Patio Design & Installation Services Company

Thoughtfully Designed Outdoor Living Spaces

Get a Quote

Creative Patio Design Ideas for Your Backyard

Helping You Design the Best Possible Version of Your New Patio Space


We specialize in patio design!  Our experienced designers will provide the expert recommendations and valuable insights that you've been looking for, as well as some new ideas you may not have considered yet. 


We'll create thoughtful designs that will show you the best layout options for your new patio space.  To get started, just give us a call or send us a quote request.  The process is easy, extremely informative and completely stress free.


Key Patio Design Considerations

 

  • Function and Size:  How do you intend to use your patio space?  How many people would you like to be able to seat comfortably?  Our designs will create spaces for all of the features and outdoor furniture you want to include.  Some examples include: creating space for an appropriately sized dining table, an area for grilling, a lounge set and a fire pit or fireplace.  These features are drawn-in to scale in our designs to ensure everything fits nicely.


  • Patio Shape:  Do you prefer clean straight lines and rectangular shapes?  Or do you like the look of unique curvilinear shapes and flowing lines?  We design based on your preference and often include several concept designs that will include different shapes and sizes for you to consider.


  • Proper Drainage: We always consider drainage factors when designing new patio spaces.  We'll make sure you patio drains properly, doesn't block the flow of drainage from adjacent yard spaces, sends water away from your house properly and works with the overall drainage plan in your yard.  For more info on our outdoor drainage services follow this link outdoor-drainage 


  • Designing for Flow:  Natural and unobstructed movement within and through your patio space is essential.  We'll make sure your new patio space has room for everything you want and  connects pleasantly to access doors, lawn areas and other functional spaces in the yard.


  • Picking the Best Spot:  Where should your patio go?  We'll help you figure out the best possible place to build a patio in your yard (which location feels best and why).  If there are several good options, then we'll talk you through the pros and cons of each, provide advice and let you decide.


  • Creating Privacy:  We'll help create privacy when needed, using screen plantings to block views of the neighbors or soften views of the garage/house/etc.  We can also use features like: a pergola, decorative planting beds or sitting walls around a patio space to create a more intimate and comfortable feeling within the larger backyard.


  • Selecting the Right Materials:  Our designers will provide valuable insights to help you select a natural stone, flagstone or paver material that works best for you.  We'll advise on which materials, color/s and style fits best with your home and preferences.



  • Views:  We think about the best ways to create desirable views from seating spaces within the patio. For example, we want your lounge and other seating spaces to have great views of the yard, not face into a fence or back toward the house.  We also design planting beds, stone walls and other features to maximize beauty and interested around your outdoor space.

Patio Design Process

Step  1)  Contact Us to Get Started


Just give us a call or click our Get a Quote Tab.  One of our talented and experienced designers will reach out by phone or email to learn about your project. 


We'll provide information on our services and answer as many of your initial questions as we can.  If we sound like a good fit to you, then we can schedule an onsite consultation!

 

Step  2)  Onsite Design Consultation


A designer will meet with you onsite to discuss ideas and answer your questions.  You'll get to pick our brain and learn more about what's possible for you space.  We'll provide pricing for our design services at this time.  Note: Design fees are credited back 100% toward the project after we complete installation work. 

 

Although this first meeting is much too early to know exact pricing, our designers will often discuss "ballpark" price ranges for the type of project you're considering during the consultation.  We discuss rough costs early on in the process to make sure we are designing plans that fit your budget.


If you decide to move forward with our design services, we will send a team out to get detailed measurements of the outdoor space (in order to prepare drawings to scale) so that our designers can begin working on your conceptual designs.


Step  3)  Conceptual Design Phase


This is the exciting part!  The conceptual design stage is when you get to see our unique patio ideas drawn out on paper for the first time.  We typically come up several concept designs that might include: different patio features, sizes, locations and patio shapes for you to consider.  We show you options, so that you can select the design that works best for you!


We'll send you these concept designs via email and schedule a call to talk through them with you in detail. 

