Can you build a patio on a sloped backyard?

Yes. A level pad is cut into the slope and held with a retaining wall, which is exactly how this Walnut Creek patio was built. The wall design depends on how much soil it holds and what is above and below it.

Wood or block for a retaining wall?

Both work when they are built correctly. This project used both — a pressure-treated wood wall behind the patio, where it doubles as a bench back, and capped block along the patio edge. Height, soil and the look you want decide which fits.

Do you build steps up a steep hillside?

Yes. Consistent rise, solid footing and drainage behind each step are what make hillside steps safe to use year after year.

Can a repair turn into a larger project?

It happens often. We quote what you asked for first, then show you what a larger scope would involve and what it would cost, so the decision stays yours.

Walnut Creek, CA · Contra Costa County

Complete backyard makeover in Walnut Creek — paver patio, gazebo, retaining wall and hillside steps

Name: Golden Hills Landscape, Inc.
Address: Bay Point, CA, US
Telephone: (925) 437-4446

What started as a fence and retaining wall repair turned into a full backyard rebuild: a 14' x 17' paver patio with a gazebo, a pressure-treated wood retaining wall with a built-in bench seat, replanted hillside and steps that make the steep slope safe to walk.

Verified Yelp review from the homeowner · June 21, 2026

Request a Free Estimate Call (925) 437-4446

Licensed CA Contractor #1118886Bonded & InsuredVerify with the CSLB

Walnut Creek backyard before the work: bare dry hillside above an older block retaining wall, with lawn and a concrete path below — Before — a steep, bare hillside above the old block wall, with no safe way up.

After

Finished Walnut Creek backyard: a raised paver patio with a wood gazebo, wood retaining wall and stone steps set into a replanted hillside — After — raised paver patio, gazebo, wood retaining wall and steps up the replanted hillside.

What the homeowners started with

The back of the property climbed steeply away from the house. An older block wall held part of the slope, and above it the hillside was dry, bare and hard to reach — nobody used it. The original call was to repair the fence and that wall.

How the project grew

Once we looked at the slope as a whole, it made more sense to rebuild the usable space than to patch it. We cut in a level pad for a 14' x 17' paver patio, set a pressure-treated wood retaining wall behind it with a bench seat built into the face, capped the block wall along the patio edge and put a gazebo on the finished surface. Steps in stone and timber now run up the hill, with a stepping stone path through the new planting.

Why hillside work has to be built right

On a slope, everything depends on what holds the soil and where the water goes. Walls need proper base, backfill and drainage behind them, and steps need consistent rise and solid footing or they shift after the first wet winter. That part of the job is invisible once the pavers go down, and it is the part that decides whether the yard still looks like this in ten years.

Photos from this project

Tap any photo to view it larger and step through the set.

Gazebo on the new paver patio in evening light, with the pressure-treated wood retaining wall and bench seat wrapping two sides — The gazebo sits on the raised paver patio, with the bench seat built into the wood wall.

The Walnut Creek patio and gazebo lit at night, with lights washing the block retaining wall and each stone step — Low-voltage lighting on the wall, the steps and under the gazebo.

View from under the lit gazebo across the paver patio toward the wood retaining wall and the hillside steps — From under the gazebo, looking across the patio to the hillside steps.

Cut-stone steps rising from the lower concrete patio to the upper paver patio, framed by block retaining walls — Stone steps connect the lower yard to the new patio level.

Block retaining wall with a heavy cut-stone cap running alongside the paver patio, holding back the planted hillside — The capped block wall holds the slope back off the patio.

Timber and paver steps climbing the replanted hillside between ornamental grasses and fresh mulch — Steps up the hill, so the whole slope is usable again.

Stepping stone path of square pavers set in rounded gravel with timber edging, crossing the mulched hillside — A stepping stone path ties the hillside planting together.

What the homeowner said

“My wife and I recently hired Golden Hills Landscaping for a fence and retaining wall repair project that ultimately evolved into a complete backyard makeover. We could not be happier with the results. Alonso, the owner, was a pleasure to work with from start to finish. He took our general ideas and turned them into a cohesive, functional outdoor design that beautifully complements our property while staying within our budget. The scope of the project included building a 14' x 17' patio area with a gazebo, installing a pressure-treated wood retaining wall, constructing a patio bench seat, landscaping our hillside, and building steps to provide safe access up our steep hill. The craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the project were outstanding. Alonso and his team were consistently prompt and professional. Whenever unexpected issues arose, Alonso was transparent and communicated clearly about the situation, available options, and any associated costs. We greatly appreciated his honesty and commitment to delivering the highest quality work. My wife and I are thrilled with our new outdoor living space and look forward to enjoying it for years to come. Our only regret is that we didn't undertake this project 20 years ago when we first moved into our home. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Alonso and the entire Golden Hills Landscaping team and would highly recommend them to anyone considering an outdoor improvement project.”

Saara C., Walnut Creek, CA · Yelp review · June 21, 2026

Questions about a project like this

Can you build a patio on a sloped backyard?: Yes. A level pad is cut into the slope and held with a retaining wall, which is exactly how this Walnut Creek patio was built. The wall design depends on how much soil it holds and what is above and below it.
Wood or block for a retaining wall?: Both work when they are built correctly. This project used both — a pressure-treated wood wall behind the patio, where it doubles as a bench back, and capped block along the patio edge. Height, soil and the look you want decide which fits.
Do you build steps up a steep hillside?: Yes. Consistent rise, solid footing and drainage behind each step are what make hillside steps safe to use year after year.
Can a repair turn into a larger project?: It happens often. We quote what you asked for first, then show you what a larger scope would involve and what it would cost, so the decision stays yours.

Ready to Improve Your Outdoor Space?

Whether you’re planning a new driveway, patio, walkway, retaining wall, drainage system or complete outdoor renovation, Golden Hills can help you understand the right next step.