Whether you're planning a paver patio, a curb-worthy driveway, or a retaining wall to tame a slope, quality hardscaping adds beauty and usable space to your property. Landscape Atlas makes it easy to find local hardscaping contractors who build with pavers and retaining wall systems. Browse nearby companies, read reviews, and request multiple quotes-so you can hire the right pro with confidence.

Ideal Landscape & Concrete

921 N Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401

Ideal Landscape & Concrete is a landscape and hardscape construction company based in San Jose, CA. Founded in 1981, they offer a range of services including fence installation, landscape lighting, yard drainage, sprinkler system installation and repair, landscaping, and hardscaping such as pavers and retaining walls. They also specialize in irrigation system installation and maintenance to support water conservation in the drought-prone Bay Area. Their capabilities include concrete and masonry construction, as well as erosion control and low-voltage lighting installation.

5.0

141 Reviews

System Pavers

4615 Enterprise Common, Fremont, CA 94538

System Pavers is a landscaping and hardscaping company based in San Jose, CA. They specialize in designing and installing outdoor spaces including paver driveways, patios, artificial turf, decks, and landscape lighting. The company offers personalized design consultations and professional installation using premium materials. With over 30 years of experience since 1992, System Pavers provides durable, low-maintenance products backed by industry-leading warranties.

4.9

647 Reviews

Green Works Artificial Turf Store

1125 Mabury Rd B, San Jose, CA 95133

Green Works Artificial Turf Store is a licensed landscaping company based in San Jose, CA. They specialize in creating elegant outdoor living spaces by combining artificial turf installation, landscape design, and hardscaping services such as pavers and concrete work. The company is fully licensed, insured, and bonded, ensuring professional and reliable service for clients looking to enhance their home's value and beauty.

5.0

86 Reviews

Santos Hauling and Cleaning

san jose

Santos Hauling and Cleaning is a landscaping and hauling company based in San Jose, CA. They provide a wide range of services including landscape design, sod installation, artificial turf, hardscaping with pavers and retaining walls, as well as junk removal for residential and commercial properties. Serving the San Francisco Bay Area, they are familiar with the local environment and offer solutions tailored to both urban and suburban settings. Santos Hauling and Cleaning is fully licensed and insured, ensuring professional handling of projects and property protection.

5.0

76 Reviews

Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscape, Inc.

2603 Camino Ramon Suite 200, San Ramon, CA 94583

Black Diamond Paver Stones & Landscape, Inc. is a hardscaping contractor based in San Jose, CA. They specialize in installing pavers and building retaining walls, serving residential and commercial clients in the area. The company offers expertise in creating durable and functional outdoor spaces, including patios and walkways. While the business history is not specified, their focus on hardscaping solutions highlights their capability in enhancing landscape aesthetics and structure.

4.9

117 Reviews

See more providers in San Jose, CA

Hardscaping contractors design and build the non-living features of your landscape-think paver patios, walkways, driveways, steps, fire pits, seat walls, and retaining walls. Many also handle site grading, drainage, and the base construction that makes these projects last.

A good installer will:

• Assess your site (soil type, slope, drainage, access).
• Recommend materials (concrete pavers, natural stone, porcelain, permeable systems, segmental retaining wall blocks).
• Build a stable foundation with geotextile fabric and compacted aggregate.
• Install pavers or wall units to manufacturer and local code guidelines.
• Address water management with proper pitch, drain rock, and piping.
• Finish with edge restraints, polymeric sand, caps, and cleanup.

You'll see terms like "ICPI," "NCMA," or "CMHA" certifications-these relate to training for interlocking pavement and segmental retaining walls. While not required everywhere, they signal a contractor who invests in best practices.

Why pavers and retaining walls matter

Hardscaping is more than a facelift:

• Function: Paver surfaces create outdoor rooms, accessible pathways, and sturdy driveways. Retaining walls hold back soil, create terraces, and expand level space.
• Durability: Interlocking pavers flex with freeze-thaw cycles and can be lifted for repairs. Segmental retaining wall (SRW) blocks are engineered to interlock and drain.
• Drainage and erosion control: Properly built projects move water away from your home and prevent slope failures.
• Home value: Curb appeal and usable outdoor space are top features for buyers and appraisers.
• Safety: Level walking surfaces, steps with consistent risers, and stable walls reduce trip hazards and future headaches.

Popular project types and materials

Hardscaping isn't one-size-fits-all. Here are common options you'll find in the Landscape Atlas directory.

Paver patios and walkways

• Concrete pavers come in many colors, sizes, and patterns (herringbone, running bond, basketweave).
• Natural stone (flagstone, bluestone) offers timeless character, usually at a higher price.
• Porcelain pavers deliver a sleek, low-porosity finish ideal for modern designs.

Paver driveways

• Interlocking pavers are designed for vehicle loads when installed over a deeper base.
• Patterns like herringbone add interlock strength at entrances and turning areas.

Permeable pavers

• Specially spaced pavers over a deep stone reservoir let water infiltrate, reducing runoff.
• Great for sites with drainage challenges or local stormwater requirements.

