Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our services? Find answers to the most common inquiries below and get the information you need to plan your project.

Service Area & Coverage

Peters’ Patio & Landscape is based in Kenyon, Minnesota, and we’re proud to serve most of southern Minnesota. Our service area includes Rochester, Lakeville, Owatonna, Faribault, Northfield, Cannon Falls, Albert Lea, Prior Lake, and the surrounding communities throughout Rice, Goodhue, Steele, Dodge, and Dakota Counties. If you’re located in southern Minnesota and aren’t sure whether we service your area, give us a call and we’ll let you know if we can help with your project.

Products & Materials

We use only premium-grade hardscaping materials from industry-leading manufacturers to ensure your outdoor living spaces stand up to Minnesota’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Our paver selection includes top brands like Unilock, County Materials and Rosetta, which are specifically engineered for our climate. For retaining walls, we work with proven systems from manufacturers like County Materials that provide both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. We’re happy to discuss specific product options during your consultation and help you select materials that match your design vision and budget.

Getting Started

Our estimating process is straightforward and designed to give you an accurate quote for your project. First, you’ll contact us to schedule a consultation at your property. During this visit, we’ll walk your outdoor space with you, discuss your goals and vision, take measurements, and assess site conditions like drainage, grade, and soil. We’ll also show you material samples and talk through design options. Within a week of our meeting, you’ll receive a detailed written proposal that breaks down the scope of work, materials, timeline, and investment. We encourage you to ask questions throughout the process so you fully understand what’s included in your project.

We handle both design and installation, working with you from concept through completion. Many homeowners come to us with a general idea of what they want but need help refining the details and creating a cohesive plan. We’ll collaborate with you to design a patio, wall, or outdoor living space that fits your property, complements your home’s architecture, and meets your functional needs. Our design process considers everything from traffic flow and entertaining spaces to drainage solutions and plant integration. Once you approve the design, our experienced crew handles the complete installation using best practices that ensure long-lasting results.

Minnesota’s limited construction season means planning ahead is essential. For spring projects, we recommend reaching out in late winter or early spring to get on our schedule before the busy season fills up. For summer and fall work, contacting us at least 6-8 weeks in advance gives us time to design your project, order materials, and place your project on the schedule. However, we understand that some projects need to move quickly, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate your timeline. Even if you’re just starting to think about a project for next year, it’s never too early to schedule a consultation and begin the planning process.

Yes, we provide complimentary on-site consultations and estimates for all projects. During this no-obligation visit, we’ll assess your property, discuss your vision, and provide you with a detailed proposal at no charge. For projects requiring detailed design plans, renderings, or custom layouts, there is a design fee that will be discussed during your consultation. This investment in professional design ensures your project is properly planned and executed to meet your specific needs and site conditions.

Project Timeline & Scheduling

Project timelines vary based on size and complexity, but most residential patio installations take between 3-7 days from excavation through completion. Larger projects with multiple features like patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces may take 2-4+ weeks. Retaining wall projects depend on wall height and length but generally range from a few days for smaller decorative walls to a week or more for large structural installations. Weather can impact schedules since we can’t install pavers in rain or freezing temperatures. When we provide your proposal, we’ll give you an estimated timeline specific to your project, and we’ll communicate with you throughout the installation to keep you informed of progress.

Maintenance & Care

Proper maintenance keeps your paver patio looking beautiful for decades. We recommend sweeping your patio regularly to prevent debris buildup and rinsing it with a garden hose as needed. A few times per year, use a mild detergent and scrub brush for deeper cleaning, or consider a pressure washer on a low setting for stubborn stains. It’s encouraged to reseal your pavers every 2-3 years to protect against stains and weather damage while enhancing color. Joint sand may settle over time and should be replenished to prevent paver movement. During winter, use plastic shovels instead of metal to avoid scratching, and stick with calcium chloride ice melt rather than rock salt, which can damage pavers. We’ll provide you with detailed care instructions specific to your paver type when we complete your installation.

Site Challenges

Absolutely. In fact, dealing with sloped or uneven terrain is one of our specialties. Southern Minnesota properties often have challenging grades, and we have extensive experience transforming these difficult sites into functional, beautiful outdoor spaces. Depending on your yard’s topography, we might recommend a terraced patio design, retaining walls to create level areas, or strategic grading to manage drainage while creating usable space. Sloped yards actually present unique design opportunities for multi-level outdoor living areas, built-in seating walls, or dramatic elevation changes that add visual interest. During our site visit, we’ll assess your specific terrain and develop solutions that work with your property’s natural contours.

Investment & Payment

Several variables influence the investment for your hardscaping project. Material selection makes a significant difference since premium pavers and wall systems cost more than basic options, though they often provide superior durability and aesthetics. Project size obviously impacts cost, as does site complexity involving factors like challenging access, extensive excavation, or difficult soil conditions that require additional base preparation. Design intricacy with features like borders, patterns, curves, or custom inlays requires more labor and precision. Additional features like built-in lighting, seating walls, fire pits, or steps also add to the overall investment. During your consultation, we’ll work within your budget to create a design that maximizes value while achieving your vision for your outdoor space. Check out our blog for insight into price estimates for various project types.

Repairs & Existing Structures

Yes, we repair and restore existing hardscaping installations. Over time, Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause pavers to shift, joint sand to wash out, or retaining walls to settle. We can diagnose problems with your current patio or wall and provide solutions that range from simple repairs like re-leveling settled pavers and replacing joint sand to more extensive work like rebuilding sections of failed retaining walls or upgrading outdated installations. During an on-site evaluation, we’ll assess the condition of your existing hardscaping, identify the root causes of any problems, and recommend the most cost-effective repair approach. In some cases, a full replacement makes more sense than patching old work, and we’ll be honest with you about which option provides the best long-term value.

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We look forward to discussing your dream outdoor space, get in touch today to schedule a consultation!