
Every successful outdoor living project begins with a purpose. For this homeowner, the goal was to create a dedicated backyard gathering space where family and friends could relax, entertain, enjoy a fire, and make lasting memories for years to come.
Project Goals
- Create a functional outdoor entertainment area.
- Add a comfortable space for family gatherings and social events.
- Install a durable, long-lasting paver patio.
- Incorporate a built-in fire pit as a focal point.
- Improve the overall appearance and usability of the backyard.
- Site Preparation and Excavation
A strong patio starts with proper preparation. Before any pavers were installed, the existing concrete and organic material were removed, and the area was excavated to the required depth.
Preparation work included:
- Removal of existing concrete surfaces.
- Removal of organic material and unsuitable soil.
- Excavation to proper installation depth.
- Site grading to promote proper drainage.
- Preparation of a stable base for long-term performance.
- Base Installation and Drainage
To provide a solid foundation for the patio, approximately 9 inches of compacted stone base material was installed and properly compacted.
Key benefits of proper base preparation include:
- Increased patio stability.
- Reduced risk of settling and movement.
- Improved drainage beneath the patio.
- Long-term structural performance.
- Prevention of uneven surfaces and paver displacement.
Proper grading and drainage are essential components of any paver installation. Water must be directed away from the patio rather than collecting beneath it, helping protect the investment and extend the life of the outdoor space.
Paver Patio Installation
The centerpiece of the project is a beautifully installed Holland Stone paver patio designed to provide ample space for outdoor living and entertainment.
Patio features include:
- Holland Stone brick paver installation.
- Durable and low-maintenance surface.
- Attractive design that complements the home.
- Spacious layout for seating and gatherings.
- Custom Fire Pit Construction
A built-in fire pit was installed as the focal point of the patio, creating a natural gathering area for family and guests.
Benefits of the fire pit feature include:
- Comfortable outdoor entertaining.
- Extended use of the patio during cooler evenings.
- A welcoming atmosphere for family and friends.
- A central gathering space for conversations and relaxation.
- Landscape and Finishing Touches
To complete the project and create a clean, finished appearance, additional landscape improvements were incorporated around the patio area.
Landscape enhancements included:
- Installation of a new brick accent section to complement the patio design.
- Landscape fabric installation to help reduce weed growth.
- Installation of approximately 10 yards of black mulch.
- Clean landscape borders for a polished appearance.
- Low-maintenance finishing elements that enhance curb appeal.
- Why Proper Preparation Matters
While the finished patio and fire pit are the most visible features, much of the project’s success depends on the work completed beneath the surface.
Without proper excavation, grading, drainage, and base preparation:
- Patios can settle unevenly.
- Pavers can shift over time.
- Water can collect beneath the surface.
- Long-term maintenance issues can develop.
That is why significant attention is given to site preparation before a single paver is installed.
- Project Highlights
- Backyard patio installation in Kenilworth, IL.
- Holland Stone paver patio construction.
- Custom fire pit installation.
- Excavation and grading services.
- Stone base preparation and compaction.
- Outdoor living space design.
- Landscape fabric installation.
- Black mulch installation.
- Residential hardscape construction.
As you browse through the photos, you’ll see the excavation process, grading work, stone base installation, patio construction, fire pit installation, and final landscape improvements that transformed the backyard into a functional outdoor retreat.
The result: more than just a patio and fire pit—a dedicated outdoor gathering space in Kenilworth, IL designed for entertaining, relaxation, and creating memories for years to come.
Please call 847.698.6868 or Contact Us
Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.
Landscaping Services
- Emergency / Expedited Drainage
- Drainage
- Sump Pump Solutions
- Basement Waterproofing
- Grading and Regrading
- Landscape Design
- Landscape Installations, Plantings
- Lawn Maintenance
- Spring Cleanup
- Stump Grinding
- Tree Triming, Tree Removal, Stump Grinding
- Artificial Turf Installations
- Pool Removal
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- Seasonal Planter, Potted Plants
- Cemetery Management
- Outdoor Design & Build: Full Outsource Project
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- Lighting
- Mulch
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- Fall Plantings
- Fall Cleanup
- Seasonal Color: Fall and Holiday
- Holiday Decor, Holiday Lighting
- Snow and Ice Management
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