Fresh Concrete Poured and a Pergola on the Way in Maplewood

This backyard had a solid existing paver patio and deck, but the side area between the fence and the house was just sitting there - dirt, weeds, and wasted potential. That kind of dead space is more common than you'd think, and most homeowners just live with it. This family wanted more out of their yard, and we were glad to help them get there.

Here's what we were working with: a raw, unfinished patch of ground that needed to be excavated, graded, and prepped before any concrete could go down. We brought in a CAT track skid steer to do the heavy lifting - clearing out the old soil and debris so we had a clean, level base to work from. That prep work is where the job is either done right or cut short. We don't skip it.

Once the ground was ready, we poured a fresh concrete slab that ties right into the existing paver and deck layout. Clean control joints, smooth finish, and a footprint that actually makes the space usable. The concrete is just the foundation though - literally and figuratively. The next phase is a pergola going up over this area, which will bring shade, structure, and a real sense of place to what was basically a forgotten corner of the yard.

That's the part people sometimes miss when they're planning an outdoor living space. It's not just about one element - it's about how everything works together. The concrete gives you a solid, low-maintenance surface. The pergola gives you comfort and character. Together, they create a spot the family will actually use. That's what good hardscaping is about.

We do this kind of work regularly - turning underused backyard space into something practical and worth spending time in. Whether it's a patio, a pergola, a retaining wall, or a full outdoor living build, the approach is the same: start with a solid plan, do the prep right, and finish it the way we'd want our own yard finished.