The Newton Backyard Transformation
The Newton Backyard Transformation
Sarah and Mark had a spacious backyard in Newton, but it was virtually unusable. The space was dominated by a cracked, heaving concrete slab from the 1970s that pitched water toward the house foundation. The rest of the yard sloped aggressively, making it impossible to set up a table and chairs without them tipping over. They wanted a premium outdoor living space for summer entertaining but were worried about drainage issues and the longevity of the installation.
Client:
Sarah & Mark Thompson
Categories:
Masonry & Hardscaping
Date:
July 20, 2025
Tags:
Hardscaping
The Solution we gave the client
This was a complete “rip-and-replace” project. We started by bringing in heavy machinery to demolish and haul away over four tons of old concrete. Once the ground was cleared, we addressed the grading issues. We excavated 12 inches down and installed a compacted crushed stone base to ensure perfect drainage and prevent frost heaves in winter.
To manage the slope, we constructed a low-profile fieldstone retaining wall, creating a distinct, level tier for the patio. For the surface, the clients chose Thermal Bluestone pavers. We laid these in a random rectangular pattern to give the space a natural yet elegant look. Instead of standard mortar, which can crack over time, we used high-performance polymeric sand for the joints, which hardens like concrete but remains flexible enough to withstand New England temperature swings and prevents weeds.
The result we gave the client
The Thompsons now have a stunning 450-square-foot outdoor oasis. The water now drains properly away from the home, and the bluestone finish has added significant value to their property.
I can’t believe this is the same backyard. We went from having a dangerous concrete slab to a resort-style patio. The team worked so fast—they were done in just over a week—and they left the yard spotless every single day. We’ve already hosted three BBQs!
Sarah Thompson