 

This concept design call/discussion can truly be just as valuable as the designs themselves.  Our designer will explain the nuanced differences and pros/cons of each option that they've learned after spending hours working through these layouts.  We'll also be discussing material options at this time.  After discussing the concept plans and getting your feedback, we'll get back to work on the final design. 

 

Step  4)  Final Design and Estimate

 

A final design and written estimate will be sent to you for review.  At this time, you will have everything to you need to sign up for the project.  However, it's not uncommon to make some small revisions to the design or scope even at this stage, which we are of course happy to do.  We will make any requested changes and send you the updated plans and pricing if needed. 


If you decide you'd like to move forward with Installation, then we'll send over a deposit invoice, that once paid will book your project to begin on our next available installation dates!   


Minneapolis MN Design company contractor Best ideas

Patio Installation

KG Landscape has (3) experienced in-house patio installation crews.  These are trusted long term our employees that know our standards, not sub contractors.  Our skilled foreman take pride in doing things the right way and use their extensive knowledge and experience to ensure top quality installation work.  Our customers are consistently impressed with how hard working and considerate our installation crews are.


A typical residential patio takes roughly 5-10 days to complete, depending on the specifics of the project.  However, larger and more elaborate projects will have longer installation timelines.  Depending on the time of year, we are typically booking out between 3-6 weeks out for patio projects, meaning you'll likely be kicking back and enjoying your new patio space within 1-2 months of signing up for a project. 

Request a Quote

Patio Material Ideas / Options

Our designers will provide valuable insights to help you select the patio material works best for you.  There are many great options to choose from, including: cut and patterned natural stone, irregular flagstone, brick and standard pavers. 


We'll advise on which material type, color, pattern and border style fits best with your preferences and style of your home.  The pictures below are just a tiny sample of the many options you'll have to choose from as we work through the design process.

Pavers


You have so many options when it comes to using standard pavers.  Pavers come in many shapes, styles, sizes, colors and patterns.  Pavers are cast concrete products that are very durable and are suitable for many purposes such as patios, walkways, pool decks and even driveways. 


The most popular paver styles being used now tend to be larger in size than the pavers used in the past.  Modern Paver styles often replicate the look of cut and patterned flagstone, but cost less.  There are also many other paver styles to choose from, including styles that replicate the look of cobble stone, brick and tile.

Cut and Patterned Flagstone - Natural Stone


Natural stone is arguably the most beautiful material option there is for a new patio.  Cut and patterned flagstone refers to natural stone that is cut into uniform rectangular or square pieces, which can then be installed in a pattern. 


Although there are others, the majority of our cut and patterned flagstone options are forms of: bluestone, limestone, sandstone or slate.  When selecting a natural stone for your patio, there are lots of stone colors to pick from.  There are several options within the gray tones, tan / cream as well as multicolor stone options.

 

Irregular Flagstone - Natural Stone


When many people think about using natural stone for a patio material, its Irregular flagstone that first comes to mind.  Irregular flagstone is available in many stone types, including: fon du lac, Chilton, bluestone and many more.  


There are several options when it comes to how irregular flagstone can be installed.  When irregular flagstone is installed with tight and uniform seam widths, like the patio example in the first picture below, it can look extremely intricate and unique.  This style requires cutting every flagstone stone on all sides, making it one of the more labor intensive patio material options.  


In contrast, irregular flagstone is can be loosely / informally laid instead with larger or non-uniform seams.  For this method, there's not nearly as much stone cutting needed, which significantly reduces the installation time/labor.  Our designers can discuss the pros and cons of irregular flagstone options and installation methods, to help determine what work best for your space. 


blue stone patio landscape design MN Edina Minnetonka backyard outdoor space KG

Clay Brick Pavers


Clay pavers are likely the strongest and most durable patio material option.  Clay brick paver patios and walkways can go well with traditional style homes and provide a classic and timeless look.  Clay brick patios are a great option for a patio or walkway material when the brick pavers are able to match or pull accents colors from existing brick work of a home. 


Clay pavers are typically available in reds, browns and some tans color ranges as well.   Clay pavers will typically require longer lead times for ordering, since most are manufactured in the Southern US.  Check out our blog for more info on terracotta / clay pavers.


