Professional Hardscaping in Oakland County
Techo-Pro certified patio, walkway, and driveway installation built to outlast Michigan winters.
Hardscaping That Lasts Decades
Hardscaping is the structural foundation of any outdoor space. Patios, walkways, driveways, and stone features add usable square footage, improve property value, and create the framework for your entire landscape design.
Earth Art Landscaping has been installing hardscape features across Oakland County for 39 years. As a Techo-Pro certified installer since 2018, we have access to Techo-Bloc's full premium product line and our installations carry their extended warranty. This combination of decades of field experience and manufacturer-backed certification means your hardscape investment is protected.
Michigan's climate is one of the harshest environments for hardscape installations. The freeze-thaw cycle that runs from November through March puts enormous stress on improperly installed pavers and stone work. Our installation methods account for this with deeper base preparations, proper drainage integration, and material selections proven to withstand 50+ annual freeze-thaw cycles.
What We Build
From intimate backyard patios to expansive driveway installations, we handle every type of hardscape project.
Patio Installation
Custom paver patios designed for outdoor living. Techo-Bloc and natural stone options with integrated seating walls, fire pit pads, and outdoor kitchen foundations. Sizes from 200 to 2,000+ square feet.
Walkways & Paths
Front entry walkways, garden paths, and side yard connectors. Properly graded for drainage and ADA accessibility. Materials range from natural flagstone to precision-cut Techo-Bloc pavers.
Driveway Pavers
Interlocking paver driveways that handle vehicle loads while dramatically improving curb appeal. Engineered bases rated for automotive traffic with proper edge restraints and drainage.
Engineered for Michigan Freeze-Thaw
Oakland County experiences an average of 50-60 freeze-thaw cycles annually. Each cycle puts lateral and vertical pressure on hardscape installations, causing improperly built patios and walkways to shift, crack, and heave. Our installation methods are specifically engineered for these conditions.
Proper Base Preparation
We excavate to a minimum depth of 12 inches for patios and 16 inches for driveways. The base consists of compacted Class II road gravel installed in 3-inch lifts, each mechanically compacted to 95% density. This deep, properly compacted base distributes loads evenly and allows water to drain below the frost line.
Drainage Integration
Every hardscape installation includes a minimum 1% grade slope away from structures. For larger patios, we install perforated drainage pipe at the base layer to channel water away from the surface. In Oakland County's clay-heavy soils, this drainage layer is critical to prevent water from pooling beneath the pavers and causing frost heave.
Joint Stabilization
We use polymeric sand in all paver joints. This sand hardens when activated with water, locking pavers in place and preventing weed growth, insect intrusion, and joint erosion. For high-traffic areas, we recommend Techo-Bloc's HP2 polymeric sand for maximum durability.
Hardscaping Material Comparison
Choosing the right material depends on your project goals, budget, and aesthetic preferences.
| Material | Cost per Sq Ft | Durability | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Techo-Bloc Pavers | $18-$30 | 25+ years | Low | Patios, walkways, pool decks |
| Natural Flagstone | $20-$40 | 30+ years | Low-Medium | Patios, garden paths, accents |
| Concrete Pavers | $12-$20 | 20+ years | Low | Driveways, walkways, budget patios |
| Natural Stone Slab | $25-$50 | 50+ years | Low | Premium patios, steps, coping |
| Permeable Pavers | $20-$35 | 25+ years | Medium | Driveways, eco-friendly designs |
Material costs are per square foot installed, including base preparation. Actual pricing varies based on site conditions and project complexity. Contact us for a detailed estimate.
Hardscaping Cost Ranges in Oakland County
Transparent pricing so you can plan your project with confidence. Every estimate includes materials, labor, base preparation, and drainage.
Small Patio
$7,500 - $15,000
200-350 sq ft. Ideal for bistro seating, small fire pit area, or front entry landing. Standard paver or flagstone materials.
Medium Patio
$15,000 - $30,000
350-600 sq ft. Room for dining, seating, and a fire pit. Premium Techo-Bloc materials with integrated features.
Large Patio
$30,000+
600+ sq ft. Full outdoor living space with multiple zones, outdoor kitchen foundation, seating walls, and premium materials.
Hardscaping FAQ
A typical 300-400 square foot paver patio takes 3-5 days to install, including excavation, base preparation, paver installation, and joint stabilization. Larger projects with seating walls, steps, or integrated features take 1-3 weeks. Weather and site conditions in Oakland County can affect the timeline, so we build buffer days into every project schedule.
Properly installed pavers handle Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. The interlocking design allows individual pavers to move slightly without breaking, and a well-compacted base prevents frost heave. Techo-Bloc pavers are rated for extreme freeze-thaw conditions and carry a transferable warranty. The most common cause of paver damage is an inadequate base, which is why we install deeper bases than the industry minimum.
Techo-Bloc pavers are manufactured to higher density and strength specifications than standard concrete pavers. They use a proprietary manufacturing process that produces pavers with superior color consistency, surface texture, and structural integrity. Techo-Bloc also offers a wider range of sizes, colors, and textures compared to most manufacturers. As a Techo-Pro installer, our work carries Techo-Bloc's extended product warranty.
Most Oakland County municipalities do not require permits for ground-level patios that do not attach to the home structure. However, projects involving retaining walls over 4 feet, grade changes, or structures near property lines may require permits or inspections. We handle all permit research and applications as part of our project management process.
Ready to Build Your Dream Patio?
Get a free, detailed estimate for your hardscaping project. We will visit your property, discuss materials, and provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.