Paver and Natural Stone Patios Installed By Jake Gramm

Jake Gramm • July 28, 2025

Natural Stone and Paver Patio Installation in Pittsburgh


Whether you're looking to enhance your outdoor entertaining or create a peaceful retreat steps from your back door, Gramm Outdoor brings expert craftsmanship and custom design to every patio project.


Why Invest in a Custom Patio?


Your outdoor space should enhance the comfort and beauty of your home by offering the perfect place to relax, gather, and enjoy the seasons. At Gramm Outdoor Contracting, we specialize in transforming backyards across Pittsburgh into inviting outdoor living spaces with custom patios that blend function, form, and style.


As outdoor living continues to remain a popular feature of any home, a professionally installed patio can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal and resale value. Whether you're hosting friends or simply enjoying your morning coffee outside, a well-designed patio creates a lasting impression and years of enjoyment.


Our Patio Installation Services


At Gramm Outdoor Contracting, we offer two signature patio solutions—each tailored to your preferences and lifestyle:


Natural Stone Patios


Natural stone patios offer a timeless look that complements traditional and modern homes. We commonly work with materials such as flagstone, slate, and bluestone to create unique patterns and layouts that bring natural beauty to your backyard.


Natural stone is known for its long-lasting durability and minimal maintenance requirements, making it a wise investment for Pittsburgh homeowners who want lasting quality without constant upkeep. Its organic textures and subtle color variations provide a high-end aesthetic that blends effortlessly with your landscape.


Paver Patio Installation


Paver patios are a great choice for homeowners seeking design flexibility and affordability. With a variety of colors, shapes, and laying patterns, pavers allow for truly custom layouts—whether you envision a cozy seating nook, a fire pit area, or a spacious dining space.


Paver patios are fast to install and built to withstand Pittsburgh's seasonal climate shifts. They're also easy to repair, making them a long-term, low-stress solution for your outdoor space.


Whether you're dreaming of a rustic natural stone retreat or a crisp, modern paver design, our team is ready to create the patio of your dreams.


Why Choose Gramm Outdoor Contracting?


Choosing the right patio contractor near you is key to a successful project. At Gramm Outdoor Contracting, we bring over a decade of hardscaping experience to each installation. As a locally owned and operated company, we understand the Pittsburgh region's terrain, seasonal challenges, and the materials that perform best year-round.


From the start, you'll work with a dedicated team that listens closely to your goals. We offer personalized design consultations and 3D renderings to help you picture your new outdoor space before construction begins.


Our process includes careful attention to site preparation, drainage, and grading, ensuring your patio isn't just beautiful—it's built to last.


Our clients often highlight our clear communication, efficient timelines, and the pride we take in every detail.


Are you looking for a patio contractor near you who delivers excellence every step of the way? Gramm Outdoor Contracting is here to help.


The Process: From Design to Completion


We make the patio installation process smooth and stress-free, with a clear plan that keeps you informed and involved:


Initial Consultation – We visit your home to discuss ideas and evaluate your space.

Custom Design Proposal – Our team crafts a design that fits your vision, needs, and budget.

Material Selection – Choose from premium natural stone or pavers in various styles.

Expert Installation & Cleanup – Our skilled crew completes your patio with attention to detail and care, and ensures your property is cleaned up after we complete the job.

Final Walkthrough – We review the finished work with you to ensure complete satisfaction.



From start to finish, we prioritize communication, quality, and your peace of mind.


Project Gallery


Explore our portfolio of completed patio installations—from organic, natural stone layouts to vibrant, patterned paver designs. Our gallery highlights the craftsmanship and variety we bring to every outdoor living project.


Serving Pittsburgh and Beyond


Based in the South Hills, Gramm Outdoor Contracting proudly serves homeowners across Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities.


If you're searching for a patio contractor near you who's committed to quality, transparency, and lasting beauty, we invite you to start your project with us.


Ready to Transform Your Backyard?


Let's create a custom patio that enhances your home and lifestyle.


Author: Jake Gramm


Owner & Founder of Gramm Outdoor Contracting, Jake leads crew of experts in hardscaping and landscaping installations providing top notch work to the Pittsburgh area.


