Top Hardscaping Contractors in Highland, California Ranked

Transforming your Highland property with hardscaping is about more than just adding beauty; it's about creating functional, durable outdoor living spaces that stand up to local environmental challenges. From patios and walkways to essential retaining walls, hardscape projects address the unique needs of the area's hilly terrain and soil conditions. This guide will help you understand the key considerations, materials, and planning steps for a successful outdoor structure project, connecting you with the expertise needed to bring your vision to life.

Rp Synthetic Turf

7740 Edison Ave #103, Fontana, CA 92336

Rp Synthetic Turf is a landscaping and hardscaping contractor based in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in artificial turf installation, custom putting greens, and landscape design. They provide full-service design and build solutions for residential and commercial outdoor spaces, focusing on creating maintenance-free, realistic synthetic lawns and tailored landscape features. Their expertise includes high-quality synthetic turf products and custom hardscape elements such as pavers and retaining walls. The company emphasizes personalized service and craftsmanship, with a history of positive client feedback highlighting their attention to detail and project management.

5.0

142 Reviews

Oasis Turf & Hardscape

11801 Pierce St Ste 200, Riverside, CA 92505

Oasis Turf & Hardscape is a landscaping and hardscaping company serving Los Angeles, CA, and the broader Southern California region including Inland Empire and Orange County. They specialize in artificial turf installation, custom pavers, putting greens, and concrete services. With over 10 years of experience, this veteran-owned business offers eco-conscious synthetic grass solutions designed for low maintenance and year-round greenery. Their certified team manages the entire installation process, from site preparation to finishing touches, helping homeowners create durable and attractive outdoor spaces.

4.8

330 Reviews

Paz Landscape & Concrete

6725 Capistrano Way, Riverside, CA 92504

Paz Landscape & Concrete is a landscaping and concrete contractor serving Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas. With over twenty years of experience, the company offers a wide range of services including landscape and hardscape design and installation, exterior low voltage lighting, concrete and masonry work, fence and retaining wall construction, and patio design. Their team works closely with clients to create personalized outdoor environments that suit both residential and commercial properties. Paz Landscape & Concrete is known for its skilled crew and organized approach to projects.

5.0

35 Reviews

Natural Earth Sustainable Landscape & Design

1420 N Claremont Blvd #200-C, Claremont, CA 91711

Natural Earth Sustainable Landscape & Design is a landscaping company based in Los Angeles, CA. They provide comprehensive services including landscape design, construction, and maintenance with a focus on sustainability and native Southern California plants. Their expertise includes hardscaping, naturalized drainage solutions, and irrigation systems, creating eco-friendly and low-maintenance outdoor spaces that blend form and function. Their approach is based on permaculture principles to ensure long-lasting, beautiful landscapes.

4.8

36 Reviews

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Understanding Highland's Unique Hardscape Environment

Successful outdoor construction in Highland begins with a deep understanding of the local landscape. The city's topography and soil present specific challenges that must be addressed in any design for long-term stability and performance. ¹

Topography and Erosion Control: Highland's hilly terrain is prone to soil erosion, especially during seasonal rains. ^{2 3} Unchecked, this can undermine structures, damage property, and wash away landscaping. Effective hardscaping is a primary defense, using structures like retaining walls and properly graded patios to manage water flow and hold soil in place. For slopes over three feet in height, the City of Highland requires protective landscaping to prevent erosion, and steeper slopes often demand engineered solutions. ^{4 5}

Soil Considerations: The soils in Southern California, including areas of Highland, can be expansive. This means soils with high clay content undergo significant "shrink-swell" cycles, expanding when wet and contracting during dry periods. ^{6 7} This movement can crack rigid surfaces like concrete slabs and disrupt paver joints if the project isn't built on a properly prepared, stable base. A professional will assess your soil and design a foundation system to mitigate these forces.

Essential Hardscape Materials for Durability and Style

Choosing the right materials is critical for both aesthetics and longevity in the local climate. Here are the most popular and effective options for Highland properties:

• Interlocking Concrete Pavers: A top choice for patios, walkways, and driveways. Their flexibility makes them resistant to ground shifting, and individual units can be replaced if damaged. They also offer excellent drainage through the joints and come in a vast array of colors, shapes, and textures. ^{8 9}
• Poured Concrete: A versatile and cost-effective material for creating sleek, modern patios, paths, and foundations. For a more upscale look, concrete can be stamped, colored, or scored to mimic stone or brick. Proper installation includes control joints to manage cracking. ¹⁰
• Natural Stone: For a premium, timeless aesthetic, materials like flagstone, bluestone, and granite are highly durable. Their density makes them resistant to water absorption and weathering, ensuring they maintain their beauty for years with minimal maintenance. ^{11 12}
• Retaining Wall Blocks: Modular, interlocking concrete blocks are the standard for building sturdy, attractive retaining walls up to about four feet tall. They are engineered for stability and ease of installation. For taller walls or those supporting significant loads, a structural engineer may specify poured concrete or other reinforced systems. ^{13 14}

