Do hardscaping projects require permits?

Some projects require permits or engineering, depending on what is being built and the conditions of the property. When yours does, we can advise on what is needed and handle the permitting process, including bringing in engineers or other outside expertise.

Can you build hardscaping on a steep or sloped lot?

Yes. Steep slopes are a particular strength, including sites in environmentally critical areas and properties along the water. On a slope, terraced walls, stairs, and landings can shape the hillside into a series of level outdoor rooms, each with its own view, planting, and lighting.

Hardscaping Services in Woodinville and the Greater Seattle Area

J Szabo Collaborative Landscapes designs and builds hardscapes from our shop in Woodinville for homes in Bellevue, Redmond, across the Eastside, and throughout Seattle. Our hardscaping services include natural stone and paver patios, retaining walls, walkways, stairs, driveways, and custom stonework, all planned within the larger landscape and carried from design through project completion by one team.

Request A Consultation

(425) 548-0955

Stone patio with beige bricks and gravel accents, featuring a small step. Pebbles and a plant border the space, creating a neat appearance.

What We Build

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Hardscapes establish the permanent structure of a landscape, and we build them with a high level of craft. We plan each patio, wall, path, and stone element around your property, including its elevations, drainage, planting, your home’s architecture, and the way you want to move through and live in the space. Our construction work also includes custom carpentry and decks, part of our full service landscape design and construction.

A landscaped garden with vibrant flowers and stone paths overlooking a calm lake, with a small dock and distant forested shoreline.

Stone & Paver Patios

Natural stone, concrete, or paver patios and gathering areas designed around how you use the space, how people move between the house and landscape, and how the finished surface connects with surrounding planting.

Modern house with large windows, balcony, and landscaped garden featuring shrubs and trees. No recognizable landmarks or historical buildings are visible.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls in steel, poured concrete, modular block, or natural stone that turn sloped properties and changes in elevation into usable terraces, with drainage, structure, and the surrounding landscape considered from the beginning.

Stone steps in a garden setting, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants. The area is well-lit by small garden lights.

Walkways, Stairs & Driveways

Walkways, stairs, and paved driveways that create clear circulation through the property and respond to changes in elevation, drainage, and adjacent landscape features.

A stone pillar with the number 16617 is surrounded by plants and greenery, situated outdoors near a building in daylight.

Stone & Masonry Work

Custom stonework and masonry incorporated into walls, patios, stairs, pathways, custom water features, and other built landscape elements as part of the property’s overall design.

A stone patio with raised planters, two lanterns, and a house entrance. Sunlight casts warm shadows on the textured surface.

Stone and Paver Patios

We design and build patios as part of the larger landscape, considering which material best aligns with the home and design goals, whether natural stone, pavers, or concrete. Each patio is shaped around the character of the property, with grading, drainage, and the connection to the home and surrounding planting considered from the start. Our design team works with you to select materials through samples or an excursion to the stone yard.

Careful base construction, grading, and drainage are what keep a finished surface beautiful through Pacific Northwest winters and seasonal temperature changes. We’ll advise you on whether and when to seal, and how to care for your new hardscape. Every detail of our landscape construction work is built to last.

A serene garden scene with wooden chairs, a large stone planter, vibrant flowers, and abundant greenery under dappled sunlight, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Retaining Walls

We design and build retaining walls that turn changes in elevation into usable, beautiful spaces on sloped properties across the Greater Seattle area. Steep slopes are a particular strength, and retaining walls can also establish terraces and create graceful transitions between levels of the landscape. We build walls in steel, poured concrete, modular block, and natural stone, choosing the material that best suits the architecture of the home and the character of the site.

Every wall is designed around how water moves through the site, so it performs through the Pacific Northwest’s long wet season. Taller or more complex walls may require engineering and permits, and we handle that process depending on project needs.

“They are a fantastic landscaping company. Their designs were great, and they readily incorporated our input. The crews were such hard workers and had to meticulously measure and install drainage systems/a rock wall/hardscape/plantings in our multi-slope design to eliminate any water pooling during heavy rains.”

Paul K., Google review, December 2025

A stone pathway lined with lush greenery leads to a seating area, nestled among tall hedges and trees. No people or landmarks visible.

Walkways, Stairs and Driveways

Movement through the landscape has a huge effect on how a space is experienced. We design and build walkways and stairs that connect different areas of the property, making changes in elevation comfortable and inviting. Placement is planned around the hierarchy of spaces and the natural routes between entrances, patios, gardens, and other areas of the landscape. Small details make all the difference.

Paved driveways can also be incorporated into the larger hardscape plan, with grading, drainage, coherent materials, and transitions to adjacent planting. This space is often overlooked and can be an important part of the sense of arrival to your home.

Stone steps lead through a garden with large planters and greenery. A small pathway light illuminates the natural, rustic setting.

Stone and Masonry Work

Natural stone and masonry bring structure, texture, and permanence to walls, patios, stairs, pathways, and other landscape features. We are passionate about custom stonework, and every stone is placed with care, whether it anchors a terrace or finishes a single step.

