Hardscaping & Outdoor Construction | Nelson & Tasman

Hardscaping creates the bones of your outdoor space – the patios where memories are made, the paths that guide your journey, and the structures that transform yards into living spaces. As earthworks specialists, we build hardscaping that works with your land, not against it.

Hardscaping that enhances property value

Quality hardscaping offers the best return on landscape investment. A well-built patio extends living space at a fraction of indoor construction costs. Proper paths and steps solve access issues while adding visual appeal. Outdoor kitchens and fire areas create entertainment spaces that buyers actively seek. When built on proper foundations with quality materials, hardscaping adds immediate value and lasting enjoyment.

Hardscaping services we provide

Concrete patios & entertainment areas

Outdoor living starts with level, stable surfaces. We pour reinforced concrete slabs with proper base preparation, control joints to manage cracking, and finishes from standard broom to exposed aggregate or stamped patterns. Integration with house levels, drainage falls away from buildings, and consideration for furniture placement and traffic flow. Perfect for BBQ areas, outdoor dining, or pool surrounds.

Paved areas & courtyards

Concrete pavers or natural stone create distinctive outdoor rooms. While material costs exceed plain concrete, pavers offer advantages: individual units can be lifted for service access, movement tolerance prevents cracking, and damaged sections are repairable. We ensure proper base preparation (150mm GAP40 minimum), edge restraints preventing spreading, and joint sand maintaining interlock.

Paths & walkways

Functional paths that enhance your property's flow and aesthetics. Options include:

• Concrete paths with decorative finishes
• Paver walkways with pattern options
• Gravel paths with proper edge definition
• Stepping stone paths through gardens
• Timber walkways for natural settings

Proper gradient management ensures accessibility while preventing puddles.

Steps & terraced levels

Nelson-Tasman's terrain often requires level changes. We build steps that are both safe and attractive:

• Consistent riser heights (150-175mm residential)
• Comfortable tread depths (minimum 280mm)
• Non-slip finishes for safety
• Integrated lighting options
• Handrail preparation where required

For larger level changes, we create terraced platforms with retaining walls.

Pool & spa surrounds

Pool areas demand specific considerations: non-slip surfaces for safety, proper drainage away from pool, stable base preventing settlement, and heat-resistant materials for comfort. We coordinate with pool installers, ensuring correct levels and falls. Exposed aggregate concrete remains popular for good reason – attractive, durable, and naturally slip-resistant.

Structural landscape features

Beyond flat surfaces, we build:

• Pizza oven bases and outdoor kitchen foundations
• Fire pit areas with safety setbacks
• Pergola footings and post supports
• Garden bed edges and borders
• Water feature bases and pump vaults
• Shed pads and utility areas

The earthworks advantage in hardscaping

Proper site preparation

Hardscaping fails from the ground up. Our excavation expertise ensures proper sub-base preparation, removing organic material that causes settlement. We achieve required compaction densities and address drainage before anything gets built.

Equipment for efficiency

Our excavators and compaction equipment handle site preparation that would take landscapers days to complete by hand. This translates to cost savings on larger projects.

Understanding levels and drainage

Every hardscaping element must integrate with existing levels while managing water flow. Our experience with site grading ensures your patio doesn't become a pond and paths don't channel water toward buildings.

Coordination with other trades

Hardscaping often involves multiple trades – concrete placers, paving contractors, electricians for lighting. We coordinate the groundwork and scheduling, keeping your project moving.

Material selection guidance

Choosing hardscaping materials balances aesthetics, function, and budget:

Concrete

Most cost-effective for large areas. Various finishes available. Requires proper jointing to control cracking. 25-30 year lifespan with minimal maintenance.

Pavers

Higher initial cost but repairable and flexible. Wide range of colours and patterns. Excellent for driveways and high-traffic areas.

Natural stone

Premium option with timeless appeal. Requires skilled installation. Each piece unique. Suitable for prestigious properties.

Gravel/chip

Budget-friendly for paths and utility areas. Requires edge restraint and occasional top-up. Good drainage characteristics.

Project planning considerations

• Council requirements for structures over certain sizes
• Boundary setbacks and height restrictions
• Service locations (don't concrete over the sewer!)
• Future access needs
• Integration with existing structures
• Maintenance requirements of different materials

Common hardscaping projects

• Creating outdoor entertainment areas for keen entertainers
• Solving steep access with properly designed steps
• Pool surrounds for new installations or renovations
• Commercial outdoor spaces for cafes and businesses
• Multi-level terraced gardens with integrated hardscaping
• Accessible paths for aging-in-place modifications

Ready to enhance your outdoor living?

Whether you're planning a complete outdoor transformation or targeting specific improvements, quality hardscaping creates spaces that enhance your lifestyle and property value. We handle the groundwork that makes everything else possible.

Discuss your hardscaping project – call 027 KIWIBUILD (027 549 428) to explore the possibilities.