low side to retain the patio level, not just for aesthetics.

What we built: Full concrete base with French drain routed to the storm easement. Turkish travertine set on mortar bed — stays cool in Georgia summers. Dry-stack stone seating wall on two sides, capped with matching travertine pieces. Total seating capacity around 14 people.

The result: The homeowners use it every weekend from March through November. The grade issue that had made the yard unusable became the design feature — the wall defines the space.

The challenge: The homeowners had a gas line stub-out from a previous deck that was never used. They wanted a fire pit but didn't want it to feel like it was dropped into an existing layout.

What we built: We designed the patio around the fire pit from the first sketch. The fire pit zone uses a circular pattern in a contrasting paver color, stepping out into a herringbone field. Gas line was extended and capped through the patio base before pour. Fire pit surround is mortared travertine with a steel insert.

The result: The fire pit reads as the anchor of the space rather than an add-on. Homeowners said it looks exactly like the design drawing — no surprises on install day.

The challenge: A backyard that dropped 4+ feet from the house to the back fence. The slope made about 60% of the yard unusable — lawn chairs on steep grass and no flat space for kids or entertaining.

What we built: Two-tier retaining wall system in split-face block with crushed stone backfill and geogrid at 2-foot lifts. Drainage pipe installed at the base of each wall tier and daylighted at the side property line. Wide flagstone steps at two points on the wall, with a landing at the top. The lower tier created a flat play area; the upper tier created an entertaining zone off the back door.

The result: Family got back roughly 1,400 sq ft of usable flat yard space. The wall has been in place for two years with no movement, cracking, or drainage issues.

The challenge: A wooded backyard with tree roots and shade. The homeowners wanted a fire pit that felt like it belonged in the woods, not dropped into a suburban yard. No gas stub-out available.

What we built: We cleared a natural clearing at the edge of the tree line rather than clearing trees. Excavated to 12 inches, set a compacted base, and built the paver apron with a radial pattern pointing to the pit. The fire pit itself is hand-laid fieldstone with a steel insert liner and spark screen. Stone bench seating is set directly in the paver base — no furniture needed.

The result: The homeowners host bonfires every weekend from September through April. The tree line creates a natural windbreak. One of our favorite builds because the site drove the design, not the other way around.

The challenge: A long, plain concrete walkway that looked out of place next to a craftsman-style home with a large front porch. The homeowners wanted curb appeal but didn't want to pour new concrete or use pavers that felt too formal.

What we built: Removed the old concrete walkway and replaced it with dry-laid Tennessee crab orchard flagstone with creeping thyme planted in the joints. The flagstone transitions from a narrow 4-foot walkway to a generous 14-foot-wide entry patio with a step up to the porch. We matched the irregular stone shapes to the craftsman trim details on the house.

The result: The homeowners got three unsolicited compliments from neighbors within the first week. Before-and-after photos were the best we've had in Duluth — the difference is immediate.

The challenge: A homeowner who wanted restaurant-quality outdoor entertaining space but had an HOA with specific requirements on materials and visibility from the street. The existing covered porch created a rain shadow that made the patio directly below it the only viable grilling location.

What we built: Concrete paver patio in a 45° herringbone pattern, color-matched to the covered porch columns. The kitchen island is steel-framed block with stucco finish in a color that passed HOA review. Grill, side burner, and refrigerator were installed by a licensed plumber and electrician on the same project — we coordinated the trade scheduling. Bar seating faces the yard, not the house, so the cook is always in the conversation.

The result: The homeowners threw a party of 40 people the month after completion. The HOA approval process took two weeks — we've built enough in this community to know what passes and what doesn't.