Patios, pavers & hardscapes in Charlotte, NC.
A patio, a walkway or a wall that holds a slope, built on a base that stays put. We design and build hardscapes for Charlotte-area yards, with attention to drainage and what is under the surface.
Pavers, concrete or natural stone
Pavers
Interlocking pavers are laid over a compacted base and can be lifted and reset if the ground shifts or a utility needs work.Poured concrete
One continuous slab. Lower cost, with control joints to manage cracking. See our concrete page.Natural stone
Flagstone or similar stone over a base or mortar bed, for a more natural look.
The part under the surface
A patio fails from below. Charlotte’s clay soil holds water, and a base that is thin or poorly compacted settles, which shows up as dips and pooling. The base depth, compaction, edge restraint and slope away from the house matter more than the surface material.
We plan the slope so water leaves your patio and your foundation, and we think about where that water goes next so it does not become a neighbor’s problem. Call 811 before digging so buried utilities are marked.
Walls, steps and outdoor living
Walkways, steps, seating walls, fire pit areas and retaining walls often go together. Think about how you will use the space before choosing the layout: grill, table, path to the gate, where the dog runs.
Retaining walls are different from garden edging. A wall that holds back soil carries load, and taller walls need engineered drawings and a building permit. Mecklenburg County’s Code Info & Resource Center explains the retaining wall rules and which walls need sealed drawings.
Source: Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, retaining wall FAQ. Rules change and every property is different, so we confirm what applies at your address before the scope is final.
A deck, a patio or both?
A patio sits on the ground and is simple to build on level ground. A deck makes more sense when the yard slopes, or you want to be at the level of the back door. Each can be combined with a covered or screened porch, and we can walk the yard with you.
See decks & porches.
What to send when you get in touch
Your address and photos of the yard, with the area marked
What you want: patio, walkway, wall, steps, fire pit
Surface you prefer: pavers, concrete or stone
Any slope or drainage issues you have seen
Questions
Patios & Hardscapes: common questions
Something else? Call (704) 977-6512 or send us a note.
Are pavers better than a concrete patio?
Neither is better in every case. Pavers can be reset if the ground shifts and come in many patterns. Poured concrete costs less and is one surface. Both depend on a well-prepared base.
Do I need a permit for a patio?
A ground-level patio is generally not a load-bearing structure, and Mecklenburg County says structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work is what triggers permits. Add a roof, gas or electric, or a tall wall, and that changes. We confirm for your address.
Do retaining walls need a permit?
Taller walls that hold back more soil need a building permit and engineered, sealed drawings, according to Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. Smaller garden walls are treated differently. Ask us and we will confirm for your yard.
How do you handle drainage?
By planning the slope away from the house and thinking about where water goes next. A base that drains is what keeps a patio level.
Can you build a fire pit or outdoor kitchen?
Fire pit areas and seating walls, yes. If gas, plumbing or electrical work is involved, those parts need their own permits and licensed trades. Tell us what you picture.