Serving the Fox Valley
Hardscape That Lasts
Patios, walkways, decks, retaining walls and fire features — built on proper base work so they still look right years from now.
Built From the Ground Up
The Base Is the Job
Anyone can lay pavers on top of dirt. What keeps a patio flat through Illinois winters is what you never see: excavation to the right depth, compacted base in lifts, and drainage that moves water away instead of under your stone. That is where we spend our time, because that is what decides whether hardscape lasts.
We work with you on layout and materials, then build it once and build it right.
The materials come from Fox River Stone in South Elgin, a limestone quarry that has supplied the Fox Valley since 1934. Pavers and wall units are Unilock, Belgard, High Format and Rochester, and the base gravel and sand under every patio come out of that same quarry, so what we compact is consistent from job to job.
What We Build
Hardscape Services
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Paver Patios & Walkways
Outdoor living space built on properly excavated, compacted base — patios and pavers are the heart of what we do.
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Retaining Walls
Built to hold the grade, drain correctly, and turn a slope into usable space.
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Decks
Wood and composite decks built on proper footings and framing, sized to how you actually use the yard and tied into the patio, steps and railings around them.
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Water Features
From a quiet corner fountain to a full water feature designed in 3D before a stone is set — some of our favorite builds.
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Landscape Lighting
Low-voltage lighting that keeps patios, paths and plantings working after dark.
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Fire Pits & Fireplaces
Wood-burning and gas fire features with seat walls — the piece that keeps the patio in use after dark and into fall.
How It Works
From Walk-Through To Finished Patio
Most of a hardscape job is decided before the first paver is set.
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Walk The Site
We look at the space, the grade and the drainage with you, and talk through how you actually want to use it.
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Design It In 3D
The layout is built from your plot survey and elevation certificate. A typical design takes one to two weeks, and you approve it before anything moves.
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Written Scope And Schedule
You get the scope, materials and start window in writing. On work mornings we text the crew’s ETA.
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Excavate, Base, Build
Proper excavation, compacted base and edge restraint first. That is the part that keeps a patio flat through Illinois winters.
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Final Walk-Through
We walk the finished work with you, clean up, and go over how to care for the surface.
Why HLM
Built By The Crew That Designed It
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Licensed & Insured
HLM is a licensed, insured Illinois contractor. Every job is built to the same standard, whether it is a planting bed or a full backyard.
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Our Own Crews
The work is done by HLM crews, start to finish. You never coordinate a second contractor or wonder who is showing up.
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Designed From Your Lot
Bigger projects start as a 3D design built from your plot survey and elevation certificate, so what you approve is what gets built.
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You'll Know When We're Coming
We text you the crew’s ETA on work mornings. No contractor’s window, no waiting around.
Common Questions
Hardscape Questions
How long does a paver patio take?
It depends on the size of the space, the site access, and the design. After we walk the property we will give you a written estimate with a realistic window for the work.
Do you handle the excavation and base work?
Yes. Excavation, base preparation and compaction are part of every hardscape job we do — it is the part of the work that decides how long the finished surface lasts.
Can you match an existing patio or walkway?
Usually. Bring us a photo or let us see it on the walk-through and we will tell you honestly what can be matched and what would look better as a clean break.
Where do your pavers and stone come from?
Fox River Stone in South Elgin, which has quarried limestone there since 1934 and is an authorized dealer for Unilock, Belgard, High Format and Rochester pavers and walls. Base gravel and sand come from the same quarry. For decorative gravel, boulders and specialty stone we also work with Kane County Landscape Materials in Elburn. Both are a short drive from the properties we build on, so material arrives when the crew does.