Hardscaping Costs: A Practical Guide for Burlington-Area Homeowners
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much does hardscaping cost?” Whether you're dreaming of a paver patio, a retaining wall, or a full outdoor living space, it’s important to understand what your budget can realistically achieve.
At Boulder Ridge Landscaping, we created this guide to help homeowners like you get a clearer idea of what hardscaping projects cost in Wisconsin. Prices can vary based on project size, design complexity, materials, and existing site conditions—but this overview will give you a helpful starting point to plan with confidence.
We’re a trusted, certified hardscape contractor based in Burlington, Wisconsin, serving Racine and Walworth Counties, including Burlington, Elkhorn, Franklin, Lake Geneva, Mukwonago, and Waterford. We use only premium materials, for long-lasting, beautiful results.
Entry-Level Hardscaping ($5,000 - $10,000)
If you're looking to enhance your property with small-scale hardscape elements, this budget range is ideal for curb appeal improvements or minor functional upgrades.
With this investment, you can typically add features like:
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- Paver or block curbing to define garden beds and walkways.
- Small garden walls for raised flower beds or landscape accents.
- Tree rings to create a polished, low-maintenance base for trees.
- Short paver or stone walkways leading to an entrance or garden area.
- Simple front entrance upgrades such as steps or a small landing.
This budget is best for homeowners who want to add a few hardscape elements to their property without committing to a full outdoor renovation.
Mid-Range Hardscaping ($10,000 - $20,000)
For homeowners who want to expand their outdoor space, this price range allows for functional upgrades that enhance both aesthetics and usability.
With this level of investment, you may consider:
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- Paver or stone steps and stairs, ideal for sloped properties where there is significant elevation changes between front, back, or side yards.
- Retaining walls up to three feet high, offering both beauty and erosion control.
- Medium-sized paver patios, perfect for a cozy outdoor seating area.
- Corner retaining walls to enhance planting spaces or define outdoor areas.
- Firepits, either wood-burning or gas, for backyard entertaining.
- Outdoor lighting to illuminate pathways and highlight landscape features.
This budget is ideal for homeowners who want to create a defined, usable outdoor space without extensive structural work.
Expansive Outdoor Living Spaces ($20,000 - $40,000)
If you're ready to take your backyard to the next level, this investment range allows for larger hardscape projects that combine function and aesthetics.
In this range, you can explore:
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- Paver driveways to boost curb appeal and property value.
- Terraced retaining walls to maximize space on sloped properties.
- Multi-zone paver patios with room for dining and lounging.
- Seating walls to provide built-in, low-maintenance outdoor seating.
- Expanded paver pool decks for a stylish and slip-resistant poolside area.
- Upgraded firepits with seating walls for enhanced entertaining.
This budget is great for homeowners who want to create a cohesive outdoor living area that blends seamlessly with their landscape.
Luxury Outdoor Living ($40,000 - $80,000)
For those who want a truly customized outdoor retreat, this price range allows for high-end materials, intricate designs, and premium features.
Some of the elements that can be included in this investment range are:
- Expansive paver patios with multiple zones for dining, cooking, and relaxation.
- High-end outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, countertops, and seating areas.
- Pavilions or custom pergolas to provide shade and architectural interest.
- Fireplaces or premium firepits as a focal point for outdoor gatherings.
- Full outdoor lighting systems with smart controls and layered illumination.
This is ideal for homeowners who want a fully functional, resort-style outdoor space designed for entertaining and relaxation.
Poolscapes & Complete Backyard Makeovers ($50,000 - $150,000+)
For homeowners seeking a truly show-stopping outdoor space, this investment range supports a full-scale transformation of your property—from concept to completion.
With this level of investment, your backyard makeover can include:
- Expansive paver pool decks using unilock hardscaping materials complete with integrated seating, planters, and accent lighting
- Multi-level retaining walls that enhance structure and flow while creating usable, terraced outdoor spaces.
- Outdoor kitchens and bars featuring high-end appliances, stone countertops, and built-in storage.
- Pavilions and pergolas for shaded comfort and year-round usability.
- Custom fire and water features that elevate ambiance and create a luxurious resort-like experience.
- Smart landscape lighting systems with modern LED fixtures and wifi control for full automation, ambiance, and safety.
This tier is ideal for homeowners who want a fully planned, professionally engineered outdoor living space—complete with the functionality, sophistication, and aesthetic of a high-end getaway, right in their own backyard.
What Factors Affects the Cost of Hardscaping In Wisconsin?
Several factors influence hardscape pricing, and understanding these can help you set a realistic budget for your project.
1. Material Selection The choice between concrete pavers, natural stone, and premium finishes significantly impacts cost. While concrete pavers are more budget-friendly, natural stone and high-end materials add elegance and longevity.
2. Site Conditions & Preparation Excavation, grading, and drainage considerations can impact the project's complexity. Sloped yards or areas requiring extensive groundwork will increase labor and material costs.
3. Project Size & Complexity A larger patio with integrated features like seating walls and lighting will naturally cost more than a simple paver walkway. Custom designs with multiple levels or built-in features add complexity and increase costs.
4. Add-On Features Enhancing your outdoor space with firepits, water features, or premium lighting adds cost but also increases functionality and resale value.
Why Hardscaping Costs Vary Between Contractors
If you’ve been comparing hardscaping quotes in Burlington and nearby communities like Elkhorn, Mukwonago, Lake Geneva, or Waterford, you’ve probably noticed that pricing can vary quite a bit for similar-looking projects. The difference usually isn’t the pavers or materials, it’s how the work is planned, built, and supported long term.
Materials like pavers, wall block, and lighting are fairly consistent across contractors. What really affects price is labor quality, base preparation, design effort, and whether the contractor stands behind their work.
Why Some Quotes Come in Lower
Lower pricing often means corners are being cut. Common issues we see when repairing or rebuilding other contractors’ work include:
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- Inexperienced or untrained crews, leading to uneven pavers, shifting walls, and drainage problems
- Little to no design planning, resulting in generic layouts that don’t fit the property
- Improper base preparation, including shallow excavation, poor compaction, or no drainage consideration
- No warranty or follow-up support once the job is complete
- Lack of proper insurance or long-term accountability
Those shortcuts may save money upfront but often lead to costly repairs later.
Why Some Quotes Are Higher
Higher prices aren’t always a red flag, but they should come with real value. Costs can increase due to:
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- More complex designs or multi-level installations
- Additional site prep required for poor soils or drainage issues
- Quality installation standards that take more time and care
That said, higher pricing doesn’t always mean better work. Clear scopes and transparent explanations matter.
Honest Pricing, Built the Right Way
At Boulder Ridge Landscaping, we focus on doing the job properly and pricing it fairly. We’re a BBB-accredited business and an Unilock Authorized Contractor, which means our hardscapes are built using proven installation standards, not shortcuts. We take the time to prepare the base correctly, plan drainage, and use materials that perform well in Wisconsin conditions.
The result is hardscaping that stays level, looks good, and holds up over time.
We proudly serve Burlington and surrounding communities including Elkhorn, Mukwonago, Lake Geneva, and Waterford.
