Flagstone Patio, Stepping Stone Walkway, and Raised Planter in Everson, WA
10-10-2026 – Brownstone L&H LLC
Flagstone Patio, Stepping Stone Walkway, and Raised Planter in Everson, WA
This backyard in the Strandell area of Everson, WA went from plain lawn to a natural flagstone patio, a stepping stone walkway to both gates, and a raised planter wall with privacy trees. Brownstone L&H designed and built it in about 8 working days, from demolition to the final walkthrough.
Project at a glance
– Location: Strandell neighborhood, Everson, Whatcom County, WA
– Scope: Flagstone patio, stepping stone walkway, raised planter wall, drainage, and planting
– Patio: About 10 by 10 feet of natural flagstone with tight joints
– Walkway: About 70 feet in total, 5 to 6 feet wide, with 2 by 3 foot charcoal concrete stepping stones and river rock
– Planter wall: 60 to 70 feet long and 2 to 3 feet tall, wrapping the yard
– Base: Open-grade rock over geotextile fabric, with a drainage system and catch basins
– Timeline: About 8 working days
– Typical cost for a similar project: $40,000 to $70,000
What the homeowner wanted
The homeowner had three goals for the backyard:
1. A patio to enjoy with family. A defined place to sit outside instead of open lawn.
2. A walkway to both gates. A clean, dry path across the yard in any season.
3. Less maintenance over the long term. Less mowing and weeding, and nothing that would need redoing in a few years.
The existing yard was grass on a slight slope. That slope mattered, because a patio has to sit level and still shed water.
Starting with a design
Before any digging, we drew up a design showing the patio, the walkway route to each gate, the planter wall, and where every plant would go. The homeowner reviewed it and we finalized the layout together. Agreeing on the plan first is what keeps a build like this on schedule.
What we built
1. Stepping stone walkway with river rock
The walkway runs about 70 feet in total and connects the patio to both gates. We set large 2 by 3 foot charcoal concrete stepping stones and filled between them with half-inch river rock. Charcoal edging set in concrete holds the rock in place and keeps a clean line against the planting beds.
Large stepping stones give a solid, even surface to walk on, and the river rock lets rain drain straight through instead of running off.
2. Natural flagstone patio
The patio is about 10 by 10 feet of natural flagstone, cut and fitted with tight joints. Tight joints take more time to fit, but they give a smoother surface for chairs and tables and leave less room for weeds.
We filled the joints with grey Gator Maxx polymeric sand, which hardens once it is watered in and locks the stones together.
Because the yard sloped slightly, we installed a row of wall blocks along the low side. That let us build the patio level without leaving a drop at the edge.
3. Raised planter wall
A raised planter wraps the yard for 60 to 70 feet at 2 to 3 feet tall. We built it with grey ManorStone blocks from Mutual Materials and finished it with charcoal caps, which tie in with the charcoal stepping stones and edging.
The raised planter gives the plants deeper soil and better drainage, frames the patio, and works as extra seating.
Planting for privacy and low maintenance
– Emerald Green arborvitae: Five full trees from Western Nursery in Arlington, WA, planted for privacy.
– Crimson Queen Japanese maple: A weeping red maple used as the focal point.
– Ferns: For texture in the shadier spots.
– Ornamental grass: White plumes that move in the wind and add height.
– Creeping thyme: A low ground cover that fills in between plants and crowds out weeds.
How we built it
What is under a patio decides how long it lasts. Here is what went into this one below the surface.
Demolition and excavation
We removed the existing lawn and soil across the patio, walkway, and planter areas and hauled away 7 to 9 trailer loads. Digging out the soft topsoil is what makes room for a proper base.
Geotextile fabric
Fabric went down over the native soil before any rock. It keeps the soil from mixing up into the base and blocks weeds from coming through over the long term.
Open-grade base
We built the patio and walkway on an open-grade base, which is clean crushed rock with no fine material in it. Water passes straight through it instead of sitting in it.
This is the only base we use, and Western Washington rain is the reason. A traditional base of sand and minus gravel holds moisture, and a base that stays wet shifts over time. We have repaired patios and walkways built that way by other companies, and trapped water in the base is the usual cause.
Drainage system and catch basins
We installed a drainage system under the walkway with catch basins to collect surface water and carry it away. Together with the open-grade base, this keeps the walkway dry and stable through the winter.
Edging set in concrete
The charcoal walkway edging is set in concrete so it cannot shift or lift. This keeps the river rock contained and the lines straight for years.
How long it took
The project took about 8 working days from demolition to completion. That covered excavation and haul-off, fabric and base, drainage, the planter wall, the walkway, the flagstone patio, and planting.
What a project like this costs
A backyard project similar to this one typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000. Larger yards or projects with more features can range from $80,000 to $130,000.
The main things that move the price:
– Size of the patio, walkway, and wall
– Stone choice. Natural flagstone with tight joints takes more labor than pavers.
– Wall length and height
– Drainage needs and how much soil has to be hauled away
– Access for equipment
– Plant sizes. Full, mature trees cost more than small ones and give privacy on day one.
Every yard is different, so we price each project from an on-site visit and a design.
What the homeowner said
Homeowner in Everson, WA, from a 5-star Google review
“I highly recommend Fidel & his team for any landscape/hardscape project! They did such an amazing job in our backyard. Great communication, from start to finish it was a smooth process. They’re professional, respectful, and their work is high quality.”
Joel & Kristen
Common questions about projects like this
How much does a flagstone patio and walkway cost in Whatcom County?
A full backyard project with a flagstone patio, a walkway, a planter wall, drainage, and planting typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000. Larger or more complex projects can range from $80,000 to $130,000.
How long does a backyard hardscape project take?
This one took about 8 working days. Timing depends on size, access, weather, and how much soil has to be removed.
What is an open-grade base?
It is a base made of clean crushed rock with no sand or fine material. Water drains through it instead of sitting in it, which keeps patios and walkways from shifting in wet climates.
Why not use sand and gravel under a patio?
Sand and minus gravel hold moisture. In an area with as much rain as ours, a base that stays wet can settle and shift over time.
Do stepping stones with river rock need much maintenance?
Very little. With fabric underneath and edging set in concrete, the rock stays in place and weeds have a hard time getting started. An occasional rinse or rake is usually all it needs.
What plants work for backyard privacy in Whatcom County?
Emerald Green arborvitae are the most common choice. They stay narrow, keep their color all year, and form a solid screen when planted in a row.
Planning a backyard project in Whatcom County?
If you want a patio, walkway, or planter wall built to handle Northwest Washington rain, we would be glad to look at your yard. We start with an on-site visit and a design, so you see the plan and the price before any work begins.
Brownstone L&H builds flagstone and paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, and landscapes in Everson, Lynden, Ferndale, Bellingham, and throughout Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish County. Call (360) 333-7738 or request a free estimate.
License Number
#BROWNL*753BW
Phone
360-333-7738
Brownstonelh@gmail.com