Outdoor Spaces Built for Daily Use
InExterior Dezign LLC specializes in hardscaping construction for functional outdoor living spaces in Akron, Ohio.
Your outdoor area in Akron or a surrounding area may include a backyard that slopes toward the house, a driveway that cracks every winter, or a patio that settles unevenly because the base was never compacted. Hardscaping addresses these issues by building structural features that handle drainage, support foot traffic, and hold up through freeze-thaw cycles. InExterior Dezign LLC installs patios, walkways, pavers, retaining walls, and outdoor features designed to last in properties across Akron, from lakefront homes to suburban lots.
Hardscaping services include site grading to manage water flow, base preparation using compacted stone, material installation with joint spacing for expansion, and finishing work that ties the feature into your landscape. We also offer shed construction, gazebos, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, and any other hardscaping service you may be looking for. Materials are chosen for durability and slip resistance, especially in areas exposed to rain or snow. Projects often combine with landscaping services when plant beds or turf areas border the hardscape, or with masonry work when fire pits or low walls are part of the design.
Plan your outdoor upgrades with a site visit in Akron, North Canton, Kent, or a surrounding area to review grading, material options, and how the space will function year-round.
What Happens Below the Surface Determines Longevity
When you schedule hardscaping work in Akron or a neighboring community, the process begins with excavation to remove unstable soil, followed by placement of a compacted gravel base that prevents settling. Pavers or stone are then set with consistent joint spacing and secured with edge restraints. Drainage considerations include slope direction, permeable joints, and outlet points to keep water moving away from your foundation.
After installation, you will notice that the patio surface stays level through seasonal shifts, that walkways do not heave or crack during winter, and that water drains off the hardscape instead of pooling near doorways or planting beds. Retaining walls hold back soil without leaning or shifting, and pavers remain stable underfoot even during wet conditions.
Some projects involve replacing existing concrete or asphalt, adding steps to manage elevation changes, or integrating outdoor lighting and seating areas. The service does not include underground plumbing or electrical work beyond basic coordination, though these trades are often involved in larger outdoor living projects. Maintenance after installation is limited to occasional joint sand replacement and surface cleaning.
Homeowners in Akron frequently ask about material choices, how long the work takes, and what happens to the yard during construction. These questions are practical and worth addressing before any excavation begins.
It Helps to Know What Goes Into These Projects
What materials are best for patios in Akron?
Concrete pavers, natural stone, and brick are common choices. Each handles freeze-thaw cycles differently, so material selection depends on your budget, desired appearance, and site drainage.
How long does a typical hardscaping project take?
A standard patio or walkway takes three to five days, including excavation, base work, and installation. Larger projects with retaining walls or multiple features may take one to two weeks.
What kind of base preparation is required?
The site is excavated to remove topsoil, then filled with four to six inches of compacted gravel. This base prevents settling and allows water to drain through the joints instead of pooling on the surface.
Will hardscaping help with water pooling near my foundation?
Yes, proper grading and slope direction move water away from the house. Retaining walls and drainage features can also redirect runoff from higher areas of your lot.
Can hardscaping be added to an existing landscape?
Yes, patios and walkways can be integrated with your current plantings and turf areas. Coordination with landscaping work ensures that grading and plant zones work together without conflicts.
InExterior Dezign LLC builds hardscape features for homes and commercial properties throughout Akron, with attention to grading, material durability, and how the space will be used. Contact us to schedule a site visit and discuss what makes sense for your property.
The Work We Do
Sheds
Gazebos
Fire Pits
Outdoor Kitchens
Retaining Walls