Patio Overview
We build a variety of patio and pathway styles, including interlocking pavers, permeable pavers, and natural stone flatwork.
Small Space S’Mores
THE CHALLENGE
This client came to us looking for a solution to a swampy, clay lawn area in the shade, with the expressed interest in getting better use out of the area, addressing the drainage, and accommodating her children’s love for making s’mores. Our mission was to find a way to keep the soil from getting water logged while creating a unique space that brought life and movement to a small space.
TO DRAIN A SWAMP
At the low point in the yard, with no place to route drainage, we went for the responsible option; dealing with the excess water on site. We excavated a french drain in the center of the patio through three different clay strata until we hit a silty layer, allowing water to wick laterally. We also doubled up our typical gravel underlayment to average 8″ deep, and sloped the entire subgrade toward the drain. All plants were selected for the ability to thrive in waterlogged clay soil. No tilling was done to preserve soil microbiology, and heavy mulch layer was added to encourage long-term soil structure improvement.
The fire bowl kicks out 75,000 BTUs, and is adjustable. It can be set up for propane or natural gas and is very warm for a small fire. Certainly enough for s’mores and more!
This garden was designed in 3 hours by one of our master craftspeople, who also installed the project. Our company has extensive experience working with natural stone in many types of installations, and the creativity to go beyond the every day. With its unmatched versatility, and because each piece is unique, we can create something individual to you and your garden. Contact Us for a consultation today.
A Tale of Two Patios
This client had many challenges in their back yard. All of their entertainment space was crowded onto a small deck, while their yard was unusable due to an old, poorly installed patio and wet lawn areas. Our aim was to maximize their usable space for entertaining and relaxing, and to provide a visually interesting space.
IT STARTS AT THE BASE
A properly installed base is the key to a beautiful, long lasting stone patio. It needs to provide drainage to avoid pooling, which means installing base materials to a proper thickness at a proper grade. We never use less than a 4″ base, and recommend even thicker bases depending on how you intend to use your space. Doing it right the first time ensures that it will save you money on maintenance and repairs. Using natural stone adds beauty and durability to this patio.
The more time and effort you put into the preparation of the base, the better the project and the longer it will last.
Pavetech
THE BEAUTY OF STONE
Natural stone is durable, classically beautiful, and adds value to your home. Our company has extensive experience working with natural stone in many types of installations. With its unmatched versatility, and because each piece is unique, we can create something individual to you and your garden. Contact Us for a consultation today.
A Song of Water and Stone
Our clients had a beautiful house with a barely used yard. They consulted a professional designer and came to us for the installation. The design featured interesting twists and turns, hideaways and quiet spots. It was all to be rendered in beautiful, natural stone and have a water feature as the centerpiece.
STONE AND WATER
We laid out the stone into winding trails, with a landing in front that houses the water feature. Our clients wanted a shady place to cool down, as well as a place to watch wildlife through the living room windows. We used Montana Flagstone, which has rich color variations throughout, for the pathways and parking strip. The water feature was crafted from columnar basalt stone from the Columbia River. The rest of the yard was carved into planting beds which will fill in over time as per the design.
THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Whether you entrust us to come up with ideas for your garden, or you hire a professional designer, we can make your vision come true. We partner with many designers in the region, each with different aesthetics and focus. If you’d like a referral or to collaborate on a project, Contact Us today.
Rebuilding Memories
THE CHALLENGE
Our client came to us in dire need of a rebuild for their once glorious terraced yard. The clients wanted the stone preserved, as it had been specifically chosen and had special meaning. The original wood used to build the terracing was rotting away, and the gate with its custom built arch had suffered severe water damage as well. The deck was rugged and splintered, with sections that needed to be replaced.
THE REBUILD
We were quite delicate with the demolition, as we wanted to ensure there wasn’t any erosion of the site. Everything was re-graded as needed to ensure proper water drainage. We preserved as much of the special stone as possible by chipping off the mortar. Some of the stone we were able to lay set in gravel, as is our usual method, but by client request we mortared portions of the stones in front and back. We brought in durable lumber and rebuilt the terraces section-by-section. The gate and arch were crafted by our own employee, over a weekend. He built them to match the original shape. The deck was stripped down, with any rotten wood removed and repaired. Everything was repainted and waterproofed.
With a combination of stone working, carpentry, masonry, and above all, respect for our client’s emotional connection to their land, we rebuilt this garden to last. If you have a garden in need of rehabilitation, don’t hesitate to Contact Us for a consultation.
Raised Beds On A Budget
This client wanted to create an edible oasis in an unused back yard. With a budget conscious idea and a small space, this presented some challenges that we overcame in creative ways.
RAISED BEDS
Raised beds provide a way to garden in small spaces in two ways; the higher gardens beds are easier to tend to and harvest, and the height allows plants to get more sun in a small, fenced in back yard. Rather than planting fruit trees directly in the soil, we planted espaliered trees in raised beds. With the trees espaliered, they are both easier to tend in a narrow space and confined enough that they won’t shade out other plants. We installed a budget conscious patio of interlocking pavers for a sunny lounging space. The raised beds around the garden shed and outside the house provided space for beautiful cut flowers. A little bit of grass gave room to roam for guests and animals.
EDIBLE GARDEN
Raised beds make it easier to create an edible garden. You can utilize even small spaces for growing fruits and vegetables, and the back saving height of the beds makes harvesting a cinch. You can also reduce pests that may otherwise come up from the ground. With organic soil mixtures, you can guarantee your vegetables are being grown in nutrient rich, pesticide free soils. If you’re interested in raised beds or other small space ideas, Contact Us today.