Hardscaping & Outdoor Living Structures
From stunning paver patios to functional retaining walls, we build hardscapes that are built to last.
The Architecture of Connection. Built for Michiana Winters, Designed for Life’s Best Moments.
In an era of digital distraction, the most valuable asset you own is a place to disconnect and gather. At Salzman Services LLC, we believe that hardscaping is more than just moving dirt and stacking stone—it is the art of creating "Third Places": sanctuaries outside of work and inside the home where friends connect, families reunite, and neighbors become a community.
Whether it’s a retaining wall that reclaims a sloped yard for a play area, or a stone overlay that turns a tired porch into a welcoming entryway, we build the permanent structures that anchor your outdoor lifestyle. And because we live in Southwest Michigan, we build them with a Rugged Luxury ethos—engineering-grade durability wrapped in high-end design.
The Engineering of "Rugged Luxury"
A stunning hardscape is tragic if it fails after one freeze-thaw cycle. In Niles and the surrounding Michiana region, the frost line dives deep exerting tremendous pressure on anything built in the ground.
While others might focus solely on the surface aesthetics, we obsess over the subterranean engineering that ensures your investment lasts.
Defeating Frost Heave
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Soil-Specific Structural Integrity
Berrien County’s soil is a complex mosaic, ranging from the Oshtemo sandy loams of the river valleys to pockets of heavy, expansive clay. We don't guess; we assess. If your property sits on clay, we use specific geotextile fabrics to separate the soil from our stone base, ensuring your hardscape remains stable for decades.
Gravity & Geogrid Reinforcement
For our retaining walls, we don’t just stack blocks. We engineer gravity systems using heavy-duty units or reinforce taller walls with geogrid—a high-tensile mesh that ties the wall back into the earth, ensuring it can withstand the lateral pressure of the soil behind it.
Our Hardscaping Services
Structural Retaining Walls
Turn a steep, unusable slope into a flat, functional terrace for a garden or seating area. Our walls are designed to manage water flow and resist soil pressure, protecting your property from erosion while adding architectural depth to your landscape.
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Social Bonus: We often design walls at "seat height" (18-21 inches), instantly adding overflow seating for large parties without cluttering your space with chairs.
Welcoming Walkways & Steps
The journey to your front door sets the tone for your entire home. We replace cracking, dangerous concrete paths with inviting paver walkways and solid stone steps.
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Design Note: We favor winding paths that slow the pace and create a sense of "arrival," transitioning your guests from the busy street to your private sanctuary.
Stone & Paver Overlays
Do you have a concrete porch or patio that is structurally sound but visually tired? You don’t always need to demolish it. Our Stone Overlay service uses advanced polymer-modified mortars to bond premium pavers or natural stone directly to your existing concrete.
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The Benefit: It’s the most cost-effective way to revitalize your curb appeal, giving you the look of a brand-new installation with less mess and a faster timeline.
Our Hardscaping Portfolio
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build a retaining wall that holds up a driveway?
es. This requires "engineered loading." We use specific geogrid reinforcement and base compaction standards to ensure the wall can handle the "surcharge" (weight) of vehicles parked above it without bowing or failing.
Is a stone overlay as durable as a new patio?
If the underlying concrete is sound, yes. We use specialized bonding agents that allow the stone to adhere permanently. However, if your existing concrete is heaving or crumbling, we will be honest and recommend a tear-out to ensure you don't throw good money after bad.
How do you handle drainage behind retaining walls?
Water is the #1 enemy of retaining walls. We install a "burrito drain" system behind every wall—a perforated pipe surrounded by clean gravel and wrapped in filter fabric. This ensures groundwater flows away from the wall rather than pushing against it.