How Middle Tennessee heat, heavy rain, clay soil and freeze-thaw cycles affect patios, decks, walls and plants.
Middle Tennessee has hot, humid summers, heavy rain and winters that swing above and below freezing. Much of the soil is clay, which holds water, swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Together these conditions move the ground and push on everything built on it.
Patios, decks and walls respond to those forces. Water in the soil freezes and expands, clay moves, and sun and rain wear surfaces. Good bases, drainage, joints and materials help. Plants selected for the climate cope better. We design around these conditions and share care tips for each season.
Hot summers stress materials and plants.
Storms test drainage and soil.
Swells when wet and shrinks when dry.
Water in the ground expands and moves surfaces.
Deep, compacted stone helps.
Hardy plants handle the swings.
Elevated and Second-Story DecksTall decks off upper floors and sloped lots, with engineered posts, bracing, stairs and railings built for safety…Explore 
Deck Railings and StairsNew and replacement deck railings and stairs in wood, composite, aluminum, glass and cable, built for safety and…Explore 
Landscape WalkwaysPaver, stone and concrete walkways that connect doors, driveways, patios and gardens with smooth, safe and good-looking paths.Explore 
Steps and StoopsSafe, handsome steps and stoops in stone, pavers, brick and concrete that fix awkward entries and handle grade…Explore 
Custom DrivewaysCustom concrete, paver, stamped and decorative driveways with a deep base, steel, drainage and borders that match the…Explore 
Patio Drainage and French DrainsFrench drains, catch basins and grading that move water away from patios, walls and the house and keep…Explore 
Sod and Lawn InstallationSod, seed and lawn renovation with grading and soil preparation that give you a thick, even lawn around…Explore 
Artificial TurfSynthetic turf installed on a drained, compacted base for play areas, pet runs, putting greens and low-maintenance yards.Explore Pick a material, size a job or ballpark a budget.
Patio Material Picker QuizAnswer a few questions about looks, upkeep, drainage, kids, pets and budget focus to see which patio materials usually fit.Try it 
Patio Size and Materials CalculatorEnter your measurements to see square feet, pavers, base stone, sand, concrete, deck boards or wall block to plan for.Try it 
Patio and Outdoor Living Budget PlannerPick a patio, deck, kitchen, fire pit, wall or lighting job, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Water in the soil freezes and expands, and a weak base lets the surface move.
Yes, footings need to go below the frost line and onto stable soil.
Compost and good drainage improve it, and tough plants cope well.
Comparison guidePatio MaterialsHow pavers, poured concrete, stamped concrete, natural stone, brick, tile and gravel differ in look, comfort, upkeep and…Learn more 
Comparison guidePavers vs Stamped vs StoneA side-by-side look at three popular patio surfaces: interlocking pavers, stamped concrete and natural stone.Learn more 
Comparison guideWood vs Composite DeckingHow pressure-treated wood, cedar, hardwood and composite decking differ in look, upkeep, heat and lifespan.Learn more 
Comparison guidePergolas, Pavilions and GazebosHow pergolas, pavilions, gazebos, covered patios and louvered roofs differ in shade, rain protection, structure and style.Learn more Call and describe your yard and what you would love to do outside. A designer will listen, talk through the options and give you a clear written estimate.
