Subgrade
Soil condition, organic removal, proofing, geotextile, stabilization, and unsuitable-soil allowance.
Patio & hardscape planning center
Design the ground that makes the whole yard work.
Patios are not just square footage. They carry structures, connect doors, manage water, protect equipment, organize traffic, and determine whether later projects feel integrated or improvised.
Planning ranges were checked October 19, 2026 and intentionally span multiple U.S. markets. They are not bids. Soil, demolition, access, excavation, drainage, freeze/thaw, permits, engineering, material, pattern, walls, steps, and local labor can move a project beyond them.
Build the plan
Seven tools for one buildable surface system.
01 · Estimate
Size, quantities, and complete cost
Enter dimensions, select a surface, add waste and project layers, then edit the ranges.
Open calculator →02 · LayoutFit the activities before the material
Combine dining, cooking, lounge, fire, wellness, paths, and circulation into a practical area target.
Build activity plan →03 · CompareChoose the surface system
Compare concrete, pavers, porcelain, stone, gravel, decking, and turf by performance—not appearance alone.
Compare materials →04 · DiagnoseCatch water and grade risks
Score runoff, low spots, thresholds, downspouts, soil, slope, discharge, and freeze exposure.
Run drainage check →05 · LogisticsPlan demolition and delivery access
Translate gate width, distance, stairs, elevators, protection, storage, and haul-out into quote questions.
Check access →06 · CompareNormalize contractor proposals
Require the same excavation, base, drainage, edge, material, compaction, cleanup, and warranty detail.
Open quote worksheet →07 · CoordinateCarry the allowance into the yard
See hardscape alongside the kitchen, pergola, sauna, plunge, fire feature, room, and landscaping.
Open whole-yard planner →The hidden assembly
What you walk on is the final layer.
Long-term performance depends on what is excavated, what replaces it, how it is compacted, how edges are restrained, and where water goes. A low quote can be a different assembly—not the same project for less.
Base
Material, compacted depth, lifts, slope, equipment, and freeze/thaw design.
Drainage
Surface pitch, infiltration, channels, downspouts, discharge, permits, and neighbor impact.
Surface
Thickness, finish, pattern, joints, bedding, slip resistance, heat, stain, and repair strategy.
Edges
Restraint, steps, walls, thresholds, transitions, planting interfaces, and settlement control.
Sequence before shopping
Build once instead of cutting it apart later.
Survey & rules
Confirm property, easements, setbacks, impervious limits, HOA rules, permits, utilities, trees, and discharge restrictions.
Final concept
Place structures, appliances, equipment, furniture, doors, steps, paths, service panels, and future projects.
Below-grade work
Complete drainage, sleeves, electrical, gas, water, footings, foundations, and retaining work before finish surfaces.
Hardscape system
Excavate, stabilize, place base, set drainage, install edge and surface, then test slope and transitions.
Finish & commission
Install lighting, planting, furniture, final equipment, seal only when appropriate, document care, and retain spare material.
The project rule
Compare assemblies, not totals.
A useful proposal states square footage, demolition, excavation depth, base material and compacted depth, drainage, edge restraint, exact surface, cuts, pattern, steps, protection, restoration, cleanup, exclusions, payment schedule, and warranty.
Open the hardscape quote worksheet → · Build the first estimate →