Custom Paver Patio in Charlotte, NC

The Challenge

This Charlotte, NC homeowner needed an outdoor space that solved a specific problem — drainage, sloped grading, an underused yard, or a transition between indoor and outdoor living — without compromising the look of the home. Our team scoped the site, identified the constraints, and proposed a design built around the way the family actually uses the space.

The Design & Material Selection

For this project we specified Belgard pavers, chosen for durability in Charlotte's freeze-thaw cycles and for the way the color and texture sit against the home's existing architecture. The layout was drawn to match the home's sight lines, the lawn's natural grade, and the way the family moves between the house, patio, and yard.

The Final Result

Taming a steep place in a Charlotte landscape requires more than just a simple path; it demands a robust, engineered solution that ensures safety without sacrificing beauty. A recent project successfully transformed a severe berm, making it navigable and stable by installing a series of Steps with Landings for a Pathway. This hardscape-heavy project is a masterclass in managing significant elevation changes through high-quality materials and professional installation techniques.

The project features a Belgard Savannah Dublin Cobble Paver Pathway, set in a classic 3-piece pattern that gives it a timeless, old-world feel. The “Savannah” color blend provides warm, earthy tones that integrate beautifully with the Carolina landscape. This pathway, spanning approximately 192 square feet, is framed by a matching paver border, which provides a crisp, finished look. The pathway’s longevity is secured by its foundation: a solid ABC base, tamped approximately 4 inches deep, topped with leveling screenings. To prevent any lateral movement or paver creep over time, the system is locked in place with Snapedge restraints and sturdy nails. Finally, gray Polymeric sand was swept into the joints and activated, hardening to create a single, unified surface that resists weeds and insect damage.

The most critical part of the installation is the steps themselves. The Steps with Landings for a Pathway were constructed using twenty-seven 3-foot wide Belgard Colonial Weston Steps. These 7-inch tall blocks are designed for building strong, stable stairs and low walls, and their textured “Colonial” face complements the cobblestone pathway. The landings, integrated into the stairway, provide safe, level areas for users to pause. The finishing touch is the Solstice Tread Castle Buff Sandstone Rock-face capstones. Fourteen of these premium, 3-foot wide natural stone treads were meticulously cut and installed, providing a durable, slip-resistant surface. The “Castle Buff” color offers a beautiful contrast, while the “Rock-face” edge adds a rugged, natural texture. Each capstone and block is secured with Gator Block glue over a meticulously prepared #67 stone base, ensuring this stairway remains safe and stable for decades.