Hardscaping adds permanent structure, function, and value to your outdoor space. A professionally installed paver patio recovers 50-75% of its cost at resale according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, making it one of the highest-return outdoor investments for homeowners.
Webber Landscaping builds hardscape features designed specifically for the Piedmont Triad's conditions: freeze-thaw cycles that test poorly built joints, heavy clay soil that requires engineered base preparation, and 45+ inches of annual rainfall that demands proper drainage integration.
Every hardscape project is built on a compacted aggregate base with proper pitch for water management. We do not cut corners on base preparation because we know that what you cannot see underground determines how your hardscape looks and performs for decades.
Paver Patios & Outdoor Living
A well-designed patio becomes the centerpiece of your outdoor living space. Whether you envision a cozy dining area, a full outdoor kitchen footprint, or an expansive entertainment space, we design and build patios that match your lifestyle and property.
Interlocking concrete pavers are our primary recommendation for Piedmont Triad patios. They handle North Carolina's freeze-thaw cycles without cracking (unlike poured concrete), offer thousands of color and pattern combinations, and individual pavers can be replaced if ever damaged.
Standard paver patios range from 200 to 600 square feet for residential projects. Larger outdoor living areas with built-in seating walls, fire pit pads, and kitchen prep areas extend beyond that. We handle projects of all sizes, from simple back door landing pads to full backyard transformations.
Walkways & Pathways
Walkways guide foot traffic, protect your lawn from wear patterns, and add architectural definition to your property. A well-placed walkway from driveway to front door increases curb appeal immediately and eliminates muddy shortcuts across the yard.
Front Entry Walkways
First impressions start at the curb. A paver or natural stone walkway leading from the driveway or sidewalk to your front entrance creates a welcoming approach and adds significant curb appeal. We recommend a minimum 4-foot width for front walkways, with wider flares at the entrance for a proportional, inviting look.
Popular materials include tumbled concrete pavers for a classic look, flagstone for natural elegance, and brick pavers for traditional Piedmont homes.
Garden & Side Yard Paths
Functional pathways through garden areas, between buildings, and along side yards keep feet dry and lawns intact. Stepping stone paths work well for casual garden areas, while full paver paths are better for frequently used routes like the path from the house to a detached garage or shed.
For properties with slopes, we incorporate gentle steps and risers into walkway designs to manage grade changes safely while maintaining a natural, integrated appearance.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls serve both structural and aesthetic purposes. They hold back soil on slopes, create level areas on hilly properties, prevent erosion, and add dramatic visual depth to landscapes.
The Piedmont Triad's rolling terrain means many properties face grade challenges. A retaining wall can transform an unusable hillside into tiered planting beds, a level patio area, or usable yard space. Walls under 4 feet in height are standard residential projects. Walls over 4 feet require engineered design and may need permits in Forsyth County.
Structural vs. Decorative Walls
Structural walls hold back significant earth loads and require geogrid reinforcement, compacted gravel backfill, and proper drainage behind the wall. These are engineered to handle the lateral pressure of saturated Piedmont clay soil.
Decorative walls (typically under 2 feet) add visual interest, define garden spaces, and provide casual seating. They require less engineering but still need proper base preparation to prevent settling.
Hardscaping Materials
Material selection affects durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost. We work with all major hardscape materials and recommend options based on your project goals, architectural style, and budget.
| Material | Best For | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interlocking Concrete Pavers | Patios, walkways, driveways | 25-50+ years | Low (occasional polymeric sand refresh) |
| Natural Flagstone | Patios, garden paths, accent areas | Lifetime | Low (reset occasional shifted pieces) |
| Segmental Retaining Wall Block | Retaining walls, raised beds, seating walls | 50+ years | Very low |
| Natural Stone (stacked) | Decorative walls, garden borders | Lifetime | Low |
| Brick Pavers | Traditional walkways, edging, accents | 25-50 years | Low (moss prevention in shaded areas) |
| Stamped/Poured Concrete | Large patios, driveways | 15-25 years | Medium (sealing, crack repair) |
From Design to Completion
Every hardscape project follows a proven process that ensures structural integrity and visual precision.
1. Site Assessment
We evaluate soil conditions, drainage patterns, existing grade, underground utilities, and access points. In the Piedmont, we always check for clay saturation depth because wet clay exerts tremendous lateral pressure on retaining walls.
2. Design & Layout
We mark the project on-site with stakes and paint so you can visualize the exact footprint, shape, and scale before any digging begins. Adjustments are easy at this stage and impossible after excavation.
3. Excavation & Base
Proper excavation depth (typically 8-12 inches below finished grade) followed by layers of compacted aggregate base. This is the most critical phase. A 6-inch compacted base prevents settling and shifting for decades.
4. Installation
Materials are laid on a screeded bedding layer of coarse sand over the compacted base. Pavers are cut with precision for clean edges and tight joints. Walls are built with staggered courses and proper drainage provisions.
5. Finishing
Polymeric sand fills paver joints to lock pieces together and prevent weed growth. Edge restraints secure the perimeter. Final compaction seats everything flush. Walls receive capstones and any final grading.
6. Final Walkthrough
We walk the completed project together, checking every detail. Surrounding areas are restored, and we provide care and maintenance guidelines specific to the materials used in your project.
Hardscaping FAQ
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