How big should a patio be?

A dining table with chairs pulled out needs roughly a 12 by 14 foot area. We mark it out on site so the size is a decision, not a surprise.

Pavers or concrete for a patio?

Pavers give more design options and easier repairs. Concrete is simpler and often less expensive. Both work if the base is right.

Can you tie a new patio into my existing slab?

Yes. We use a clean transition or an isolation joint so the two sections can move independently.

What about tree roots?

We look at nearby trees during the estimate and adjust the layout or the base detail rather than cutting major roots.

Will the patio settle?

Settling comes from a thin or poorly compacted base. Compaction in lifts is the fix, and it is part of every job.

Can you add lighting later?

Easier if we sleeve conduit during construction. Mention it at the estimate even if you plan to add lights later.

How much does a backyard patio cost?

It depends on size, material (pavers, concrete or stamped concrete), how much digging and grading the yard needs, drainage, access for equipment, and extras like seat walls, steps or lighting. We measure on site and give you a written estimate, so you see the real number for your yard before anything starts.

What does a 20x20 paver patio cost?

For a 400 square foot paver patio, the price depends mostly on the paver you choose, how much digging and base rock the soil needs, drainage, access for equipment, and extras like borders, steps or seat walls. We measure on site and give you a free written estimate.

Can you redo or extend an old paver patio?

Yes. Sunken or uneven pavers can often be lifted, the base rebuilt and the same pavers relaid. We can also extend a patio and blend in new pavers, or replace it if the old ones are worn out.

Does a patio add value to my home?

A well-built patio adds usable outdoor living space, which many buyers look for. How much value it adds depends on your home and neighborhood, so we focus on building it right so it still looks good years from now.

How long does a patio install take?

It depends on the size, the prep the yard needs and the weather. We give you a schedule with your written estimate and keep you updated while the work is underway.

Do I need a permit or HOA approval for a patio?

Most ground-level patios don't need a building permit, but covered patios, raised patios, walls and some drainage work can. HOAs often need to approve the design first. We check what applies to your address and help you with the paperwork.

Paver Patio Installation in San Ramon & the East Bay

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

Golden Hills Landscape, Inc. installs and replaces paver patios in San Ramon and across Contra Costa and Alameda counties from our Bay Point base. Alfonso reviews your existing surface, access, drainage and seating layout before recommending materials and a written scope. We plan the patio around how you use the yard, with a compacted base and a path for rainwater.

Request a Free Estimate Call (925) 437-4446

Licensed #1118886 · Bonded and insured · English and Spanish

Paver patio with block wall edge opening onto artificial turf, built by Golden Hills

Projects we take on

Backyard paver and concrete patios
Front entry walkways and landings
Side-yard pathways with drainage
Seat walls, steps and fire-feature pads
Patio extensions around existing slabs

Materials and finishes

• Modular and large-format pavers
• Natural stone and flagstone
• Broom, salt and stamped concrete
• Decomposed granite pathways
• Coordinating seat-wall and step block

How the work goes

01Layout on siteWe chalk the shape on the ground so you can see the size before we dig.
02Excavation and baseSoil is cut out, base rock is placed in lifts and compacted, and the grade is checked as we go.
03Bedding and installationSand is screeded flat and pavers are laid to the pattern, with cuts kept off the main sightlines.
04Edges and jointsEdge restraint, joint sand and a final compaction lock the field in place.
05CleanupExcess material is hauled off and the surrounding area is cleaned and raked out.

Backyard patio ideas from our real projects

Every photo here is from a job we built. Tap one to see the full project.

Hillside patio with a gazebo, built-in bench and steps

Walnut Creek

On a sloped yard, a retaining wall creates the flat space and doubles as seating.

Paver patio and walkway with sod and decorative rock

Vallejo

Pairing pavers with lawn and rock turns an unused yard into one finished space.

Real projects

Replace what’s worn out. Plan what goes underneath.

