Built on a base that survives clay

Paver patios, walkways and retaining walls in Charlotte

A patio in Charlotte lives on red clay that swells when it is wet and shrinks when it is dry. If the base underneath is thin or was not compacted in lifts, the pavers sink at the edges by the second spring. We excavate deeper than the paver catalog says, compact crushed stone in layers, and pitch everything away from the house. It is slower and it is why our patios are still flat.

NC Landscape Contractor#2418
Family-owned since 2009Travis and Renee Oakes
4.9 on Google340+ reviews
Licensed & insuredNC and SC applicators
A backyard paver patio with a stone fire pit and low seating wall under pines at dusk, lit by landscape lighting

What we build

  • Paver and natural-stone patios, with a fire pit or seating wall if you want one
  • Front walkways and stepping-stone paths
  • Segmental retaining walls up to four feet, with drainage behind them
  • Steps and landings that meet the grade instead of fighting it
  • Low-voltage path and accent lighting, wired to a timer
  • Base excavated to 8 to 10 inches, compacted in lifts, with proper edge restraint

What it doesn't cover

  • Walls over four feet, which need an engineer's stamp; we coordinate that for you
  • Poured concrete and stamped concrete
  • Outdoor kitchens with gas and plumbing; we build the structure and bring in the trades

Saying so up front is cheaper for both of us than finding out on the day.

Get a free quote on patios, walkways & retaining walls

Tell us where you are and what is bothering you about the yard. We reply the same business day, walk it for free, and quote it on the spot.

Same crew every week, month to month, no contract
Licensed and insured in both Carolinas, numbers printed
4.9 on Google across 340+ reviews
Get a free quote
We reply the same business day, usually within the hour. No obligation.

Patios, Walkways & Retaining Walls questions

Do I need a permit?

For a ground-level paver patio in Mecklenburg County, generally no. For a retaining wall over four feet, or anything tied to a structure, yes, and we handle it. We will tell you which one you have before you sign anything.

How long does a patio take?

A typical 300 to 400 square foot paver patio is three to five working days on site, weather permitting. We schedule in a block so you are not looking at a half-finished yard for a month.

Pavers or stamped concrete?

We build pavers. In our clay, concrete slabs crack and there is no fixing a crack. A paver that settles can be lifted and reset in an afternoon.

What about drainage behind the wall?

Every wall we build gets gravel backfill and a perforated drain pipe. A wall that holds water behind it is a wall that leans, and most of the leaning walls in Charlotte were built without one.

Book patios, walkways & retaining walls

We walk it for free and quote it on the spot.