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Avoid These DIY Pitfalls, Call Gram Outdoor

By Jake Gramm • August 19, 2025
Are you thinking about building your dream backyard patio yourself? The idea can be tempting: save money, enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, and create a space your family will love. However, patio installation for Pittsburgh homeowners can be more complex than anticipated, and small mistakes can lead to big problems down the line. That's where Gramm Outdoor Contracting, an experienced patio installation company in Pittsburgh , comes in. With years of experience in professional patio installation, we understand the regional climate, terrain, and techniques needed to create a beautiful, lasting outdoor space. Before you roll up your sleeves and grab a shovel, let's explore the hidden risks of DIY patio construction and why hiring a professional could save you time, money, and hassle. Drainage Problems Can Ruin Your Investment Water Pooling Pittsburgh's rainfall and topography make drainage and patio design critical. A common DIY oversight is failing to grade the surface properly, which results in puddles forming on the patio. Over time, this leads to slippery surfaces, mold or algae growth, and faster material deterioration. Erosion If you don't redirect the water away from the patio, it can erode the soil underneath or around it. This undermines the patio's foundation and may even disturb your surrounding landscaping. Water Damage Without proper drainage, water can migrate toward your home's foundation, potentially causing basement leaks, structural damage, or mold. Professional patio contractors like Gramm Outdoor plan for drainage from the beginning—using slope analysis, quality base materials, and geotextile fabrics to prevent long-term damage. Structural Issues Are Hard (and Expensive) to Fix Later Shifting and Sinking DIY patio builders often skip or skimp on excavation and base preparation. Without compacted gravel and sand layers, pavers can shift or sink over time, creating uneven surfaces, trip hazards, and costly repairs. Cracking In Pittsburgh's freeze-thaw climate, water can seep into cracks, freeze, and expand, splitting slabs or shifting pavers. To prevent this damage, our professionals incorporate proper spacing, materials rated for freeze resistance, and expansion joints. Edge Restraint Failure Skipping edge restraints or installing them incorrectly can cause pavers to "creep" outward over time, ruining the patio's symmetry and structural integrity. Frost Heave Improper installation depth or failure to use compacted base layers can lead to frost heave, a condition in which the ground swells in winter and damages the patio surface. Once installed, it's challenging to fix, and it dramatically shortens the patio's lifespan. Material and Tooling Issues Add Up Quickly Wasted Materials It's common for first-time DIYers to miscalculate the amount of paver stone, gravel, or sand needed. Errors in cutting or layout can create waste, delay progress, and inflate the budget. Expensive Tools Installing a backyard patio requires specialized equipment, such as plate compactors, wet saws, tampers, and more. These tools are expensive to rent, and in most cases, you'll only need them once. Delivery and Transport Hauling gravel, pavers, and sand isn't easy. Delivery minimums, rental truck costs, and physical labor often surprise homeowners. A patio installation company like Gramm Outdoor handles all sourcing and logistics efficiently, with access to local suppliers and bulk discounts. Safety Hazards You Might Not Expect Uneven Surfaces An improperly leveled patio can result in trip-and-fall accidents, especially for families with young kids, seniors, or guests. Liability concerns become very real when the surface is unstable or unpredictable. Improper Patio Cover Installation Are you thinking about adding a pergola or shade structure to your new patio? DIY covers without the right supports or anchoring can collapse under high winds or snow loads. Professionals design with code-compliant safety measures and durability in mind. Heavy Lifting and Physical Strain Moving hundreds of pounds of materials in the summer heat can lead to back injuries, dehydration, or exhaustion. Even weekend warriors may find the physical toll overwhelming, especially on sloped Pittsburgh yards. Hidden Costs That Can Exceed the Price of Hiring a Pro Repair Costs Fixing drainage, correcting grade issues, or pulling up uneven pavers can cost more than having it done professionally in the first place. And once materials are damaged, you'll often need to repurchase them. Tool Rental or Purchase As mentioned earlier, the cost of specialized equipment adds up quickly. Renting tools over a multi-weekend project can match or exceed contractor labor rates, without the professional expertise. Time Investment What starts as a fun weekend task can stretch into weeks of evenings, weekends, and trips to the hardware store. Delays due to weather, material shortages, or unexpected issues are common. By contrast, a professional patio installation company can streamline the process, delivering faster and more reliable results. Why Hire a Patio Installation Company Like Gramm Outdoor? Gramm Outdoor Contracting is more than just a patio builder we're experts in outdoor design and construction with a deep understanding of what Pittsburgh properties need to withstand the elements. Here's what sets them apart: Precision grading and base preparation for long-lasting results Custom patio designs that complement your home and lifestyle Integrated solutions, including retaining walls, landscaping, and drainage systems Knowledge of local soil, climate, and building codes Efficient project management to minimize disruption and stay on budget Whether you're installing a paver patio, adding a fire pit, or planning a complete backyard transformation, Gramm Outdoor gets the job done right the first time. Explore more of their services, from hardscaping to landscape design, to make the most of your outdoor space. Pay Less In The Long Run, Hire A Professional Installing a patio yourself can seem like a cost-effective choice, but the hidden risks, structural challenges, and potential safety issues often make DIY more trouble than it's worth. A well-installed patio enhances your property's value, creates a beautiful space to enjoy with friends and family, and gives you peace of mind knowing our team has built it to last. Are you thinking about upgrading your backyard? Contact Gramm Outdoor Contracting today to schedule your consultation with Pittsburgh's trusted patio professionals.