We plan stone and masonry alongside the surrounding architecture, hardscape, and planting, so these built elements feel as if they have always belonged to the landscape. Great design delivers both beauty and function, and we bring that same value to the detailing of our stonework.

“Our project was an extensive combination of stonework and garden design/installation, which included embedded feature pots, moon gate, lighting, irrigation, and a water feature.”

Karen G., Google review, August 2026

Hardscaping for Greater Seattle Area Properties

Hardscaping in Woodinville, Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle draws on the qualities that make the Pacific Northwest distinctive: sloped properties, mature trees, dappled shade, and wet winters followed by dry summers. We design with those qualities in mind so the finished landscape feels rooted in place.

Stone pathway with large rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and garden lighting, under bright sunlight. No recognizable landmarks or historical buildings present.

Slopes and Drainage

On a sloped lot, walls and stairs turn different elevations into connected, usable spaces. On wet sites, surface and subsurface drainage are planned before a single patio stone is set.

A serene garden features lush greenery, a wooden bench, large ceramic pot, and manicured bushes, creating a peaceful and inviting outdoor space.

Shade and Planting

In shaded areas, we choose materials that suit the light and age beautifully. We also consider how trees, shrubs and other plantings will relate to patios, walls and pathways as the landscape matures.

A garden features large rocks, gravel pathway, greenery, and a small lamppost, creating a serene, natural outdoor setting.

Integrated Landscape Lighting

Lighting built into walls, stairs and pathways adds to their usability and beauty, from cap lights on a masonry wall to lights set into a stone stair. We design and install low-voltage landscape lighting in-house as part of the hardscape plan, so you can enjoy the landscape well after dark.

Our Hardscape Process: Dream, Design, Build… and Thrive

Dream

A preliminary phone call, then an on-site interview to learn about your property, how you use it, and what you want the finished landscape to make possible.

Design

We explore a wide range of materials, then plan patios, walls, stairs, and pathways in relation to one another, the architecture, and the surrounding landscape.

Refine

As materials, grading, and drainage are finalized, we manage any engineering, modeling, or permitting in-house, so every piece stays connected to the design.

Build

The same team that planned your hardscape carries it into construction and is on site to make sure the details are right.

Thrive

We review the finished hardscape as part of the whole landscape. Our warranty lasts a year, and we’re your experts for a lifetime.

What Our Clients Say

See more completed patios, retaining walls, stonework, and full landscape projects in our Gallery.

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matt Jubelirer 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
We had a wonderful experience working with Erin Sibuma and the team at J Szabo Collaborative Landscapes! They were prompt, responsive, and clear in their communication throughout the project. The crews worked hard and did a fantastic job transforming our outdoor space. We’re thrilled with the results and highly recommend Erin and the team!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kim Berry 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked many years with Jen, Camry and Erin on many projects. Their experience is top notch, and they are all very professional, knowledgeable and easy to work with. The designs they come up with and the end product is nothing short of spectacular. I have heard nothing but praise from the clients when the project is complete. I highly recommend them.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ian Herrera 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The JSzabo Team were selected to help us establish a functional outdoor space for our home. I picked them based on multiple recommendations and knowledge of their expertise from being associated with Molbaks (RIP).

They helped us bring about a vision for how we would use our space as well as the aesthetic we hoped to achieve. They also planned in functional needs like addressing drainage and how to keep moisture from the foundation.

Every step of the way they have been responsive, imaginative, flexible and easy to work with, even getting creative when we need to value engineer some things.

Our project is larger than we could manage all at once and they gave us a good phased approach that was well thought out and stage.

The quality of their work is top notch and we have received multiple compliments in the neighborhood about our transformation.

They are going to do more work for us and I highly recommend them to help bring your project to life.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Gary 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful experience working with Jen and Erin! These ladies strike such a lovely balance of professionalism and genuine warmth as they work with their clients. Our project was an extensive combination of stone work and garden design/installation, which included imbedded feature pots, moon gate, lighting, irrigation and a water feature. Everything was thoughtfully planned and placed to create year round color and beauty, As any challenges came about, they were addressed and corrected, and we felt that we had the support of a team who was invested in making everything the best it could be. We now enjoy a true oasis on our own property, which feels like a botanical garden vacation every day.  What a soul filling blessing!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pete Cangany 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Jen for several years now and she, Erin and Jose never disappoint. Jen is my first call on all things landscaping!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Robin Sanders 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. JSzabo Collaborative Landscapes recently recreated the garden of our new house (front, back, and side yards, as well as parking strip). The outdoor space was very overgrown and hadn’t been touched in probably a couple of decades. I can’t say enough about what a great job Jen, Camry, and the crew did. The design was thoughtful, detail oriented, and exactly what we needed in the space. It went from a weedy mess with hazardous crumbling stairs to a harmonious series of spaces intertwined with a gorgeous water feature.  They did a great job listening in the design phase (living up to the “collaborative” part)  and incorporated pretty much everything from our lengthy wish list as well as many other thoughtful elements (including outstanding planning for pathways, irrigation, and lighting.)  Communication was timely and organized. We’re so excited to have an outdoor space that is both functional and beautiful, and we look forward to watching it grow over time.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Koshiyama 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +1
They are a fantastic landscaping company. Their designs were great and they readily incorporated our input. The crews were such hard workers and had to meticulously measure and install drainage systems/a rock wall/hardscape/plantings in our multi-slope design to eliminate any water pooling during heavy rains. Jen and Camry’s attention to detail were evident during the design process and onsite visits. Plus any punchlist items were handled in a timely manner.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Wilson 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jen, Erin, and the whole team did an incredible job on our landscaping. Every single person was wonderful to work with. We showed up with broad functional and esthetic goals and they went from design to a complete and beautiful build. We have a unique front yard and a small, awkwardly sloped backyard into which we wanted to squeeze a swim-spa among other things. I really appreciated their drive to do their absolute best. We saw this in the design phase when they clearly pushed themselves harder than we did. They came up with a functional and very dynamic design that we would never have considered by ourselves. We also saw this in the build phase when they were quick to redo a nontrivial amount of work when it became clear it was subtly flawed. The flaw was entirely esthetic and something that only the designers and the homeowners would ever even notice, but it mattered to them to get it right. I highly recommend J Szabo Collaborative!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Gerry Lenocker 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jen & Erin did a great job creating a backyard we enjoy every day. Erin especially was fantastic in the design stage, from our initial wish list to the lovely actual plan. The build crew was great to work with, working hand-in-hand with Erin and us through landscape, hard scape, and planting. All in all, working with J Szabo & Erin was truly a collaborative and positive experience!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tamra Dipoto 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are always extremely happy with the design and install of our seasonal outdoor flower containers that Erin assembles for us. We’ve been working with her for years and she never disappoints!

Modern house with landscaped garden, featuring neatly trimmed hedges, potted plants, and a small seating area. A person walks along the sidewalk.

Where We Work

We’re based in Woodinville, where we design hardscapes for properties ranging from established landscapes to larger residential sites with significant grading, planting, and drainage considerations.

In Bellevue and Redmond, varied topography, mature landscapes, and existing vegetation shape how patios, retaining walls, pathways, and other permanent elements come together with the home. Many of the communities we serve border water, and we’re skilled at working in sensitive areas, from Medina on Lake Washington to Redmond on Lake Sammamish and into Seattle, bordering both lake and sound. We also design and build across the Eastside and north into Snohomish County, including Bothell and Canyon Park, Kenmore, Kirkland and Juanita, Mill Creek, Snohomish, and Mukilteo.

Hardscaping Questions

Pricing per square foot varies widely with site conditions, materials, grading, and the amount of construction involved. For example, one patio might be about $20 per square foot, another about $50, and a hand-fabricated masonry stone patio closer to $90 to $100 per square foot.

One of our strengths is helping you define a budget that works for you and your home, then designing toward it or planning a phased approach. We’ll work with you to select materials that fit both the design vision and the budget. The best starting point is a preliminary phone call, followed by an on-site interview so we can understand the property and the scope you have in mind.

A dining patio on a site with good access might take less than a week to install, while a complex, layered design with retaining walls, stairs, and patios may take a few months. Because one collaborative team handles the whole process, the timeline is planned and shared with you before we break ground, with weather and other factors built into the plan, and we keep you updated throughout.

Yes. J Szabo Collaborative Landscapes is a design-build firm, which means we handle both the design and the construction of your landscape, with one vision carried from the first conversation through project completion. We self-install the majority of the disciplines we design, including hardscape, planting, low-voltage lighting, and irrigation.

When a design calls for a specialty discipline, we coordinate with longtime partners for that work. We never limit a design to what we build in-house, because the design is always driven by what’s right for the property.

Design-build is where we do our best work, because one team and one vision carry the design through construction. We also work well within larger project teams alongside architects, engineers, and landscape architects. If you’re looking for design only, tell us about the project on a preliminary phone call, and we’ll let you know whether we’re the right fit.

Ready to Start?

Planning a patio, retaining wall, walkway, driveway, or larger hardscape project in Woodinville, Redmond, Seattle, or across the Eastside? Tell us about your property and what you imagine building.

Request A Consultation

(425) 548-0955

Hardscaping Services in Woodinville and the Greater Seattle Area

What We Build

Stone & Paver Patios

Retaining Walls

Walkways, Stairs & Driveways

Stone & Masonry Work

Stone and Paver Patios

Retaining Walls

Walkways, Stairs and Driveways

Stone and Masonry Work

Hardscaping for Greater Seattle Area Properties

Slopes and Drainage

Shade and Planting

Integrated Landscape Lighting

Our Hardscape Process: Dream, Design, Build… and Thrive

Dream

Design

Refine

Build

Thrive

What Our Clients Say

Where We Work

Hardscaping Questions

Ready to Start?

Contact

Company

Services

Service Areas

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