Custom Stone & Paver Patios
Transform your backyard into an outdoor living space you'll use every day.
Why Mobile, AL Homeowners Are Adding Custom Patios
Your backyard should be more than just grass. It should be a place where your family gathers for cookouts, where friends hang out on summer evenings, and where you can relax after a long day. A custom stone or paver patio gives you that space.
In Mobile, AL, we're lucky to have weather that lets us enjoy the outdoors most of the year. A well-designed patio extends your living space outside and adds real value to your home. Plus, it's one of those improvements that pays you back every time you use it.
We build custom patios using natural stone like bluestone and flagstone, or manufactured pavers that give you tons of design options. The right choice depends on your style, your budget, and how you plan to use the space. We'll walk you through all your options so you can make the best decision for your home.
Every patio we build starts with proper ground preparation and drainage. That's what keeps your patio looking great for decades, not just a few years. We don't cut corners, and we don't rush the process.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Patio
Here's where it gets fun. You have more options than you might think when it comes to patio materials. Let's break down what works best for different situations.
Natural Stone Patios
Natural stone gives you a one-of-a-kind look. No two stones are exactly alike, which means your patio will be unique. Popular choices include bluestone, flagstone, and limestone. These materials handle Mobile's heat and humidity without fading or cracking, and they develop a beautiful patina over time.
Natural stone costs more upfront, but many homeowners love the authentic look and feel. It's also cooler underfoot during hot Alabama summers, which makes a big difference when you're walking barefoot.
Paver Patios
Manufactured pavers give you incredible design flexibility. You can create patterns, borders, and inlays that would be difficult or impossible with natural stone. They come in dozens of colors and styles, and modern pavers are engineered to last just as long as natural stone.
Pavers are also easier to repair if you ever need to access utilities underneath. We can pull up a section, do the work, and put them back without anyone being able to tell.
What Makes a Great Patio Material
- •Handles freeze-thaw cycles without cracking (yes, we get freezing temps in Mobile occasionally)
- •Non-slip surface when wet, which matters during our frequent afternoon thunderstorms
- •UV-resistant colors that won't fade in direct Alabama sunlight
- •Proper drainage design to prevent water pooling and mosquito breeding
- •Compacted base that prevents settling and stays level for years
How We Build Patios That Last
A beautiful patio starts below the surface. The work you don't see is what determines whether your patio will still look great 20 years from now or start settling and cracking after just a few years.
We start by excavating to the proper depth and grading for drainage. Water needs to flow away from your house, not toward it. Then we install a compacted gravel base in layers, compacting each layer separately. This creates a stable foundation that won't shift or settle.
Next comes a layer of sand, which we screed perfectly level. This is where precision matters. Even small variations will show up in the finished patio. Finally, we install your stone or pavers, making sure every piece is level with its neighbors and properly spaced.
For paver patios, we use polymeric sand in the joints. This special sand hardens when wet, which prevents weeds from growing up between pavers and keeps ants from making homes in your patio. It's one of those small details that makes a huge difference in long-term maintenance.
Expert masonry contractors in Mobile, AL know that proper installation takes time. We don't rush, because we want your patio to last for decades. That's also why we're fully licensed and insured, so you have complete peace of mind throughout the project.
Common Questions About Custom Patios
How much does a custom patio cost in Mobile, AL?
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Patio costs vary based on size, material choice, and site conditions. As a rough guide, manufactured paver patios typically start around $15-20 per square foot installed, while natural stone patios run $20-30 per square foot or more depending on the stone you choose.
A standard 12x16 foot patio (192 square feet) might cost $3,000-$4,000 for pavers or $4,500-$6,000 for natural stone. These numbers include proper base preparation, materials, and professional installation. Larger patios or those with complex patterns, curves, or multiple levels will cost more.
The best way to get an accurate price is to schedule a free consultation. We'll measure your space, discuss your vision, and give you a detailed written estimate with no pressure to commit. You can also explore paver walkway installation to complement your new patio.
How long does it take to install a patio?
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Most residential patio projects take 3-7 days from start to finish, depending on size and complexity. A simple 12x16 foot paver patio might take 3-4 days, while a large natural stone patio with multiple levels could take a week or more.
Day one is typically excavation and base prep. Days two and three involve installing and compacting the gravel base and sand layer. The final days are for laying the stone or pavers, cutting edge pieces, and finishing with joint sand and sealer if needed.
Weather can affect the timeline, especially if we get heavy rain during base preparation. We'd rather wait for dry conditions than rush and compromise the quality of your patio. You'll have a usable patio as soon as we finish, though we recommend waiting 24-48 hours before placing heavy furniture.
What maintenance does a patio need?
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Patios are surprisingly low-maintenance, which is one reason they're so popular. Basic maintenance includes sweeping off leaves and debris regularly and rinsing with a garden hose a few times a year. For tougher stains, you can use a pressure washer on a low setting, though be careful not to blast out the joint sand.
If you have a paver patio, you may need to add more polymeric sand to the joints every few years, especially in high-traffic areas. This is a simple DIY task that takes an hour or two. Natural stone patios benefit from resealing every 2-3 years to maintain their color and protect against stains.
Watch for any settling or shifting, especially after heavy rains. Minor issues are easy to fix early on. If you notice problems, give us a call. We also offer brick and stone step repairs if your patio connects to elevated areas of your yard.
Ready to Design Your Custom Patio?
Let's talk about your vision and create an outdoor space you'll love.