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Hardscaping
Built With Style And Durability
Commercial & Residential
Hardscaping Services
Creating outdoor spaces that exemplify the beauty and function of your property. We specialize in patios, walkways, and much more.
Retaining Walls
Patios
Walkways
Pavers
Outdoor Kitchens
Concrete Work
Curbing
Garden Walls
Freestanding Walls
Hardscaping & Masonry Guide
What Every Homeowner Should Know
Masonry and hardscaping form the foundation of outdoor spaces including patios, walkways, steps and walls. These elements shape how your property looks, functions and drains.​​
Material Options
Natural Stone
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Blue Stone​
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Granite
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Feildstone
Manufactured
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Concrete pavers
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Porcelain pavers
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Engineered wall block systems
Classic Masonry
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Clay brick
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Belgium block (cobblestone)
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Veneer stone
Base & Aggregate
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Decorative gravel
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River rock
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Crushed stone
Installation Methods
​When installing masonry products there are two options for how they are installed. Both have pros and cons. Here are some key differences:​
Wet-Laid​
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Set in mortar over a concrete base
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Very rigid and durable
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Ideal for formal patios, steps, and walls
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Requires proper pitch and drainage
Dry-Laid​
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Installed without mortar on a compacted stone base
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Allows natural movement and drainage
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Performs well in freeze‑thaw climates
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Easier to repair over time
Stone Cuts, Finishes & Patterns
Are important for how a space feels and functions.
Here are some key features of each:
Square‑Cut
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Clean, formal appearance
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Tight joints
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Works well in modern or classic designs
Irregular‑Cut
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Natural, organic look
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Varied shapes and joint sizes
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Common in traditional and rustic landscapes
Thermal‑Finish
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Smooth, uniform texture
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Slip‑resistant
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Refined appearance
Natural Cleft‑Finish
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Rough, natural surface
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More texture variation
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Rustic character
Stacked Bond
Random
Running Bond
Ashlar
Herringbone
Basket Weave
Critical Installation Principles
These factors apply to all hardscaping and masonry work:
Pitch (Slope)
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Surfaces must slope away from structures
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Prevents standing water and ice
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Protects foundations and masonry joints
Drainage
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Water is the #1 enemy of hardscaping
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Proper base materials, pitch, and drainage systems are essential
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Poor drainage leads to movement, cracking, and failure
Compaction
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Soil and stone bases must be compacted in layers
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Prevents settling and uneven surfaces
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One of the most overlooked—but most important—steps
Soil Type
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Clay holds water and expands
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Sandy soils drain quickly but may shift
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Understanding soil conditions determines base depth and materials
Note: Efflorescence (White Haze on Stone)
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Usually cosmetic
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Caused by moisture moving through masonry and carrying salts to the surface
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Often fades over time, but can remain depending on the area's moisture content
Final Thoughts
A beautiful hardscape project isn’t just about what you see on the surface; it’s about the small details you don’t.
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At RVS, we combine expertise with an understanding of proper materials, correct installation methods and how water, soil, and movement affect your hardscape.