So you’ve made the call—you’re finally getting that new paver patio. Backyard dinners, weekend lounging, and serious curb appeal are on the way.
But before our team shows up with the materials and gear, you might be wondering… what should you do to get your yard ready?
Good news: you don’t need to do much, but a few smart moves can make the process smoother, faster, and cleaner.
Here’s how to prep your Pittsburgh yard for a new patio installation without overthinking it.
1. Clear the Area
Step one is simple: remove anything that doesn’t belong in the build zone.
That means patio furniture, lawn décor, kids’ toys, flower pots—anything sitting where the patio’s going. If there are shrubs, bushes, or small trees in the way, go ahead and remove those too (or let us know if you’d like help—our cleanup services can take care of it for you).
Not sure exactly where the patio’s going yet? No worries. We’ll help you mark it out during the planning stage.
2. Think Through Drainage
Pittsburgh soil doesn’t always play nice. If your yard tends to collect water—or if you’ve noticed pooling after heavy rain—now’s the time to fix it.
Our team can install drainage systems that protect your new patio and your home’s foundation. It’s easier (and cheaper) to address this before the patio goes in, not after.
3. Plan for Access
We’ll be bringing in materials, equipment, and a team—so make sure we’ve got a clear path to the build area. That might mean opening gates, moving vehicles, or trimming back overgrown branches along the route.
If access is tight, don’t worry—we’ll work with whatever space you’ve got. Just let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
4. Talk Grading + Excavation Early
The key to a long-lasting patio is what’s underneath it. If your yard is sloped, bumpy, or has poor soil, we may recommend grading, excavation, or even full land clearing before we begin the patio install.
We’ll walk you through all this during the design phase so there are no surprises. But it helps to be aware early on—especially if you’re planning a larger space or adding extras like a fire pit, steps, or outdoor kitchen.
5. Don’t Forget Utilities
If you’ve got underground wires, sprinkler lines, gas, or sewer connections near the build area, make sure to flag it or mention it during your consultation. We take care of utility locates, but if you know what’s already under there, it helps us move even faster.
(Need a new irrigation system or sewer line work? Let’s knock it out before the patio install starts.)
6. Make a Wish List
This is your chance to go beyond the basics. Want built-in seating? A path from your driveway to your patio? Landscape lighting for those perfect Pittsburgh summer nights?
Think about how you’ll use the space—and tell us. We’ll help you design a layout that fits your life now and years down the road. Need inspo? Our patio services page shows all the possibilities.
Ready to Build?
At Custom Landscapes, we make the process simple—from prep to the final walkthrough. If you’re ready to start or have questions about what your yard might need, head over to our contact page and let’s talk.
We’ll help you prep, plan, and build a space you actually want to spend time in.