Retaining walls

• Segmental retaining walls (SRW) use modular concrete blocks with drain rock and geogrid reinforcement as needed.
• Boulder or natural stone walls blend into rustic settings.
• Masonry or cast-in-place concrete walls may be used for tall or architectural applications and often require engineering.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose the right hardscaping contractor

You don't need to be a builder to spot a pro. Use these criteria when you browse companies on Landscape Atlas:

• Licensing and insurance: Ask for proof of license (where required), general liability, and workers' comp. This protects you and your property.
• Relevant experience: Look for portfolios that match your project type-driveways, multi-level walls, steps, or permeable systems.
• Training and certifications: CMHA (formerly ICPI/NCMA) coursework shows familiarity with standards for pavers and SRW construction.
• Local knowledge: The best installers understand your region's freeze-thaw cycles, soil conditions, and permitting rules.
• Clear proposals: Detailed scopes outline base depth, materials, drainage plan, and warranty terms.
• Communication: Expect a realistic schedule, a single point of contact, and transparent change-order policies.
• Reviews and references: Recent customer feedback is a reliable window into jobsite professionalism, cleanliness, and follow-through.

Tip: Get at least three quotes. You'll learn a lot from how each contractor approaches site prep and water management-two items that make or break longevity.

Typical costs and what affects them

Pricing varies by region, access, and design, but these ballpark ranges can help you plan. All figures are for professional installation and include base preparation unless noted.

• Paver patios: $15-$35 per square foot for standard concrete pavers; $30-$50+ for premium, natural stone, or complex patterns.
• Paver walkways: $18-$40 per square foot depending on width, curves, and edging.
• Paver driveways: $20-$45 per square foot, rising with heavier base, edge restraints, and high-traffic details.
• Permeable pavers: Typically $25-$55 per square foot due to deeper stone reservoirs and specialized installation.
• Segmental retaining walls (face area): $30-$85 per square foot for most residential walls; add cost for geogrid, curves, steps, or engineering.
• Steps and landings: $300-$900 per linear foot depending on material and structure.

Key cost drivers:

• Site access: Tight yards, fences, and limited truck access increase labor time.
• Excavation and haul-off: Removing clay, roots, or old concrete adds cost.
• Base depth: Driveways, poor soils, and frost zones require more aggregate.
• Drainage: French drains, perforated pipe, and catch basins protect your investment.
• Engineering and permits: Taller walls, setbacks, and HOA approvals take time and budget.
• Material choices: Larger format pavers, textured finishes, color blends, and premium caps cost more.
• Complexity: Curves, inlays, lighting, steps, and multi-level terraces add labor.

A thorough written quote should specify square footage, base depth and type, fabric or geogrid use, wall height and batter, drainage plan, disposal fees, and warranty terms.

Timeline: from first call to final sweep-off

Your project's schedule depends on season, scope, and permitting. A typical sequence looks like this:

1. Site visit and concept: 1-2 weeks to meet, measure, and discuss design goals.
2. Proposal and revisions: 1-3 weeks to finalize layout, material selections, and pricing.
3. Permits/HOA approvals (if needed): 1-4+ weeks depending on your jurisdiction and wall height.
4. Scheduling: 2-8 weeks lead time during peak seasons; faster in shoulder months.
5. Construction:
   • Small patio or walk: 2-5 days.
   • Driveway: 4-8 days.
   • Retaining wall: 3-10+ days depending on length, height, and reinforcement.
6. Finishing touches: Polymeric sand cures in 24-48 hours; sealer (if chosen) may be applied after the surface is fully clean and dry per manufacturer guidance.

Weather pauses are normal-good contractors won't compact wet subgrade or install over frozen ground.

Key components of a long-lasting build

Quality you can't see is what keeps pavers flat and walls upright. Expect your contractor to address these elements:

• Subgrade preparation: Strip topsoil/organics and proof-roll to identify soft spots.
• Geotextile fabric: Separates soil from base stone to reduce pumping and settlement.
• Aggregate base: Angular, compacted stone placed in lifts. Depth varies:
  • Patios/walks: often 4-8 inches, more in weak soils or cold climates.
  • Driveways: often 8-12+ inches for vehicle loads.
• Bedding layer: Typically 1 inch of washed concrete sand (or ASTM bedding material for porcelain). Avoid over-thick screed layers.
• Edge restraint: Concrete, plastic, or metal restraints prevent lateral creep of pavers.
• Paver installation: Pattern layout, cutting, and tight joints for alignment and interlock.
• Joint stabilization: Polymeric sand swept and compacted into joints to lock pavers and reduce weeds/ant hills.
• Drainage and pitch: Finished surfaces sloped (commonly 1/8-1/4 inch per foot) away from structures.
• Retaining wall specifics:
  • Level footing trench on compacted base stone.
  • Drainage zone of clean rock behind wall with perforated pipe to daylight or a suitable outlet.
  • Geogrid reinforcement in layers for taller walls per manufacturer's charts.
  • Proper batter/step-back and cap adhesion for stability and aesthetics.

Ask your contractor to sketch or describe the build-up layers in your proposal-this prevents surprises.

