The Ground Up
Monday, June 23, 2025
In The Field —
Installations of 2025
Installations of 2025
In The Field
Written by Mekki Jaidi
Photos by Taylor Glenn
Updated July 6, 2025
Our installation work this year reflects our commitment to precision, thoughtful problem-solving, and aesthetics that elevate everyday living. Below is a look at a few of our favorite projects—each one led by Lazar and our team, with quality and communication at the core.
Staircase Rebuild
This client’s original staircase was a mix of flagstone and railroad ties — visually charming but no longer safe or structurally sound. The steps were uneven, narrow, and beginning to fail, making access to the backyard difficult and hazardous.
We presented two options:
1. Reinforce the existing stairs and apply new stone veneer with a rebar-anchored system, or 2. fully demo the old structure and rebuild the stairs using large, natural stone steps.
The client opted for a full rebuild.
Our team removed the old materials and constructed a completely new set of steps using heavy-duty sandstone treads. These were carefully leveled and set to ensure both durability and comfort. We also installed a dry-stacked retaining wall, added a flagstone landing at the base, and prepped the area with road base and steel edging to finish the transition into the surrounding landscape.
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New Patio Extension
A client moved into a home with built-in garden beds tucked along the house and patio framework. They wanted to remove the beds and extend the patio using the same flagstone style. This proved challenging, as the original patio was built in the 1990s using 1" thick flagstone, whereas modern standards are now 2". We sourced appropriate material, graded the surface with a gentle, barely noticeable slope away from the home, and built a strong foundation with road crush and masonry sand. The gaps were also filled with masonry sand, and the sprinkler heads were capped. The result? A seamless patio extension with space for a dining table and lounge area — completed ahead of schedule and to the client’s delight.
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Sod Conversion
We removed 4,500 square feet of Kentucky bluegrass to install native meadow sod—chosen for its height, movement, and natural appearance. After hauling off the old sod, we prepped the area with new topsoil and reworked the irrigation system, raising sprinkler heads to suit the taller growth. The end result is a lawn that’s visually softer, more in tune with local ecology, and easier on water use.
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Patio Rebuild
This project involved a full demo and rebuild of a backyard patio. After removing the old structure, we redid the entire foundation, improving stability and grading. We rounded the patio edges, used higher quality lumber, and brought a high level of craftsmanship to each step. What was once a weathered platform is now a clean, modern, and durable space built to last.
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