Grafton, IL Landscaping Renovation Project With Retaining Wall, Patio & More
Our clients in Grafton, IL, reached out to us because they were ready to completely transform and update their outdoor space. They had an older patio that had deteriorated significantly over time, and between the slope of their property and soil shifting, the yard had become more difficult to use and enjoy. They wanted something more functional, more beautiful, and something that would actually hold up long-term. After they contacted us, we scheduled an on-site consultation to evaluate their space, learn more about what they wanted to accomplish, and present them with options that aligned with their goals. They decided they wanted to replace their worn patio with a new one, add a retaining wall to address soil erosion issues, add steps to make navigating their sloped property easier, and add fresh landscaping to enhance the beauty of their outdoor space.`
We Started With a Consultation to Understand Their Needs
The first step of this landscape renovation project was to meet with the homeowner for a consultation. When we arrived at their home in Grafton, IL, we walked the property, looked at the areas they wanted to improve, and discussed their goals. A major goal for this project was to build something that not only looked great now, but would remain durable, safe, and practical for years to come.
We talked through different materials, style options, and layout possibilities. By the end of the consultation, the clients decided they wanted to remove their old failing patio, replace it with a new paver patio, install natural stone steps to make navigating their sloped terrain easier, install a retaining wall to help control soil movement, and finish the entire renovation with new landscape beds and rock ground cover to complete the aesthetic. Once everything was finalized, our team got to work.
We Removed Their Old Patio & Installed a New Paver Patio & Natural Stone Steps

The existing patio on this property was in very poor condition. It had shifted, cracked, and no longer had a stable or level surface. First, we demoed and removed the entire patio structure and prepped the area for installation. Preparing the site properly was crucial because it ensured that the new patio would be structurally sound and wouldn’t degrade prematurely.
Once we had a clean foundation, we installed their brand new paver patio. Pavers provide exceptional durability, allow for long-term longevity, and instantly elevate the appearance of any outdoor space. After the patio installation, we added natural stone steps leading through the slope of their backyard so that walking across their property was easier, safer, and much more accessible.
Next, We Installed a Versa-Lok Sandstone Retaining Wall to Control Soil Movement

Because their property had a slope, soil control was a major part of ensuring that this renovation lasted. To help stabilize the grade and prevent soil from shifting downhill over time, we installed a retaining wall using Versa-Lok Sandstone. This retaining wall serves both an important functional purpose and a major visual enhancement. Not only will this retaining wall help keep the soil in place and hold back erosion, but it also blends beautifully with the natural materials used throughout the rest of the project.
The Last Step Was to Add New Landscaping With Plants & Rock Ground Cover for a Complete Finish

To wrap up this renovation, we added new landscaping in both the front and back yard. We installed new plantings to build layers of color, texture, and seasonal appeal, and then finished the beds with rock ground cover for a clean, low-maintenance look that ties the entire property together.
The rock ground cover will hold up incredibly well in this environment and will help the homeowners avoid constant mulch refreshing or high ongoing landscape maintenance. Once all finishing touches were complete, this outdoor transformation no longer looked like a pieced-together lawn, but a cohesive, intentional outdoor space built to be enjoyed.
Contact us to start a landscaping project of your own!
If you are considering a landscaping or outdoor living renovation project in Grafton, IL, or a nearby community, our team at Creekside Landscapes can bring your vision to life just like we did here. Whether you need a new patio, steps, retaining wall, or a complete landscape overhaul, we can make it happen. Call us at (618) 374-0010 to schedule your consultation and start planning your next outdoor upgrade!

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