Retaining Wall Options to Build And When Each Is Best

By Jake Gramm • July 1, 2025
Pittsburgh's hilly terrain and frequent rain create beautiful landscapes, but they also come with unique challenges. Erosion, runoff, and steep slopes can make yard maintenance difficult and even pose risks to your property. For many homeowners, retaining walls are a practical solution that balances function and form. Whether you're hoping to level your yard for a garden, support a new patio, or prevent water damage, choosing the right type of retaining wall is essential. This guide explains the most common types of retaining walls, when each works best, and how factors like soil, space, and budget should guide your decision. Why Retaining Walls Are Common in Pittsburgh Retaining walls serve as structural solutions for managing soil on uneven ground. In neighborhoods like Mt. Lebanon, Brookline, and Upper St. Clair, where elevation changes are part of the landscape, homeowners frequently install these walls to prevent erosion, manage water flow, or make outdoor areas more usable. But their value goes beyond utility. A thoughtfully designed retaining wall can create garden beds, define outdoor living spaces, and add architectural interest. As with any home improvement project, the key to long-term satisfaction is selecting a wall type that fits your goals and site conditions. 

Do I need A Permit To Build A Backyard Pond?

By Jake Gramm • May 23, 2025
Adding a pond to your backyard can bring peace, beauty, and wildlife to your outdoor space. Whether you want a small koi pond or a larger water feature, proper planning and compliance with local rules is essential. If you live in Pittsburgh or the South Hills, here is what you need to know before you begin backyard pond construction. Why Pond Regulations Matter Backyard ponds are considered landscaping features, but they can affect water flow, drainage, and even wildlife. Most municipalities have zoning, stormwater, and safety rules that may apply to pond construction. These rules are designed to prevent flooding, protect public safety, and ensure that ponds do not interfere with existing infrastructure or natural habitats. Working with experienced pond builders in Pittsburgh can help ensure your project is compliant and stress-free. A professional pond contractor in Pittsburgh will understand the permitting process and how to design a pond that meets local codes while enhancing your property. Pond Regulations in Pittsburgh In the City of Pittsburgh, small decorative ponds installations are allowed as accessory structures. However, if you are digging more than five feet deep or moving over 50 cubic yards of earth, you must obtain a Land Operations Permit. If your pond includes pumps, lighting, or other electrical systems, an electrical permit will likely be required as well. Pittsburgh also enforces strict stormwater management guidelines. If your project disturbs more than 10,000 square feet of land or adds over 5,000 square feet of impervious surface, a stormwater management plan is mandatory. This plan must demonstrate how your pond will handle runoff without overwhelming the city's combined sewer system. 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A well-designed pond with a waterfall can attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. It can also support aquatic plants and fish, creating a vibrant mini-ecosystem. With professional pond installation service, these features are easy to maintain and provide lasting beauty throughout the seasons. Why Hire a Professional Pond Contractor in Pittsburgh A professional pond contractor in Pittsburgh does more than dig a hole and fill it with water. Reputable pond builders in Pittsburgh will evaluate your yard’s slope, soil type, drainage, and exposure to sunlight. They can design a system that includes proper liners, skimmers, pumps, and filters to keep your water clean and safe. They will also help you avoid common mistakes, such as building too close to utility lines or underestimating overflow capacity. Their experience with local permitting processes ensures your project moves forward without delays. A professional pond installation service will also consider aesthetics and ecology. The best backyard ponds blend seamlessly with landscaping, attract birds and beneficial insects, and use native plants to reduce maintenance. Get Started with Gramm Outdoor At Gramm Outdoor, we specialize in custom backyard pond construction across Pittsburgh and the South Hills. Our team understands the unique zoning and stormwater rules in communities like Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and South Park Township. We handle the permitting process, site planning, and installation so you can focus on enjoying your new water feature. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Whether you want a peaceful koi pond or bubbling waterfall in your garden, our expert pond installation service can help you design and build the perfect backyard retreat.

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