Ready to transform your outdoor space?
Trusted Local Team • Design and Build • Licensed and Insured • Year Round Service
From complete yard makeovers and hardscape installations to mowing and seasonal cleanups, we help Appleton homeowners get it done right. Call 920-250-8075 or submit the form below to get started.
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Create the Backyard Everyone Wants to Visit
When your yard feels unfinished, it starts to bug you in little ways every single day. You might step outside and notice the patio is too small for a table, the slope keeps washing mud onto the driveway, or the space just does not feel comfortable for hosting family and friends. In Appleton, our specific weather patterns and the dense red clay soil make those problems even worse, especially when a project is built without the right base and drainage planning. That is why so many local homeowners, from the historic neighborhoods near City Park to the new developments in Grand Chute, start searching for hardscaping Appleton help. You want a space that looks great for the magazine photo, but you also need it to stay strong for ten or twenty years down the road.
Urban Renovations is here to make that process easier, friendlier, and a lot less stressful for your family. Unlike general landscaping which focuses on the "soft" living elements like grass and plants, hardscaping is the structural backbone of your property. It is the stone, brick, and concrete that give it permanent shape and function. With over 10 years of combined experience, we specialize in these structural builds that feel like a natural extension of your home rather than just an add-on. Our dedicated team focuses on engineered patios, retaining walls, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens, all designed specifically to handle how you live in Wisconsin. We are fully licensed and insured for both residential and commercial projects, and we pride ourselves on keeping communication clear from the first phone call to the final walkthrough. When you are ready to stop dreaming and start building, we can start with a free estimate and help you take the next step with total confidence.
Ready to turn your yard into the place everyone wants to gather?
Call Urban Renovations
today to schedule your consultation.
Reclaiming Your Yard from Wisconsin Weather
Hardscaping Appleton projects usually start with a real life problem that needs fixing, not just a picture on a Pinterest board. Some families have a backyard that turns into a muddy, unusable mess every spring thaw, so they end up avoiding their own property for months. Others have an old concrete slab that is cracked, uneven, and feels unsafe for kids to run on or for older guests to navigate. Many homeowners also deal with a steep yard slope that steals usable space, or poor drainage that pushes water toward the house instead of away from it. In Wisconsin, those issues can get much worse because water sits in our clay soil, freezes hard, and then shifts the ground aggressively as it thaws.
This is where professional hardscaping Appleton work becomes more than a simple visual upgrade, it becomes a long term structural fix. Instead of dealing with sinking ground or shifting surfaces, you get a stable, engineered foundation that manages water correctly. We transform uneven terrain into usable flat ground and turn exposed, sun-baked areas into comfortable retreats. The goal is to take the raw, sometimes difficult landscape of the Fox Valley and turn it into a controlled, functional extension of your living space that works in every season.
Why Choose Urban Renovations?
The Urban Renovations Difference
- Dedicated Hardscape Crews: Our construction teams are specialized experts who focus solely on the engineering precision required to build lasting patios and walls.
- Engineered for Red Clay: Wisconsin soil destroys standard installs. We dig deeper and use specialized base materials to stabilize your project against frost heave.
- Authorized Unilock Contractor: As an authorized contractor, our work is rigorously vetted for quality and backed by industry-leading product warranties.
- 3D Design Visualization: Eliminate the guesswork. Our detailed 3D models let you see and tweak every feature of your new space before we break ground.
- Owner-Led Quality Control: You aren't just a number. Our owners are active on-site to ensure clear communication and strict adherence to the plan.
Build the Outdoor Space You Have Always Wanted
Create a smooth, durable patio that looks great and lasts through the seasons. Precision set pavers resist shifting, drain well, and make outdoor living easy. A professional installation is the foundation of a great backyard.
Bring cooking and gathering outside with a custom layout that fits how you host. Weather ready surfaces, smart storage, and reliable utilities make it functional. A custom design changes how you entertain.
Stabilize slopes, prevent erosion, and create usable space in your yard. Engineered base and drainage with block or stone finishes built to last. Trust our structural experts for safety and longevity.