Preparing your site and project

A little planning keeps your project on time and on budget.

• Define use: Dining area? Fire pit? Parking? Stairs? Knowing the function drives layout and material choice.
• Measure and mark: Roughly outline the space with stakes and string to visualize scale.
• Check utilities: Call 811 before digging. Mark gas, electric, water, cable, and irrigation.
• Review rules: Confirm HOA guidelines, easements, setbacks, and whether walls need permits or engineering.
• Think water: Identify where roof and surface water will go. Consider permeable pavers or added drains where appropriate.
• Plan access: Note gate widths, trees, and slopes. Temporary fence removal could speed work.
• Protect what you love: Flag plantings and hardscapes to save; budget for restoration in traffic areas.
• Choose finishes early: Paver color blends and wall caps often have lead times; reserving material up front helps scheduling.

How to compare quotes the smart way

Apples-to-apples comparisons save money and stress. When you request bids through Landscape Atlas, ask each contractor to include:

• A scaled plan or sketch with dimensions and pattern.
• Base specifications: stone type, depth, and compaction method.
• Fabric/geogrid: brand, placement, and number of layers for walls.
• Drainage: pipe size, outlet location, and rock depth behind walls.
• Edge restraint type and location.
• Material specifics: manufacturer, product line, color blend, and cap/edging choices.
• Demolition/haul-off and site restoration allowances.
• Permits/engineering and who handles them.
• Warranty terms: craftsmanship (often 1-5 years) and manufacturer product warranties.
• Schedule and payment terms: deposit, progress draws, and final payment upon completion.

If one quote is significantly lower, look for missing items: shallower base, no fabric, minimal drainage, or unspecified materials. Cutting corners here often leads to repairs later.

Questions to ask potential pros

Use this list during calls and site visits:

• How many projects like mine have you completed in the past year?
• Who will be on site daily, and who is my main contact?
• What base depth do you recommend for my soil and climate-and why?
• How will you manage water flow and protect my foundation and neighbors?
• For walls: Will this height require geogrid or engineering? What block system do you suggest?
• What's the expected start date and duration? How do you handle weather delays?
• Can I see recent jobs and speak with references?
• What is included in cleanup and yard restoration?
• What are your warranty terms, and how are warranty calls handled?

Signs you might need hardscaping or wall work

• Pavers have settled, creating puddles or trip edges.
• Your concrete patio or driveway is cracked and lifting from freeze-thaw.
• Water drains toward the house or into a garage.
• A slope is eroding, or garden beds wash out after storms.
• A retaining wall is leaning, bulging, or losing caps.
• Steps have uneven risers, or the handrail feels loose.
• You've outgrown your outdoor space and want a defined entertaining area.

Addressing these issues early is usually less expensive-and safer-than waiting.

Maintenance and long-term care

Hardscapes are low-maintenance but not no-maintenance. Keep them looking great with these habits:

• Sweep debris and rinse seasonally to prevent staining.
• Top off joint sand or re-apply polymeric sand every few years as needed.
• Consider sealing to enhance color or stain resistance; follow product guidance for timing and recoat intervals.
• Avoid rock salt where possible; calcium magnesium acetate or similar alternatives are gentler on pavers and plants.
• Reset any edge units that migrate and touch up edging before issues spread.
• Keep drain outlets clear; leaves and mulch can clog perforated pipe daylights.
• For walls, monitor for changes in alignment or new cracking nearby-small fixes beat big repairs.

Permits, codes, and engineering: what to know

Rules vary by city and HOA, but a few guidelines are common:

• Retaining walls over a certain height (often 3-4 feet) may require permits and engineered plans.
• Walls near property lines, easements, or structures can trigger additional reviews.
• Permeable paver systems may qualify for stormwater credits but must meet specified build-ups.
• Driveway aprons may need specific materials and thickness where they meet the street.

Ask your contractor to clarify local requirements and include any permit/engineering fees in the proposal. When in doubt, consult your building department before work begins.

How Landscape Atlas helps

Landscape Atlas is a directory to connect you with hardscaping contractors who build with pavers and retaining wall systems in your area. We don't install projects or pre-vet every company. Instead, we give you helpful profiles and reviews so you can:

• Find nearby pros experienced with patios, driveways, and retaining walls.
• Request multiple quotes to compare designs, specs, and pricing.
• Message companies directly and track responses in one place.
• Learn from guides like this to ask the right questions.

Your hiring decision is always yours-our goal is to make it simpler and more transparent.

Final tips for a smooth project

• Align on a clear scope, material list, and drawing before signing.
• Protect your investment with adequate base, fabric, and drainage-especially in freeze-thaw or clay soils.
• Build for the way you'll use the space: furniture layouts, grill clearances, door swings, and snow removal.
• Get everything in writing: schedule, payment milestones, change-order process, and warranties.
• Be present for the layout walk-through and final punch list.

Great hardscaping should look beautiful on day one-and still look great years later. Explore local providers on Landscape Atlas, compare quotes, and move forward with confidence knowing exactly what to expect.

Frequently asked questions