Project Journal: A New Backyard Patio in West Chester, PA

This project took place on the same West Chester property where we recently bult a new natural boulder wall and shed platform with a privacy screen of green giant arborvitae. After seeing that job come together, the homeowner asked us to come back and take on the bigger piece of the backyard — creating a proper gathering space where the old shed used to sit. 

What started as a bare concrete slab turned into a 16' x 17' Techo-Bloc Blu 60 patio , framed in natural stone, anchored with boulders, and tied into the grade with stone steps. We also planted a row of hollies along the property line to screen the neighbors and give the future patio space a sense of privacy.

The property had an old shed sitting on a poured pad. Once the shed was removed, the concrete was still in great shape. Rather than demo it and haul it off-site, we repurposed the pad as the sub-base for the new patio , saving the homeowner material costs and keeping a few tons of concrete out of the landfill.

We squared everything up, cleaned the edges, and built out a design that would land cleanly on top of the existing structure.

The ground approaching the platform needed a more elegant approach with some grading and a retaining wall to hold the soil. Instead of installing a manufactured block wall, we used large natural boulders — each weighing hundreds to thousands of pounds — to build a retaining edge with a more organic, permanent feel.

We cut in natural stone steps between the boulders to create a smooth transition from the lawn down to the patio.

The patio design included a natural bluestone tread border, miter-cut and laid tight for a clean picture-frame effect. This border creates a crisp transition between the pavers and the surrounding landscape, while also visually locking the patio in place.

With the frame, base, and boulders in place, we started setting the pavers.

The homeowner chose Techo-Bloc Blu 60 for its durability and clean, modern pattern. The center of the patio features a circular inlay , which breaks up the geometry and adds a focal point for a firepit or seating area.

Once the field was set, we cut and fitted all the edge pieces, compacted the patio, and swept in polymeric sand.

Along the rear property line, we installed a row of holly trees to create privacy and soften the edge of the new hardscape. As they grow, they'll frame the patio and block the view of the neighboring home without feeling heavy or enclosed.

The space is unrecognizable from where it started. What used to be a leftover concrete pad is now:

• A finished 16' x 17' outdoor living space
• Defined by custom-cut bluestone treads
• Anchored with natural boulder retaining walls
• Accessible through stone steps that match the grade
• Framed by new evergreen plantings

And best of all, this project came from a returning client — always the biggest sign that we’re doing good work.