The Critical Role of Drainage Planning

Perhaps the most important technical aspect of any hardscape project in Highland is integrating a comprehensive drainage plan. Water management protects your investment and your home's foundation. ^{15 16}

• Proper Grading: The ground should always slope away from your home's foundation. A standard guideline is a slope of at least 1/2 inch per foot for the first 10 feet. ¹⁷ This simple step is the first line of defense against water intrusion.
• Subsurface Drainage: For areas where water collects or behind retaining walls, subsurface drains are essential. A French drain-a trench filled with gravel containing a perforated pipe-collects and redirects groundwater away from problem areas. ¹
• Permeable Surfaces: Using permeable pavers or creating gaps in patio surfaces allows rainwater to infiltrate the ground naturally rather than becoming runoff. This reduces strain on municipal systems and helps recharge groundwater.
• Swales and Channels: Shallow, landscaped ditches (swales) or decorative concrete channels can be integrated into the hardscape design to gracefully direct surface water along a desired path.

Popular Hardscape Projects and Considerations

Patios and Outdoor Living Areas

A well-designed patio extends your living space and increases property value. In Highland, the focus is on creating a stable, level area that manages runoff. Consider how you'll use the space-for dining, lounging, or an outdoor kitchen-and choose materials accordingly. A contractor can help you navigate the balance between sun and shade, privacy, and seamless integration with your home's architecture. ^{18 19}

Retaining Walls and Slope Management

Retaining walls are both functional and aesthetic. They create usable flat areas on sloped lots, prevent erosion, and can be designed with built-in seating or planting beds. For basic walls under four feet, segmental blocks are common. However, due to the potential for expansive soils and hydrostatic pressure (water buildup behind the wall), even smaller walls benefit from professional design that includes proper drainage (like a gravel backfill and weep holes). ^{2 20} Taller walls require engineering and permits to ensure they can withstand the lateral earth pressure. ⁵

Walkways, Paths, and Steps

Hardscape pathways provide structure and guide movement through your landscape. In hilly areas, steps and terraced paths are necessary for safe and accessible navigation. Materials should be slip-resistant, especially in shaded areas, and the design should complement the overall style of your home and garden.

Driveways and Parking Surfaces

Upgrading a driveway with pavers or stamped concrete can dramatically improve curb appeal. For Highland homes, ensuring the driveway slopes correctly to shed water without flooding the garage or street is a key engineering consideration. Permeable paving options are excellent for reducing runoff from these large surfaces.

Navigating Costs and Planning Your Project

Hardscape installation costs in Highland vary widely based on materials, site complexity, and labor. Understanding the factors involved helps in budgeting effectively.

Key Cost Factors:

• Materials: Natural stone and high-end pavers are at the premium end, while standard concrete and basic blocks are more cost-effective.
• Site Preparation: Extensive grading, soil removal, or dealing with difficult access can increase costs.
• Drainage and Engineering: The need for complex drainage systems, permits, or structural engineering for tall walls adds to the project price.
• Design Complexity: Curved lines, intricate patterns, and custom features require more skill and time to install.

Estimated Price Ranges: It's important to view these as general guides; obtaining detailed quotes from local professionals is essential. ^{21 22}

• Patios & Walkways: Concrete patios may range from $12 to $25 per square foot. Paver patios often fall between $18 and $40 per square foot, while natural stone can start around $15 and exceed $40 per square foot. ^{8 10}
• Retaining Walls: Costs are often calculated by the linear foot or square foot of the wall face. A basic segmental block wall might range from $250 to $500 per linear foot or $48 to $65 per square foot. Taller, engineered walls will be significantly more expensive. ^{12 13}

The Planning Process:

1. Define Your Goals: How do you want to use the space? What problems are you solving (e.g., erosion, unused slope)?
2. Set a Realistic Budget: Include a contingency (typically 10-20%) for unforeseen challenges.
3. Research and Select Contractors: Look for licensed, insured professionals with specific experience in hardscape construction and local soil conditions.
4. Design and Proposal: A reputable contractor will provide a detailed plan, timeline, and written contract outlining materials, scope, and costs.
5. Permits: Your contractor should handle obtaining any necessary permits from the City of Highland, especially for retaining walls, drainage, and significant grading. ⁵

Frequently asked questions

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