Natural Bluestone Patio, Stoop & Landscape Lighting Project in Niles

This Niles, IL backyard project focused on replacing an existing concrete patio and backyard concrete features with a new natural cleft bluestone patio, a custom Brussels dimensional stoop and step, and integrated landscape lighting. The existing concrete areas were removed and disposed of before the site was excavated and prepared for the new patio. The finished design extends the patio farther south and east than the original space, incorporates a bluestone-capped seat wall, and adds dedicated lighting for the stairs, seat wall, and nearby maple tree.

Project Goals

• Remove and dispose of the existing backyard concrete stoop, pad, and patio.
• Excavate and prepare the area for the new patio installation.
• Construct a new Brussels dimensional stone stoop with a bluestone tread and rock-faced finish.
• Add a matching step leading from the new stoop to the patio.
• Install an approximately 15′ × 22′ natural cleft bluestone patio in an irregular pattern.
• Extend the patio farther south and east than the existing concrete patio.
• Construct a 2′ × 8′ seat wall along the north side of the patio.
• Finish the seat wall with bluestone caps.
• Install landscape lighting around the stairs, seat wall, and maple tree.
• Add a 300-watt transformer with photocell and timer for the lighting system.

Existing Concrete Removal

The project began with the removal and disposal of several existing concrete features in the backyard. This included the approximately 3′ × 6′ concrete stoop, the approximately 9′ × 6′ concrete pad north of the door, and the existing approximately 10′ × 17′ concrete patio.

Removing these existing surfaces cleared the backyard area and allowed the new patio layout to extend beyond the footprint of the previous concrete patio.

Site Excavation & Patio Preparation

After the existing concrete was removed, the designated area was excavated to prepare the site for the new patio installation. The excavation established the space needed for the expanded patio and the new hardscape features.

The new layout was designed to extend farther south and east than the existing patio, creating a larger usable outdoor area while accommodating the new stoop, step, and seat wall.

Brussels Dimensional Stoop & Bluestone Tread

A new stoop was installed at the back door measuring approximately 3 feet wide by 7 feet long. The stoop was constructed using Brussels dimensional stone with a natural bluestone tread and rock-faced finish.

The combination of Brussels dimensional material and bluestone creates a defined transition between the home and the new patio while coordinating the stoop with the surrounding hardscape.

Custom Patio Step

A dedicated step was added coming off the new stoop, measuring approximately 1 foot wide by 7 feet long. Like the stoop, the step was constructed with Brussels dimensional material and finished with a bluestone tread and rock-faced appearance.

This creates a cohesive transition from the back door down toward the expanded patio area.

Natural Cleft Bluestone Patio

The centerpiece of the project is an approximately 15′ × 22′ natural cleft bluestone patio installed in an irregular pattern. The new patio extends farther south and east than the previous concrete patio, increasing the usable hardscape area in the backyard.

The natural cleft finish and irregular layout provide a natural appearance while giving the patio a distinctive pattern that complements the surrounding landscape.

Bluestone-Capped Seat Wall

A seat wall was constructed along the north side of the new patio, measuring approximately 2 feet by 8 feet long. The wall provides additional structure along the patio edge while creating a functional seating feature for the outdoor space.

Bluestone caps were installed on top of the seat wall to coordinate with the new bluestone patio and the treads used on the stoop and step.

Integrated Patio Landscape Lighting

The project also included a dedicated landscape lighting system designed to highlight key features of the new patio. Seven deck lights were installed at the stairs and seat wall to provide illumination around the primary transition and seating areas.

An additional up light was installed in the existing maple tree to add illumination above the patio and highlight the surrounding landscape.

A 300-watt transformer with a photocell and timer was installed to control the lighting system and provide automated operation.

Why Natural Bluestone & Integrated Lighting Matter

Natural bluestone provides a durable hardscape surface with a distinctive natural appearance, while extending the patio creates additional space for outdoor use. Coordinating the stoop, step, patio, and seat wall with complementary stone materials helps create a unified backyard design.

Integrated landscape lighting adds another layer of functionality by illuminating stairs and seating areas while highlighting landscape features such as the existing maple tree.

Project Highlights

• Removed and disposed of an existing 3′ × 6′ backyard concrete stoop.
• Removed and disposed of an existing 9′ × 6′ concrete pad.
• Removed and disposed of an approximately 10′ × 17′ concrete patio.
• Excavated the area for the new expanded patio.
• Installed a 3′ × 7′ Brussels dimensional stoop with bluestone tread and rock-faced finish.
• Added a 1′ × 7′ Brussels dimensional step with bluestone tread and rock-faced finish.
• Installed an approximately 15′ × 22′ natural cleft bluestone patio in an irregular pattern.
• Constructed a 2′ × 8′ seat wall with bluestone caps.
• Installed seven deck lights at the stairs and seat wall.
• Added an up light to the existing maple tree.
• Installed a 300-watt transformer with photocell and timer.

As you browse through the photos, you can see the progression from the removal of the existing concrete features through the preparation and installation of the new backyard hardscape. The expanded natural cleft bluestone patio provides a larger outdoor area, while the Brussels dimensional stoop, matching step, and bluestone-capped seat wall create coordinated architectural features around the space.

The completed Niles backyard project combines natural stone hardscaping with integrated landscape lighting, creating a cohesive outdoor area with an expanded patio, dedicated seating feature, custom entry stoop, and lighting designed to highlight the stairs, seat wall, and existing maple tree.

 

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