Expert Guidance
Practical hardscaping knowledge for Portland homeowners — built for the Pacific Northwest climate, terrain, and aesthetic.
Portland's clay soil and annual rainfall create sub-base saturation that destroys improperly built patios within a few seasons. Here's what base depth actually means in the Pacific Northwest.
Drainage is the most overlooked element of hardscaping in the Pacific Northwest. Pooling water, hydrostatic wall pressure, and base saturation are all preventable with the right drainage design.
The two most common retaining wall materials in Portland compared — cost, longevity, aesthetics, and what works best on Portland's sloped residential properties.
The plants you choose for the borders, containers, and planted areas around your hardscape make or break the final look. Here are the Pacific Northwest plants that work best with stone and pavers.
Moss on pavers is Portland's most common patio maintenance issue. Here's what causes it, how to treat it, and how to slow its return through the rainy season.
Open burning regulations, Air Stagnation Advisory restrictions, setback requirements, and permit requirements for fire pits in Portland — all in one place.
Western red cedar is the best pergola wood for the Pacific Northwest — but it still needs attention. Here's the maintenance schedule that keeps a Portland cedar pergola looking great for decades.
Built-in outdoor kitchens need specific material and design choices to handle Portland's 37-inch annual rainfall. Here's what holds up and what doesn't.