Onekama Paver Patio Project

Location: Onekama, MI.

When this client reached out to us, they were very excited about moving into their new home in Onekama, MI. There was about 6 months left till construction would be officially done. They knew they wanted a finished outdoor patio area, and landscaping before they moved in. They really wanted a full outdoor living space that they could see themselves hosting parties at, grilling, relaxing on a patio or hot tub on summer nights, and staying warm by a fire pit on cold ones. Luckily they found us, and we were able to provide them with the outdoor living space of their dreams!

Winter was right around the corner during our design planning. Our clients needed a clean area for their pup to go to the bathroom, as well as a solution to the mud and sand being tracked in, from the ongoing construction site. They had a week before they fully moved in, and also a week before snow planned to swoop down on them. Sodding was decided to be used as a solution. We installed it for their pup, and worked on the finishing touches of their dream outdoor living design.

Our client wanted to be able to come out of the sliding glass door from their bedroom to hangout by a hot tub. Additionally they wanted a pergola for the hot tub, and for it to be close to the bedroom area. They had no idea how they wanted to incorporate that, and still have it remain cozy and convenient to get to and hop in. We already had plans for patios, but they wanted to add a different texture of materials. We decided a deck was the best way to go, with the hot tub level at the end making it easily accessible.

For our hardscape plan there was a lot to work on. There is a walkway and stone step up to the front door, a paver landing at the side door with French drain, and the combined backyard patios with a fire pit and walled seating, as well as, concrete steppers and landing for the hot tub. We started right away pouring the concrete landing and steppers, and laying pavers. All our pavers are grouted with poly sand which hardens when wet, but allows for the water to drain through. French drains and grates were installed on the sides of the driveway as well.

Flip through the photo gallery below to see start to finish:

Our client wanted something simple, minimal plantings, natural placements, along with a majority of native plants. For the plantings our client desired wild grasses with a pop of color mixed in. We went with some Morning Light, Silver Feather, Japanese Sedge, and Fountain for the grasses, and for the flowers: Chive, Astilbe, and a variety of Coneflowers.

We went with a boulder garden edging due to rain water needing to be deterred from sliding down the left hillside. Along with installing the French drain, this really helped to guide the water in a different direction, other than the home and the foundation.

As far as the design, we focused on complimenting the structure of the build in the front, and kept it minimal and linear in the back, following the perimeter of the home. They desired a minimalistic look, and that's exactly what we did. Their only concern was being able to fully see the electrical box to the left of the home. We created a privacy "fence" with tall grasses, and some white birch to block the view of it, but still allow easy access for when it needs to be serviced.

Flip through the photo gallery below to see start to finish:

When we first came to this new construction in Onekama, MI it was a complete blank slate. This became a wonderful opportunity to create a true outdoor living space the new home owners would enjoy. We are excited for stage 2 of this project that will focus on more landscaping along the drive. Stay tuned for future blog posts, and follow us on our social media for current updates!