Walkways & patios

A patio is the most used and least forgiving thing we build. It is walked on daily, it sits in full sun, and it has to shed a Kansas City downpour without holding a puddle.

So the part of this work that matters is the part nobody sees. The base is what decides whether a patio is still flat in ten years, and the levels are what decide whether water leaves the surface or sits in the middle of it. We set both before a single stone is laid.

Natural stone

Flagstone and bluestone, laid random rectangular or as irregular medium-set stone depending on how formal the house is. Natural stone costs more and takes longer to lay well, and on the right house it is the thing that makes the whole yard look like it was always there.

Paver and brick

Concrete paver and clay brick, in running bond and herringbone, with a cut border to finish the edge. Brick reads best against the older housing stock closer in; paver gives more colour and pattern range on newer builds.

Walkways, stoops and pool decks

The front walkway and stoop are the first thing anyone sees, and they are usually the cheapest change with the biggest effect. Round the back, pool decks get the same base and drainage treatment plus a surface that stays cool and non-slip underfoot.