Having a custom wood deck is a fantastic upgrade, but when the steps lead straight down onto a steep, unusable hillside, your backyard's potential gets cut short. A Maple Grove homeowner faced this exact dilemma: a sharp downhill incline right at the bottom of their deck staircase, making it impossible to set up patio furniture, grill, or entertain guests at ground level.
The steep terrain was covered in dense root systems and small maple trees, leaving zero flat ground to stand on, much less build on. The homeowner turned to Rock Solid Services to clear the hillside, engineer a structural retaining wall, and lay a smooth, level paver patio that seamlessly integrates with their existing deck.
Key Takeaways
- THE CHALLENGEA sharp downhill slope at the bottom of the deck stairs prevented the installation of ground-level patio furniture.
- THE SYSTEMOur crew built a Highland Stone retaining wall, excavated surplus dirt, and laid a Minnetonka paver brick patio with border trim.
- THE RESULTThe home gained a level, durable outdoor patio directly connected to the deck stairwell.
Building on steep terrain requires precise machinery handling and structural block assembly. Here's how we engineered a retaining wall system to hold back the slope, allowing us to install a smooth paver surface at the base of the deck steps.
Project Summary
| Client Profile: | Maple Grove Homeowners |
| Project Location: | Maple Grove, MN |
| Primary Objective: | Retain a steep slope and build a flat patio surface using professional retaining wall installation techniques. |
| System Installed: | Highland Stone retaining wall in Ironstone, Minnetonka paver bricks in Cascade, and Onyx border accent bricks. |
| Key Outcome: | A stable, level paver patio that integrates seamlessly with existing custom deck construction. |
Conquering the Slope: Heavy Excavation & Tree Clearing
Building a ground-level patio on a steep slope requires far more than just laying down pavers. During our initial site evaluation in Maple Grove, the challenges were immediately apparent: a sharp drop-off starting right below the staircase, tightly packed subsoil, and a web of small amber maple tree roots covering the footprint.
Engineering Stability: Highland Stone Walls & Minnetonka Pavers
Before any paver base preparation could begin, our crew had to maneuver excavators on a severe incline, which meant clearing trees, pulling out stubborn root systems, and hauling away excess subsoil to establish a level grade.
"We had to do a lot of site prep prior to installing this patio, but in the end, it was all definitely worth it." - (Jeff Davis, Rock Solid Services)
To hold back the upper slope and protect the new living space from soil erosion during heavy rains, our hardscape team engineered a structural retaining wall system:
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Highland Stone Retaining Wall: We constructed a heavy-duty, 3-piece Highland Stone retaining wall rising 6 inches per course in a rich Ironstone color mix. This wall securely anchors the hillside and prevents dirt washouts onto the patio.
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Minnetonka Paver Surface: Once the subgrade behind the wall was leveled and compacted, workers laid Minnetonka paver bricks in Cascade, creating a smooth, durable walking surface directly at the base of the deck stairs.
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Onyx Border Accent: We framed the perimeter with an Onyx charcoal border brick, adding a crisp, modern contrast that complements the home's exterior and custom deck.
The Result: A Level, Functional Gathering Space in 8 Days
In just eight days, Rock Solid Services turned a treacherous hillside drop-off into an inviting outdoor retreat. The new paver patio provides a safe, flat landing at the base of the deck steps, while also offering generous space for patio furniture, outdoor dining, and weekend gatherings with family and friends.
The engineered Highland Stone wall ensures long-term structural stability, giving the homeowners complete peace of mind that their hillside investment will stay level, dry, and beautiful for years to come.
Build Custom Patios in Maple Grove With Rock Solid Services!
Since 2007, Rock Solid Services has been the solid choice for engineered retaining walls, custom paver patios, deck builds, and smart irrigation throughout Maple Grove and the Twin Cities North Metro. We bring experienced crews, heavy equipment expertise, and transparent, itemized estimates to every project.
Do you need help with a similar patio construction project in Maple Grove? Contact our office or book your consultation online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install a paver patio on a steep slope in Maple Grove?
Yes. Installing a patio on a slope requires building a structural retaining wall first. The wall holds back soil and allows installers to establish a level aggregate base for pavers.
How do you choose paver colors to match a home exterior?
We compare paver samples directly against siding and trim colors. Selecting a dark charcoal border brick creates visual contrast while coordinating with wall blocks and house accent features.
How long does slope excavation and patio construction take?
Hillside projects typically take seven to 10 days due to tree clearing, root removal, soil excavation, retaining wall assembly, and paver laying.