A new paver patio, driveway replacement or retaining wall starts with the existing surface, the base and a path for water. Alfonso reviews those together and provides a written scope for your property. Start with the area you need most; ask about planning the rest in phases.

Finished stone paver patio with a dark contrasting border next to the house and lawn

East Bay · Actual project location

Old concrete out. Paver patio and drainage in.

Matt K. · 5/5 · Google

See photos and project details →

Walnut Creek · Actual project location

Paver patio, retaining walls and hillside steps

Saara C. · 5/5 · Google

See photos and project details →

Request a Free Estimate Compare driveway replacement options →How walls and drainage work together →

Puddles, sunken pavers or water by the house? See our Rain-Ready Yard drainage visit →

Preparation, drainage and durability

Patios get a slight fall away from the house so rain sheets off instead of pooling at the slider. Where a patio sits below grade or against a slope, we run drainage under it before the base goes down.

Why hire Golden Hills

More than 20 years of hands-on experience
Licensed California contractor #1118886
Bonded and insured, owner-led crews
Clear written estimates before work starts
Organized job sites and full cleanup
English and Spanish communication

Reputation

Customer feedback

“Had a great experience with Golden Hills Landscape. They installed pavers, irrigation, rocks, and sod in my backyard and did a fantastic job. Super professional, great prep work, and everything was done in a timely manner. Pricing was very fair. The yard looks amazing--would definitely use them again and highly recommend.”

Antwinette T., Vallejo, CA · Yelp

“Viktor listened to my concerns about my cracked driveway and came up with a creative, cost-effective solution that worked perfectly. The team worked tirelessly from morning until night and never skipped a day, staying on schedule and completing the job within the proposed time period. The quality of the work was outstanding--my driveway looks beautiful now, and the entire process was seamless.”

Hana C., Milpitas, CA · Yelp

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Google reviews above are pulled live from our Google Business Profile and shown unedited. Every quote links to the original review.

Patios & Walkways questions we get

How big should a patio be?: A dining table with chairs pulled out needs roughly a 12 by 14 foot area. We mark it out on site so the size is a decision, not a surprise.
Pavers or concrete for a patio?: Pavers give more design options and easier repairs. Concrete is simpler and often less expensive. Both work if the base is right.
Can you tie a new patio into my existing slab?: Yes. We use a clean transition or an isolation joint so the two sections can move independently.
What about tree roots?: We look at nearby trees during the estimate and adjust the layout or the base detail rather than cutting major roots.
Will the patio settle?: Settling comes from a thin or poorly compacted base. Compaction in lifts is the fix, and it is part of every job.
Can you add lighting later?: Easier if we sleeve conduit during construction. Mention it at the estimate even if you plan to add lights later.
How much does a backyard patio cost?: It depends on size, material (pavers, concrete or stamped concrete), how much digging and grading the yard needs, drainage, access for equipment, and extras like seat walls, steps or lighting. We measure on site and give you a written estimate, so you see the real number for your yard before anything starts.
What does a 20x20 paver patio cost?: For a 400 square foot paver patio, the price depends mostly on the paver you choose, how much digging and base rock the soil needs, drainage, access for equipment, and extras like borders, steps or seat walls. We measure on site and give you a free written estimate.
Can you redo or extend an old paver patio?: Yes. Sunken or uneven pavers can often be lifted, the base rebuilt and the same pavers relaid. We can also extend a patio and blend in new pavers, or replace it if the old ones are worn out.
Does a patio add value to my home?: A well-built patio adds usable outdoor living space, which many buyers look for. How much value it adds depends on your home and neighborhood, so we focus on building it right so it still looks good years from now.
How long does a patio install take?: It depends on the size, the prep the yard needs and the weather. We give you a schedule with your written estimate and keep you updated while the work is underway.
Do I need a permit or HOA approval for a patio?: Most ground-level patios don't need a building permit, but covered patios, raised patios, walls and some drainage work can. HOAs often need to approve the design first. We check what applies to your address and help you with the paperwork.

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.