This Bonney Lake backyard started like many we see in the area—uneven grades, an aging deck, and a lawn that didn’t get much real use. With the region’s mix of rain, clay-heavy soils, and elevation changes, the space needed more than a cosmetic upgrade. It needed a smart, durable solution built for the Pacific Northwest.
The homeowners’ goal was straightforward: create a low-maintenance outdoor living space with better flow from the house, safer elevation changes, and long-term performance they wouldn’t have to worry about year after year.
Clearing the Way for a Better Layout
We began by removing the existing deck and selective retaining wall elements to open up the yard and reset the grade. In total, more than 50 cubic yards of material were excavated and managed between export and on-site placement.
In Bonney Lake, proper grading is critical—not just for looks, but to control water and protect the home. This phase allowed us to establish clean transitions and prepare the site for a patio that would drain properly in all seasons.
Built for Bonney Lake Conditions
Every Stabuilt patio starts with a foundation designed to last, especially in Western Washington’s wet climate. This project included:
- Compacted subgrade
- Woven geotextile fabric for separation and long-term stability
- 8.5–9 inches of compacted gravel base
- Precise grading to direct water away from the home
- Screeded bedding sand for a smooth, consistent surface
This system helps prevent settling, shifting, and drainage issues—common problems when patios aren’t built correctly in this area.
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A Modern Paver Patio with Room to Live
The heart of the project is a 2,732 sq ft paver patio installed using Belgard Dimensions 12 with DuraFusion technology. The clean, linear look pairs well with the home’s architecture while offering excellent durability and color consistency over time.
The layout was designed to maximize usable space, giving the homeowners plenty of room for entertaining, family time, and everyday use—without feeling crowded or overdesigned.
All borders were locked in with a concrete bond beam, and cuts were kept tight and intentional for a crisp, finished appearance.
Safe Steps and Stable Grade Control
To manage elevation changes, we rebuilt the step system using linear steps with consistent, code-compliant risers and deep treads for safe, comfortable movement between levels. The steps were finished with Marina coping, adding a clean edge detail that also improves durability.
We also installed a new grade wall to stabilize the surrounding landscape and protect existing structures—an important detail on sloped Bonney Lake lots where soil movement can become an issue over time.
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Drainage Designed for the Rainy Season
Good drainage is non-negotiable in Pierce County. This project includes multiple channel drains placed to efficiently move surface water across the patio and away from the home, helping prevent pooling and long-term moisture problems.
It’s not something you notice right away—but it’s one of the most important parts of the build.
The Finished Result
What was once a segmented, sloped backyard is now a cohesive outdoor living space designed specifically for Bonney Lake living:
- Smooth access from the home
- Safer, cleaner elevation changes
- Materials built to handle Northwest weather
- A modern, low-maintenance layout
- Long-term performance backed by Stabuilt workmanship
This is the kind of backyard upgrade that doesn’t just look good—it works, season after season.