Add shade and structure that frames your patio or garden beautifully. Quality materials, solid footings, and proportions that feel right for your home. These designs add vertical interest and comfort.
Your Vision,
Rendered in 3D
Dream It. See It. Live It.
The "Done Right" Process: From Red Clay to Relaxing Retreat
A good hardscape starts long before the first paver or block is ever set in the ground. We begin by actually listening to you, because your goals matter and every yard has unique challenges. Then we look at the slope, the soil type, and how water moves across the property, since drainage and stability are huge concerns in Appleton. Whether you are on the rocky terrain near the ledge or dealing with the thick clay closer to the Fox River, we adjust our plan to fit the land. Next, we design with intention so the space flows well, fits your furniture perfectly, and feels natural with your home’s architecture. With our advanced 3D modeling, you can see the plan clearly on a screen, which helps you feel confident in the layout and materials before we start digging.
Once the plan is set, our build process sets us apart from standard landscaping crews. We don't try to tackle major structural work with just shovels and wheelbarrows. We bring in heavy-duty excavators and skid steers to dig past the organic layer and remove the unstable clay that causes shifting. We use precision laser levels to grade the site to within a fraction of an inch, ensuring water flows exactly where it needs to go. When it comes to the base, we use industrial-grade plate compactors to lock the aggregate in tight. This heavy equipment approach creates a foundation that stays flat and secure, giving you a patio or wall that stands up to Wisconsin winters for decades.
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We also keep things simple for you by handling the logistics. We communicate clearly, keep the jobsite respectful and tidy, and do not leave you guessing about what happens next. Our team serves Appleton and surrounding communities, so we understand local conditions and we know how quickly Wisconsin weather can change plans. If you are in Waupaca, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, or Wausau, we bring that same care and same rigorous process to your project. The goal is always the same, build it once, build it right, and make it a space you love using.
The Daily Difference of Quality Craftsmanship
Homeowners usually tell us they felt nervous before the project started, because they have heard too many stories about bad communication and rushed work from other contractors. After working with Urban Renovations, the most common feeling they describe is relief. People notice right away that the space feels solid underfoot, that water drains better than it used to, and that the yard finally feels finished and intentional. They also appreciate that the process feels organized and respectful, because you should not have to chase your contractor for updates or worry about a messy site.
We also hear a lot about how the new space changes daily life for the better. A well-built patio makes it easier to host birthdays, Fourth of July cookouts, and Packers game day parties without feeling cramped indoors. Structural walls turn steep, unusable slopes into flat areas for play or gardening, while handling drainage correctly. Whether it is a welcoming walkway, a cozy fire pit, or a complete outdoor living room, the result is a property that feels finished and functional. It keeps everyone together and turns your yard into a destination.
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Rooted in the Fox Valley, Just Like You
Urban Renovations is a local Wisconsin company, and we build with local conditions in mind because we live here too. In this region, red clay soil and winter freeze cycles are not small details. They are the reason many patios and walls fail early. We follow proper building practices that go beyond code, and we plan for stability and drainage so your space holds up through spring melt, summer storms, and winter snow. We are fully licensed and insured for residential and commercial projects, and we can help you understand permitting needs when a project requires it. With over 10 years of combined experience, we have seen what works in this area, and we bring that deep knowledge to every design and every build.
We also stay deeply connected to the communities we serve every day. Appleton is our main hub, but we work across Waupaca, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, and Wausau as well. We know the pride people take in their properties here, whether it’s a manicured lawn in North Appleton or a lakeside retreat. That means you get a team that understands the area, shows up on time, and communicates clearly and honestly. You are not just a slot on a schedule to us. You are a neighbor we want to do right by for years to come. That local trust is earned job by job, and we take it seriously on every single project we touch.
Your backyard oasis is waiting. Don’t keep putting it off, call Urban Renovations now and let’s start designing the space your family deserves!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in hardscaping Appleton projects?
