Landscape Newsletter Issue 31
Print Document
Print/Download

Raised Patios: A Step Above the Rest
In Sharonville, OH – a quaint and beautiful suburb of Cincinnati – an extraordinary outdoor patio was built this spring with rave reviews from the homeowners. This raised outdoor patio has it all from a floor to ceiling fireplace, hot tub, a kitchen/bar area with pizza oven, and an entertainment area - everything one needs to entertain in style.

Before the transformation the homeowners would look out their patio door to a small cement pad with a sloping backyard and wish they had something better. With busy lives, they knew they would not be able to tackle such a project on their own, so they sought out the help of a contractor that could expand their home outdoors and build them something they could really enjoy.

With so many possibilities, they worked with a general contractor and explained their thoughts and ideas. When the plan was finalized the homeowners knew it was going to meet all their needs and more.

One of the first steps of the project was to level the backyard. That’s when Octavio Sanchez from Master Retaining Wall Solutions of West Chester, OH and his crew were brought in to install a retaining wall to create the raised patio the foundation of the project. Using Allan Block’s Abbey Blend pattern, from the AB Europa Collection, along with 80 tons of backfill material the project had begun.

With the wall and paver floor in, an extension to the roof was installed over part of the patio that expanded their home right out into the outdoors. Octavio then installed the AB Courtyard Collection on top of the retaining wall to enclose the patio. This 2-sided wall system added privacy as well as additional seating for their larger gatherings. Lighting and built-in speakers were added to the AB Courtyard wall for a complete entertainment package.

For access to the backyard a beautiful set of stairs were installed. With great detailing work from Octavio, the beautiful and flexible AB Courtyard products and wrought iron handrails give the staircase an upscale look and feel. The entire project took about 2 months and the homeowners couldn’t be happier. Another great project with Allan Block.

Retaining wall with patio surround and stairs

Before Retaining Wall Photo

Retaining Wall Construction

After Photo: retaining wall with stairs       Patio Enclosure with walls and posts



Raised Patios - So Many Possibilities
Raised patios, come in many different shapes and sizes and with their natural appearance and low maintenance they are popular for both backyards and also for a new approach to landscaping the front yard.

As with the traditional ground level patio, raised patios can be built using our retaining wall products from our AB Collection, AB Europa Collection or AB Fieldstone Collection. They can be raised just a few inches above ground level or several feet. Pavers are the perfect compliment to complete the surface of the patio. To enclose the patio, which gives the feeling of an “outdoor room”, a great twosided patio wall system - AB Courtyard - is a fantastic choice.

Raised patios, unlike wooden decks, have the advantage of being low in maintenance. You won't have to stain your wall, for example, and the blocks and pavers will not rot. Because they are made of concrete they are also very durable and virtually won't wear out. Installing a raised patio uses the same steps outlined in our Landscape Walls Guide for building a retaining wall. Before beginning make sure to check with your local city in regards to any permits that may be required.

Raised Patio with Steps
Raised Patio Before Shot

Raised Patio Construction

Raised Patio with block walls

Raised Patio with Lighted Posts and Patio Surround

Raised Patio with Posts and Patio Surround

Stairways Big and Small

Steps and stairs can come in a variety of shapes or sizes. Depending on your project and what you have envisioned, Allan Block is versatile enough to create just about anything.

Entryways

All great entryways begin with a welcoming walkway that ushers visitors to your front door in grand fashion. With Allan Block, the options for entrance walks are endless.

To give your front entry even more allure, consider widening or flaring the steps and sidewalk out rather than just a straight set of steps.



Stairs on a steep slope

Slopes

Steep Slopes

To tame steep slopes and create more outdoor living area, a quick set of stairs can take you from one patio to another. Almost like adding a 2nd story addition.
Front Entry Stairs Stairway to Front Door

Retaining walls with stairs and light posts

Entryways

Landscape Accents

To give your entryway the utmost in elegance and grandeur, consider using concrete accents, such as posts or pillasters.

Patio surround with posts and pergola

Patio entry light post

Stairs to raised patio

Curved Retaining Wall with Stairs 		Retaining Wall Stairs

Raised patio with stairs
Landscape Accents

Flowing Landscapes

Stairs provide a beautiful way to easily access any part of your property and can add instant curb appeal to your home. Create flowing curved stairs with larger landings for an easy stroll up the hill.

Match your stairway design to the natural grade of your slope.
  • On steep slopes, keep the blocks tight together.

  • On gentle slopes, add pavers or other materials to increase the depth of the tread and length of the run.

  • Landings can soften a long stairway and provide an easy way to tie sets of steps together.
Curved Stairs

Curved Stairway

Stairs with Landing

Flowing Landscapes

Want to learn more? Check out our basic installation for stairways.

Finishing an Allan Block Wall
Patio Surround with Posts and a Pergola

AB Courtyard Patio Surround

Concrete Caps

AB Capstones

Plantings

Plantings

Decorative Rock

Decorative Rock
The Allan Block retaining wall systems can be finished off in several different ways. When designing your project, take into account how you want the finished wall to look. Here are a couple options:
  • Use AB Capstone
  • Use decorative rock or mulch
  • Use plantings or sod
  • Use AB Courtyard
Learn more on finishing your project