Following the success of their new front walkway, the Hildreth family decided their backyard deserved the same attention. What had once been a patch of uneven lawn and weather-stained concrete would soon become a comfortable paver patio built for family gatherings and evening fires.
Designing for Comfort and Connection
During the planning meeting, we used VIP 3D renderings to map out a multi-zone layout with space for a grill station, dining table, and low seating wall. The family wanted warm tones that blended with their home’s brick accents, so we chose Unilock Beacon Hill pavers in Sierra with a charcoal border. The resulting palette added depth and historic character that felt at home in Pittsford’s landscape.
Building a Patio That Endures Every Season
- 12-inch compacted stone base for frost resistance
- Permeable edge drain channel to manage snow-melt
- Polymeric sand locking system for stability
- Subtle ¼-inch per-foot slope away from the house
The Transformation
When the final joint sand was brushed in and sealed, the Hildreths stepped onto a space that finally felt like their own. The new patio connected gracefully to the back door, and evenings now ended with a crackling fire and neighbors stopping to admire the view.
Next in the Series
With a new patio in place, the family noticed erosion developing along the back slope. In Part 3, we tackle that challenge by building a retaining wall that adds both function and form.
Continue the story: Part 3 — Building Strength in the Landscape