A typical hardscaping Appleton project can include patios, retaining walls, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, stairs, and walkways. Hardscaping refers to the permanent features built with stone, brick, or concrete that give shape and structure to your yard. At Urban Renovations, we start with a 3D design so you know exactly what will be included before work begins. The process covers everything from excavation and base preparation to final finishing and cleanup. By handling every step carefully, we ensure your new hardscape is strong, attractive, and ready to use right away. We can also integrate lighting and softscaping elements to complete the look.
How long does a hardscaping project usually take in Appleton?
The timeline depends on the size of the build, the design details, and the weather, since Wisconsin conditions can shift quickly. A smaller patio may take a few days, while a larger project with a wall, pergola, and outdoor kitchen can take one to two weeks or more. We set expectations up front so you understand the phases, including excavation, base work, and finishing. Our goal is to keep the schedule realistic and keep communication clear, so you are not left guessing. When you hire Urban Renovations for hardscaping Appleton work, you will know what is happening next and why it matters, which makes the whole experience feel smoother and more predictable.
Why do patios and walls fail faster in clay soil and winter weather?
In this region, red clay soil holds water and drains poorly, and that is a big deal for outdoor construction. When water stays trapped in the soil and temperatures drop, the ground can expand as it freezes and then shift again as it thaws. If a contractor digs shallow, skips proper separation layers, or rushes compaction, the base can settle unevenly and surfaces can move. That is why many patios crack or pavers shift within a few years, even when they looked great at first. Urban Renovations builds hardscaping Appleton projects with deeper excavation, proper base materials, and thoughtful drainage planning, so the finished surface stays stable through seasons and the investment lasts longer.
What is the difference between pavers and poured concrete for a patio?
Pavers and concrete can both create a patio surface, but they behave differently over time, especially in Wisconsin. Concrete is one large slab, so when the ground moves from freeze and thaw cycles, it can crack and settle in visible ways. Pavers are set as individual units on a well built base, so the surface can flex slightly without breaking, and repairs are often easier because you can address a small area without replacing everything. A paver patio Appleton homeowners choose is also more customizable in color and pattern, which helps the space feel more personal. The key is the base and drainage, because even the best pavers will shift if the groundwork is rushed. Urban Renovations focuses on that foundation first, then we help you choose the look that fits your home.
How much does hardscaping cost in Appleton and what affects the price?
Hardscaping costs can vary a lot, because every yard has different needs and every design has different materials and features. The biggest price drivers are project size, excavation needs, base depth, wall height, and the level of detail in the design. Clay soil, drainage work, and slopes can add labor and materials, but those steps also protect you from future repairs. Features like a pergola or outdoor kitchen can change the budget depending on materials, layout, and finishing details. The best way to get a real number is a site visit and a clear plan, because guessing online often leads to frustration. Urban Renovations offers a free estimate so you can understand your options, see what matters most, and choose a direction that fits your goals and your budget.
Can hardscapes be customized for commercial properties?
Absolutely. While many people associate hardscapes with residential backyards, commercial properties benefit just as much. Restaurants may add outdoor dining areas, offices may want courtyards for employees, and retail centers may include plazas and walkways. Urban Renovations provides hardscaping Appleton services that scale for both homeowners and businesses. With careful planning and professional execution, a commercial hardscape enhances functionality while presenting a polished, professional image.
Let’s Turn Your Plans Into Reality
If you have been putting this off because you do not want a messy project or a disappointing result, you are not alone. A lot of homeowners call us after they have seen patios shift, walls lean, or drainage cause headaches year after year. The good news is that hardscaping Appleton work can be done in a way that fixes the real problem, not just the surface appearance. When the base is built right and the plan fits your lifestyle, the finished space feels like a true upgrade to your home and your daily life. That is what Urban Renovations is here to build for you.
The next step is simple, just reach out and tell us what you want your yard to do better. We will talk through your goals, look at the property together, and give you a clear path forward with a free estimate. Whether you need a complete backyard overhaul or a single feature to finish your space, we can help you plan it and build it with confidence. Contact us today to get started. When you are ready to build something that lasts, we are ready to help.
Ready to turn your yard into the place everyone wants to gather? Call Urban Renovations today to schedule your consultation.