Solving Backyard Drainage Problems While Expanding a Patio

Excel Landscaping completed this custom paver patio and drainage correction project in St. Louis, MO, helping homeowners create a larger outdoor living space while eliminating a drainage issue that had caused water to collect in the area where the patio was planned. Located near Brentwood, Clayton, and Rock Hill, many properties throughout central St. Louis County require careful drainage planning before hardscape construction begins. Completed on May 25, 2025, this project took just three working days and transformed an underutilized section of the backyard into a functional space designed for grilling, entertaining, and future hot tub use.
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3 Working Days

Approximate completion timeline

Paver Patio + Drainage Correction

Custom Paver Patio Installation with Drainage Correction

St. Louis, MO

Residential Patio Transformation in St. Louis, MO

The Project At a Glance

Creating More Room for Outdoor Living

The homeowners wanted a larger patio that could comfortably accommodate a hot tub, grill, outdoor furniture, and family gatherings.

While the backyard had enough available space, the existing patio area felt limited and didn’t provide the functionality they were looking for. Their goal was to create a dedicated outdoor living area that felt more open and versatile while serving as an extension of the home.

As planning began, it became clear that simply installing a larger patio wouldn’t fully solve the problem. The area where the new patio was planned experienced standing water during heavy rain events, creating a challenge that needed to be addressed before construction could move forward.

Addressing the Drainage Issue Before Construction Began

One of the biggest reasons paver patios fail prematurely is poor drainage beneath and around the installation area.

In this backyard, rainwater routinely collected where the new patio would be built. Installing pavers without correcting the drainage issue could have led to ongoing water problems and potentially impacted the long-term performance of the patio.

Before construction began, our team evaluated how water moved throughout the yard and developed a drainage strategy designed to capture runoff before it reached the patio surface.

By solving the drainage issue first, we created a foundation for a patio that would remain stable, functional, and attractive for years to come.

With the water management plan finalized, construction could begin.

Installing a Larger Paver Patio with Integrated Drainage Protection

Once the layout and drainage plan were complete, construction began with excavation and site preparation.

The homeowners selected County Materials Majestic pavers with a charcoal border, creating a clean, timeless appearance that complements the home’s exterior while defining the expanded outdoor living space.

Installation Process

With the drainage strategy finalized and the patio layout established, construction could begin. The project focused on creating a larger outdoor living space while ensuring rainwater would be properly managed beneath and around the new patio to support long-term performance.

  • Excavating and preparing the site allowed the project area to accommodate both the patio structure and the planned drainage improvements.
  • Installing drain boxes near the patio helped capture rainwater that previously pooled within the backyard and redirect it away from the finished outdoor space.
  • Constructing a compacted aggregate base provided long-term support for the patio while promoting proper water movement beneath the paver system.
  • Installing County Materials Majestic pavers with a charcoal border created a clean, finished appearance that clearly defined the expanded outdoor living space.
  • Applying polymeric sand and completing final compaction locked the pavers together, strengthened joint stability, and enhanced long-term durability.

With construction complete, the homeowners finally had the larger outdoor living space they envisioned without the drainage concerns that previously limited the area.

A Backyard Built for Grilling, Relaxing, and Gathering

The completed project dramatically improved both the appearance and functionality of the backyard.

What was once a section of the yard affected by standing water became a spacious outdoor living area designed for entertaining, relaxing, and future hot tub installation. The larger patio now provides plenty of room for grilling, outdoor furniture, and family gatherings while the drainage improvements help protect the space during heavy rain events.

By combining patio expansion with proper water management, the homeowners gained a backyard that not only looks better but also performs better throughout the year.

BEFORE & AFTER RESULTS

How Drainage Improvements and a Larger Patio Transformed the Backyard

We excavated the slope to install a multi-tiered Belgard retaining wall system paired with a French drain network. This corrected the water flow and created a flat paver patio surface the family could enjoy throughout the season.
RELATED SERVICES BEHIND THIS TRANSFORMATION​

St. Louis Hardscape Services Behind This Transformation

We provide professional patio installation, drainage correction, and outdoor living solutions throughout St. Louis County. This project combined patio drain installation, water management planning, and custom paver patio construction to create a larger, more functional backyard built for long-term performance.

Drainage Installation

Water routing planned before the surface material goes down.

Drainage Correction

Fix standing water, runoff issues, and soggy areas with grading and drainage solutions planned around your property.

Paver Patios

Custom patio installs planned around slope, drainage, and daily use.

Local Experience Across St. Louis County

Our crews are familiar with drainage, access, grading, and clay soil conditions across nearby communities.

Free property assessment. No travel fees. No surprises.

THE FIRST STEP IS SIMPLE

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?​

Tell us about your property and we’ll take it from there. Every project starts with a site visit, no commitment required.