Lastly, If you’re trying to decide between pavers and stamped concrete, check out or blog  Pavers vs. concrete.

Crushed Rock -  Gravel Fire Pit Area / Patio Space


Crushed gravel is a unique and cost effective patio material for certain situations.  Although, most would agree it's not as nice as the other hardscape material options (harder to clean out debris, doesn't feel great on bare feet, etc.) it is the least expensive option there is. 


These crushed rock seating spaces can be used as fire pit areas as well as patios, and offer a rustic look and feel.  We typically use crushed gray trap rock or granite (aka granite chips) for these applications. 


Of the many gravel size options, we find that the 3/4" crushed gravel holds well and works best for walking stability and for setting furniture.  We do not recommend using pea gravel, because it is rounded not crushed, which makes it an unstable surface.


Functional and Attractive Patio Accessory Ideas

KG Landscape offers several choices when considering your patio design.  When picking out the features you want in your patio, make sure to think about what you’ll be using it for, who you’ll be entertaining, and how much money you want to spend.  Our landscaping designers will walk you through the material selection process and tailor your design to fit your desires!

 

In the picture below you can see examples of different features that can be added onto your patio. Below is a list of additions we can add to your existing patio or build new for you:

  • Bar
  • Pergola
  • plantings
  • Gas or Wood Burning fire pit
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Water Features (waterfalls, fountains)
  • Ambient sound

 

When you’re thinking about your patio design, what’s important to you? Is it the ability to entertain and serve guests with ease? Is it a warm, welcoming place where people can gather around a bonfire and enjoy the night? Or, maybe it’s a calm place just for you. Whatever you need, we can install any feature that you desire.

Fire Pit Options - For Your Outdoor Entertainment Space

Backyard Fire Pit / Fire Ring / Fireplace

Built-In Fire Feature

Including a built-in outdoor fire pit or fireplace will add interest and functionality to your new patio space. 



A well designed space for having fires in your backyard, makes having a fire so much easier, because everything you need is already set up a ready to go. 


It's really nice not to have to move around furniture and haul around chairs every time you want to have a fire!  If your interested in a natural gas fire feature, we can build those as well 

 

Fire pits and freestanding outdoor fireplaces can be built using natural stone, boulders, clay brick and wall block.  We'll look into any applicable city ordinances involving set back requirements for outdoor fires and help you design space you'll love.

Natural Stone Fire Rings

Fire pits can be built using boulders for a rustic and natural look.  Fieldstone or glacial  boulders are likely the most common for building fire ring our area, but there are many boulder types to pick from.  A steel fire ring can also be added   

 

Block Fire Pits - Custom or Kit

There are many block kits available for building a fir pit.  These kits can be circular or square shaped and have options to include a capstone for a more finished look.  Custom fir rings can also be build using natural stone block or clay brick.  Clay brick is the most heat resistant material there is for an outdoor fire pit

Moveable / Portable Fire Pits

If space is limited or you just don't want to dedicate patio space to a permanent fire feature, you can always consider using a moveable fire pit.  Solo stove's, cowboy caldrons, fire tables or just regular metal fire pit can still be great features

Built In Patio Seating Options

Sitting Wall/Columns

These are built using concrete formed blocks. They come in an incredibly wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. You can see some examples on our Pinterest board.

Boulders for Seating

Boulders can be a cost effective and unique seating options for informal patio spaces, like around a fire pit area for example.  Using boulders as seating can add another interesting and natural element to the landscape.  They’re relatively inexpensive in comparison to installing a block or natural stone sitting wall.  Boulders that can be used for seating are available in several colors and types.  Cube shaped or rectangular boulders, with smooth or flat tops are most comfortable type seating of course.     

With years of experience and hundreds of satisfied homeowners, KG Landscape is your premiere full service Minneapolis landscape design and construction Company.  Learn more about Patio Design Features by watching the YouTube video below!


Learn How KG Landscape Can Help Design & Build

Your New Patio Space

Give us a call today!
(763) 568-7251
Share by: