Finding a Builder of Custom Outdoor Living Spaces in Western Pennsylvania

Creating an outdoor living space is about more than installing a patio or adding a fire pit. The best projects bring several elements together so the finished space feels like a complete extension of the home.

In Western Pennsylvania, that takes careful planning. Sloped properties, elevation changes, drainage, access, retaining needs, and the way a family plans to use the space can all influence the design.

At Schellhaas Landscape Construction, we take a design-build approach to outdoor living. That means we look at the property as a whole, develop a coordinated plan, and manage the construction of the features that make the space functional and comfortable.

For homeowners researching custom outdoor living spaces in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, understanding what goes into a complete project can make it easier to choose the right contractor and set realistic expectations from the beginning.

What Qualifies as a Complete Outdoor Living Space?

A complete outdoor living space is not defined by the number of features in the backyard. What matters is how well those features work together.

A patio may serve as the foundation, but its size, elevation, and placement can affect everything around it. An outdoor kitchen needs enough room for cooking and circulation. A fireplace or fire pit changes furniture placement. Retaining walls may be necessary to create usable areas on a slope. Lighting affects how the space functions after dark. Drainage needs to be considered before finished surfaces are installed.

Landscaping ties those elements back into the rest of the property.

Depending on the homeowner's goals, an outdoor living project may include:

Paver or concrete patios and walkways
Outdoor kitchens and cooking areas
Retaining and landscape walls
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
Landscape lighting
Drainage and grading considerations
Plantings and landscape installation
Steps and transitions between different elevations

Not every project needs every feature. A successful design starts by determining how the space will actually be used.

Someone who frequently entertains may need dedicated areas for cooking, dining, and seating. Another homeowner may want a quieter backyard centered on a comfortable patio, landscaping, and a fire feature.

The design should reflect how the homeowner wants to live outdoors.

Why We Use a Design-Build Approach

Outdoor living projects often involve several types of work that depend on one another.

If a homeowner hires a separate company for the patio, another for the retaining wall, another for landscaping, and additional contractors for lighting or other features, someone still needs to coordinate the overall project.

That coordination becomes especially important when elevations, utilities, drainage, access, and construction sequencing are involved.

Our design-build process keeps the planning and construction connected.

Instead of treating the patio, walls, kitchen, lighting, and landscaping as unrelated projects, we can consider how each part affects the next. Design decisions can account for construction requirements before work begins.

For a simple project, hiring separate contractors may be workable. For a larger outdoor living project with several connected features, an integrated approach can make it easier to develop a cohesive plan and manage the work from beginning to end.

Planning Patios, Kitchens, Walls, Fire Features, Lighting, and Landscaping Together

The individual features of an outdoor living space matter, but the relationships between them matter just as much.

Patios and Walkways

The patio often determines how the rest of the outdoor space functions.

Before choosing a material or pattern, we look at practical questions such as:

How much space is needed for furniture?
Will the patio include dining, cooking, or multiple seating areas?
How will people move between the house, patio, and yard?
Are steps or elevation changes necessary?
How will water move around the finished area?

Paver and concrete patios can both work well in outdoor living projects. The right option depends on the design, property, budget, and homeowner preferences.

Walkways and transitions should also be part of the overall plan, so movement through the property feels natural.

Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen should be designed around how it will actually be used.

Some homeowners need a straightforward grill station with counter space. Others want a larger cooking and entertaining area with more room for preparation, serving, seating, and storage. Placement matters.

The kitchen needs to fit comfortably within the overall layout without restricting traffic or taking space away from dining and seating areas. Utility requirements and surrounding features should also be addressed before construction begins.

Planning the kitchen at the same time as the patio and other hardscape features makes it part of the space, not an addition squeezed into an existing layout.

Retaining and Landscape Walls

Retaining walls are especially important on many Western Pennsylvania properties.

A wall may be needed to manage a slope, create a level patio area, establish different elevations, or make more of the yard usable.

Because walls can affect grading, steps, drainage, patio elevations, and planting areas, we prefer to address them early in the design process.

Landscape walls can also help define areas within the property while adding structure to planting beds and transitions.

Fireplaces and Fire Pits

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits create a relaxing gathering area and give the design a strong focal point.

The right choice depends on the space size, how the area will be used, and how the fire feature fits with surrounding seating and circulation.

A fireplace may create a more defined outdoor room, while a fire pit can support seating around several sides. Neither option is automatically better. The design should match the property and the homeowner's priorities.

Planning the fire feature early helps us account for its location, surrounding hardscape, seating arrangement, and relationship to the rest of the outdoor space.

Landscape Lighting

Lighting changes how an outdoor living space functions in the evening.

It can help illuminate steps, walkways, patios, walls, plantings, and gathering areas while making the property easier to navigate after dark.

Lighting is most effective when it is included in the design from the beginning. Planning early allows you to consider the necessary infrastructure before patios, walls, and landscaping are complete.

Drainage

Drainage may not be the feature homeowners are most excited to discuss, but it is an important part of outdoor living design.

Adding patios, walls, walkways, and other hardscape can change how water moves across the property.

That is why you should consider drainage and grading before building the final layout.

Every property is different. Existing slopes, surrounding grades, soil conditions, structures, and local requirements can all affect the appropriate approach.

The goal is to understand those conditions during planning rather than discover a drainage issue after the project is finished.

Landscaping

Landscaping helps the completed space feel connected to the home and the rest of the property.

Plantings can provide screening, soften hardscape, define different areas, and add seasonal interest around patios, walls, and gathering spaces.

When landscaping is included in the original design, we can plan appropriate space for planting beds, lighting, walkways, walls, and other features, rather than fitting plants into leftover areas at the end of construction.

How Western Pennsylvania Terrain Affects Outdoor Living Design

Pittsburgh and the surrounding region are known for properties with hills, slopes, and changing elevations.

These conditions can strongly influence outdoor living projects.

A plan that works on a flat lot may not suit a sloped backyard. Elevation changes can affect patio placement, wall construction, steps, equipment access, drainage, and how different parts of the property connect.

That does not mean a sloped property cannot become a functional outdoor living space. It means the slope needs to be part of the design.

In some cases, retaining walls can create a level area for a patio. In others, a multi-level design may make better use of the existing terrain. Steps and walkways may need to connect different elevations.

Drainage also needs careful attention because changing grades or adding hard surfaces can affect how water travels through the property.

Western Pennsylvania's seasonal weather is another factor to consider. Proper base preparation and construction methods matter when outdoor features face freeze-thaw cycles.

With more than 25 years of experience in landscaping and outdoor living work, we have worked with a wide range of property conditions. That local experience helps us evaluate what a particular site needs before finalizing the design.

How to Choose a Qualified Outdoor Living Contractor

Choosing a contractor for a large outdoor project involves more than comparing photos or selecting the lowest estimate.

A custom outdoor living space can involve significant changes to the property, so homeowners should understand who will design the project, who will build it, and how the work will be managed.

Here are several questions worth asking:

Does the contractor look at the entire property?

The conversation should go beyond patio size and material.

A contractor should consider grade, drainage, access, existing structures, elevations, surrounding landscaping, and how the homeowner plans to use the finished space.

Who handles the design?

Ask what the design process includes and how the contractor will communicate the proposed layout. For projects involving several features, it is important to understand how patios, walls, kitchens, fireplaces, steps, lighting, and landscaping will work together before construction begins.

Who coordinates construction?

If several trades or phases are involved, find out who coordinates them.

Clear project management becomes increasingly important as the scope grows.

At Schellhaas, our owners remain involved in the business and project process rather than separating design, sales, and construction into disconnected experiences.

Does the contractor have experience with comparable projects?

A small patio installation and a complete outdoor living project can require very different levels of planning and coordination. Ask to see examples that reflect the type and complexity of project you are considering.

Is the contractor properly insured and qualified?

Homeowners should verify appropriate insurance, licensing when applicable, and relevant professional credentials before hiring a contractor.

Our qualifications include Unilock Authorized Contractor status. Homeowners should still feel comfortable asking about credentials, materials, construction methods, and project-specific details.

How are budget and scope handled?

The contractor should be willing to discuss budget early.

That conversation helps determine which features are realistic and where the homeowner may need to prioritize.

It is also important to understand what is included in the proposal and how the contractor handles requested changes once work begins.

What to Expect During an Outdoor Living Project

Every project is different, but most comprehensive outdoor living projects move through several general phases.

1. Initial Consultation

The first step is understanding the property and the homeowner's goals.

We discuss how the space will be used, which features matter most, potential site challenges, project priorities, and the general investment range.

We also review grade, access, existing conditions, and the relationship between the home and the proposed outdoor space.

2. Design and Planning

Once we understand the goals and site conditions, the design can begin taking shape.

For larger projects, this may include patio layout, retaining walls, steps, kitchen areas, fireplaces or fire pits, lighting, landscaping, and other features.

We use the design phase to coordinate those elements before construction begins.

3. Scope and Budget Alignment

Design decisions and budget decisions should happen together.

Materials, project size, site preparation, walls, kitchens, fire features, landscaping, and other options can all affect the total investment.

This phase lets us refine the design so the scope and priorities align with the homeowner's budget.

4. Site Preparation

Construction often starts with work that will eventually be hidden beneath or behind the finished project.

Depending on the site, this can include excavation, base preparation, grading, drainage work, and preparation for walls or other structural features.

This phase matters because the visible parts of the project depend on the work underneath.

5. Construction and Installation

Once your site is prepared, you can install the major outdoor living features.

The exact sequence depends on the project, but this phase may include patios, retaining walls, steps, outdoor kitchen components, fire features, walkways, and related improvements.

6. Lighting, Landscaping, and Finishing Work

Landscaping, lighting, final details, and cleanup complete the transformation.

At this point, the separate parts of the project should come together as one outdoor environment, not a collection of individual installations.

How Much Does a Custom Outdoor Living Space Cost?

There is no single useful price for a custom outdoor living project because the scope can vary significantly.

Our projects generally range from approximately $10,000 to $250,000.

The final investment depends on various factors, including:

Overall size
Site access
Excavation and grading requirements
Retaining walls
Drainage needs
Patio materials
Outdoor kitchen features
Fireplaces or fire pits
Lighting
Utilities
Landscaping
Overall project complexity

A project toward the lower end of that range will naturally have a different scope than a comprehensive backyard renovation involving multiple hardscape and outdoor living features.

The property's condition also matters. A sloped backyard requiring extensive retaining and grading work may need more of the budget to create a stable, usable area before adding additional features.

That is why we believe the budget conversation should happen early.

Knowing the investment range helps us focus the design on the features that matter most, instead of developing a plan that doesn't match the homeowner's expectations.

Why Experience With Complete Outdoor Living Projects Matters

A comprehensive outdoor living project requires decisions about design, construction, materials, drainage, grading, sequencing, and how the finished space will be used.

Those decisions become more connected as the project grows.

With more than 25 years of experience, we have built our process around both landscape construction and complete outdoor living design.

Our design-build approach allows us to consider the project as a whole, from the first discussion about the property through construction and final details.

That does not mean every homeowner needs a large or complex backyard renovation.

It means that when several features are involved, it's worth working with a contractor who understands how the pieces fit together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Outdoor Living Spaces in Pittsburgh

Can you build an outdoor living space on a sloped property?

In many cases, yes. A sloped property may require retaining walls, grading, steps, drainage planning, or a multi-level design. The right approach depends on the site's specific conditions.

Is design-build better than hiring separate contractors?

A design-build approach can be particularly useful when a project includes several connected features because design and construction are coordinated within the same overall process. Hiring separate contractors can also work, but the homeowner needs to understand who will coordinate the different phases and trades.

How much should I plan to spend on an outdoor living project?

Our outdoor living and landscape construction projects generally range from approximately $10,000 to $250,000. The right budget depends on the project size, site conditions, materials, and the number and complexity of features included.

Should drainage be planned before the patio?

Yes. Consider drainage and grading during the planning stage because patios, walls, and other hardscape features can change how water moves across the property.

When should retaining walls be included in the design?

Consider retaining walls early whenever grade changes or sloped areas may affect usable space. Their placement can influence patio elevations, steps, drainage, landscaping, and the overall layout.

What should I prepare before an outdoor living consultation?

Think about how you want to use the space, which features matter most, examples of designs you like, and the general investment range you are comfortable discussing. We can then evaluate those priorities along with the actual conditions of your property.

Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Space

A successful outdoor living project starts with understanding the property, the people who will use the space, and the features that matter most.

Whether you are considering a new patio, outdoor kitchen, retaining walls, fire feature, landscape lighting, landscaping, or a more comprehensive backyard renovation, we can help you look at the project as one complete design.

Request an outdoor-living design consultation with Schellhaas Landscape Construction to discuss your property, priorities, and project goals.

Newer Post >

Schellhaas Landscape Construction Shares Pittsburgh Homeowner Guide to Planning a Paver Patio

By Mike Schellhaas • September 8, 2026

Pittsburgh landscape contractor outlines what homeowners should know about patio design, drainage, base preparation and Western Pennsylvania freeze-thaw conditions PITTSBURGH, Pa., Sept. 09, 2026 — A well-planned paver patio starts long before the first paver is installed. For Pittsburgh-area homeowners, decisions about patio size, drainage, grading, base preparation and future outdoor features can be just as important as choosing the finished surface. Schellhaas Landscape Construction, a Pittsburgh-area landscape construction company with more than 25 years of outdoor living and landscape experience, is sharing practical guidance for homeowners planning paver patios and larger outdoor living projects across Western Pennsylvania. The company says Pittsburgh's sloped properties, changing elevations, precipitation and repeated freeze-thaw cycles make it particularly important to evaluate the entire site before deciding on patio dimensions, materials or layout. “A successful patio starts with understanding the property and how the homeowner actually wants to use the space,” said Mike Schellhaas, owner of Schellhaas Landscape Construction. “The pavers are what people see when the project is finished, but drainage, grading, base preparation, elevations and planning for other outdoor features are all important parts of the process.” For homeowners researching a paver patio contractor in Pittsburgh , understanding those fundamentals can also make it easier to compare designs, construction methods, materials and contractor proposals. Start With How the Patio Will Be Used Before selecting a paver color or pattern, homeowners should determine what they want the finished patio to accomplish. A space designed for two people to sit outside in the evening has different requirements than one intended for family dinners, larger gatherings or multiple outdoor living zones. Dining tables, lounge furniture, grills, outdoor kitchens, fire features, planters and additional seating all require room. Homeowners also need enough clearance for chairs and comfortable movement between cooking, dining and gathering areas. The relationship between the patio and house matters, too. Existing doors, stairs, walkways, kitchen access, views and traffic patterns can all influence the best layout. For a larger project, homeowners may want to consider the patio as one component of a custom outdoor living space in Pittsburgh , allowing connected features to be planned together. Pavers vs. Poured Concrete: Look Beyond Appearance Both pavers and poured concrete can create functional residential patios. The appropriate choice depends on the property, design preferences, budget and long-term expectations. Pavers are individual manufactured or natural paving units installed over a prepared base. Different sizes, colors, textures, patterns and borders can be used to visually define dining, cooking, seating or gathering areas. Because pavers are individual units rather than a continuous slab, individual pieces can also be removed when access below the patio is necessary or replaced if a unit becomes damaged. Poured concrete creates a continuous surface and may be appropriate for homeowners who prefer its appearance or whose project requirements make it a practical choice. Neither material eliminates the need for proper site preparation. Concrete can develop cracks as conditions beneath and around the slab change. Paver installations can experience settling or movement when the base, drainage, edge restraints or installation are inadequate. In either case, the finished surface is only part of the project. Base Preparation Can Determine Long-Term Performance What homeowners see when a paver patio is complete is only the top layer of the installation. A paver patio generally requires excavation followed by preparation of the subgrade and installation of an appropriate aggregate base and bedding layer. The pavers are then installed, restrained at the perimeter, compacted as required and finished with the specified joint material. The exact construction method can vary depending on soil, elevation, drainage requirements, paver specifications and project design. Insufficient excavation, poor compaction, inappropriate base materials, weak soils or trapped water can contribute to settling, shifting, uneven sections and drainage problems. For that reason, homeowners comparing paver patio contractors near Pittsburgh should ask more than which brand of paver a contractor installs. Questions about excavation, base construction, compaction, soil conditions and finished grading can provide a better understanding of what is included in a proposal. A premium paver cannot compensate for an improperly prepared foundation. Pittsburgh Properties Make Drainage and Grading Important Water needs an appropriate place to go. A patio should be designed so surface water moves away from the home's foundation and does not collect in unwanted areas. On Western Pennsylvania properties with slopes, retaining walls, neighboring grades or significant elevation changes, that can require additional planning. Depending on the property, a project may involve establishing the correct surface pitch, evaluating existing drainage patterns, modifying grades, incorporating drainage components or using retaining walls to create usable elevations. Properties with significant slopes may therefore require the patio to be coordinated with a retaining-wall design and installation plan rather than treating the two projects independently. Freeze-Thaw Conditions Should Be Part of the Plan Pittsburgh regularly experiences temperatures that move above and below freezing during colder months. Because water expands when it freezes, excessive moisture within or beneath an outdoor surface can contribute to movement or deterioration through repeated freezing and thawing. Paver systems can perform well in freeze-thaw climates when the complete installation is designed appropriately. The individual units allow a segmental pavement to respond differently to minor movement than a continuous concrete slab. Choosing pavers alone, however, does not solve freeze-thaw concerns. Proper base construction and drainage remain important so water can move away rather than remaining trapped beneath the patio. When evaluating a paver patio contractor in Pittsburgh, homeowners should ask how the proposed installation method addresses both drainage and local climate conditions. Techo-Bloc or Unilock? Consider the Complete Design Techo-Bloc and Unilock both manufacture concrete pavers and hardscape products commonly used for patios and other outdoor applications. Homeowners can compare paver size and scale, surface texture, color variation, border options, pattern possibilities, intended use and compatibility with walls and steps. Schellhaas Landscape Construction is a Unilock Authorized Contractor. Material selections can be considered during the design process based on the architecture of the home, construction requirements, homeowner preferences and product availability. Rather than selecting a brand based solely on a photograph, homeowners can evaluate how a particular paver works within the overall outdoor living design. Plan Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Features and Lighting Early One of the most important questions to answer before patio construction is what may eventually be added to the space. Even if every feature will not be installed immediately, future plans can influence patio dimensions, base preparation, utility locations, elevations and layout. An outdoor kitchen, for example, needs sufficient room for cooking equipment, counters, storage, preparation areas and circulation. Gas, water and electrical requirements can also affect construction. Homeowners considering this feature can consult an outdoor-kitchen planning guide before establishing the final patio footprint. Fire pits and fireplaces require consideration of location, clearances, seating arrangements and circulation. Landscape lighting may require wiring or conduit. Pergolas and other shade structures can affect foundation locations and furniture placement. Planning anticipated utilities and features before construction can also reduce the need to disturb a completed patio later. Ask Contractors About More Than the Square-Foot Price Homeowners comparing contractors can use the planning process to better understand what each proposal includes. Useful questions include: How will drainage be evaluated on the property? What type of base system will be used? How will the base be prepared and compacted? How will the patio be graded? How will Pittsburgh's freeze-thaw conditions be addressed? Does the property require a retaining wall? Can the design accommodate a future outdoor kitchen or fire feature? Which paver products are appropriate for the design? How will elevation changes be handled? Should utilities or drainage components be installed before the pavers? A contractor should be able to explain why a particular construction method is being recommended for the property rather than focusing only on the finished appearance or square-foot price. Customer Aaron Thomas pointed to the planning and design process after Schellhaas Landscape Construction completed three projects at his property, including a 20-foot-diameter patio designed to resemble a Celtic stone circle. “Easy to work with from design to the end, Mike’s expertise, insights and suggestions gave us the confidence to let them create these beautiful areas without the need to ‘supervise’ the progress,” Thomas wrote in a Google review. Think About the Entire Backyard A patio may become the foundation of an outdoor living space, but it does not need to be planned in isolation. Thinking about dining, cooking, seating, retaining walls, lighting, walkways, fire features, landscaping and changes in elevation before determining the final patio footprint can help create a design in which the different parts of the property work together. Schellhaas Landscape Construction designs and installs paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fire features, landscape lighting and complete outdoor living spaces for Pittsburgh-area homeowners. The company currently serves South Fayette, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Oakdale, Bridgeville, Imperial, Robinson, McMurray, Canonsburg, Peters Township, Venetia, Washington, Hickory, Finleyville, Sewickley, Wexford, Cranberry and other surrounding communities. Homeowners interested in planning a paver patio or complete outdoor living project can contact Schellhaas Landscape Construction to request a design consultation and discuss their property, patio ideas, material options, drainage needs and future outdoor features. About Schellhaas Landscape Construction Schellhaas Landscape Construction is a Pittsburgh-area landscape construction company with more than 25 years of outdoor living and landscape experience. The company designs and installs paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces, landscape lighting, water features, landscaping and custom outdoor living spaces throughout the Pittsburgh region. Schellhaas Landscape Construction is a Unilock Authorized Contractor.