Are there alternatives to pea gravel?

• <div><p>Alternative landscaping materials similar to pea gravel include wood chips, decomposed granite, crushed stone, and pebbles. You can also invest in specialty <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/rock-landscaping-ideas-your-backyard.htm">landscape rocks</a> such as quartz, river rock, lava rock, and Mexican beach pebble. While many of these stones will cost more than pea gravel, some are more ideal for designing an attractive garden bed or managing drainage.</p></div>

Get matched with top patio pros in Chesterfield, SC

Q: What is the difference between a terrace and a patio?

• <div><p>A terrace is a flat area that&rsquo;s raised slightly above ground level while a patio is built at the same level as the door leading into the house. Because of this, terraces usually aren&rsquo;t connected to the living areas of a home but are commonly found around pools and fire areas. </p></div>

Q: Can you make stepping stones yourself?

• <div><p>You can make a variety of stepping stone designs yourself, including concrete, wood, mosaic, and stone. Some home improvement centers and craft supply stores sell kits to make mosaic stepping stones for around $15. If you need more than one stone, the cost of these kits can add up quickly, but they make a great weekend project and add uniqueness to your garden.</p></div>

Q: Can you pour concrete when it freezes at night?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s possible to pour concrete if the temperatures are expected to dip below freezing at night, but you need to take some special precautions before you do. Most importantly, you need to make sure your concrete won&rsquo;t freeze, so the best thing to do is enclose the area and heat it. You should also make sure you&rsquo;re using cold-weather concrete that&rsquo;s designed for pouring in cold weather. Use accelerants to help speed up the curing process and avoid cold temperatures from resulting in weak concrete. </p></div>

Q: How long do concrete steps last?

• <div><p>With proper maintenance, exterior concrete steps can last 25 to 50 years or more. In most cases, your steps will require some minor repairs over that time frame, including sealing surface cracks and resurfacing to keep them in good condition. Interior concrete steps should last even longer, normally between 50 and 75 years, as they don&rsquo;t have to stand up to the elements.</p></div>

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Find Patio pros in Chesterfield

Champion Windows and Home Exteriors of Charlotte

4.61(

223

)

Champion Windows and Home Exteriors of Charlotte

4.61(

223

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

There’s never been a better time to transform you home with Champion of Charlotte! Think of us as a one-stop shop for everything you need to beautify your home’s exterior: windows, sunrooms, siding, roofing and doors. Only Champion offers the superior energy efficiency of Comfort 365 Windows, industry-leading limited lifetime guarantee, and award winning products made in the USA. For over 60 years, Champion has been manufacturing and installing quality windows, doors and sunrooms while creating a seamless experience for our customers. More than 9 out of 10 customers recommend Champion. Not only do Champion products enhance your curb appeal, but can also lower your energy bills, improve the comfort level of your home and reward you with a high return on your investment. Experience the difference Champion products can make for your home today! ENERGY STAR®, NSA, AAMA, Installation Experts, VSI, BBB, NFRC

"CJ Blackmon called me up and sold me some great windows"

Cody M on January 2024

"CJ Blackmon called me up and sold me some great windows"

Cody M on January 2024

Garage Force Of Greater Charlotte

5.00(

)

Garage Force Of Greater Charlotte

5.00(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Call us today for all your stronger than Epoxy Flooring and concrete coatings needs! - One-day floor coating installation - Residential lifetime warranty - 100% Polyurea eco-safe with LEED contribution (base and top coat) - Dust free installation, low odor, no VOC - Flexible and up to 20X more durable than epoxy. - Improved slip and impact resistance - Installation teams throughout the US

"They are outstanding, The floor was excellent. They gave time. I will recommend them to multiple people like my neighbors."

Kyle L on September 2022

"They are outstanding, The floor was excellent. They gave time. I will recommend them to multiple people like my neighbors."

Kyle L on September 2022

Coastal Empire Roofing & Construction Co

4.10(

)

Coastal Empire Roofing & Construction Co

4.10(

)

Customers say: Quality work

1998 years of experience

Coastal empire roofing and construction. With coastal empire roofing and construction you can rest assured that you will have a professional handling of all your home improvement needs. Do the best job the first time and don't cut any corners and good news will travel fast. That is why a licensed, insured contractor like coastal empire roofing and construction has the professionals who will deliver an effective, long-lasting work and has stood the test of TIME. We are locally owned and family operated. Receiving a quote for your project is easy from coastal empire roofing and construction . We will work with you through this process and show you exactly what each quote includes. Unfortunately there are many contractors who offer cheap prices but then do not offer quality services.

Victorious Enterprise

No reviews yet

Victorious Enterprise

No reviews yet

2010 years of experience

We are a Family owned and operated Christian based company that puts our Customers satisfaction first. We provide free estimates to all of our customers. Depending on the type of service requested we may require a 50% deposit.

Cool Temp

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Cool Temp

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

We are family owned and operated. My grandparents began this business in 1949. Now my father and I are in control. We are expanding our services if you or anyone would like a free quote. Please call us at any time. Austin Dukes. 843-258-0171 Paul Dukes. 803-849-2689 If you do not get an answer, please leave a voicemail with your name and number and we will call you back as soon as possible.

The Works Professional Landscaping

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The Works Professional Landscaping

No reviews yet

The Works Professional Landscaping can create anything from a simple to a complex landscape that will value and curb appeal to your home or business. The Works Professional Landscaping excels in Landscaping and hardscaping, such as Paver Patios, Walkways, Firepits, and all other hardscape needs.

R&M Building and Remodeling

No reviews yet

R&M Building and Remodeling

No reviews yet

2017 years of experience

We Provide High Quality Remodels, Repairs, and Renovations for Residential Homes and Commercial Properties. We also do Custom Deck Design and Construction. Privacy Fences. Patios. Sheds. Siding. Roof Repair. Retaining Walls and other Hard Scapes. We do it all!

786 Construction LLC

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786 Construction LLC

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

This is a contractors/subcontractors crew. We are friendly and eager to work with our clients to get the job done.

A Best Brick Pavers LLC

No reviews yet

A Best Brick Pavers LLC

No reviews yet

2005 years of experience

Specialized in brick driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, pool coping, fire pits, seating and retaining walls, shadow boxes, deco drains, and steps for over 10 years.

J squares construction and repairs

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J squares construction and repairs

No reviews yet

We specialize in all aspects of remodling decks electrical screen porch fencing plumming additions etc

Showing 1-10 of 11

Patios questions, answered by experts

A terrace is a flat area that’s raised slightly above ground level while a patio is built at the same level as the door leading into the house. Because of this, terraces usually aren’t connected to the living areas of a home but are commonly found around pools and fire areas.

Alternative landscaping materials similar to pea gravel include wood chips, decomposed granite, crushed stone, and pebbles. You can also invest in specialty landscape rocks such as quartz, river rock, lava rock, and Mexican beach pebble. While many of these stones will cost more than pea gravel, some are more ideal for designing an attractive garden bed or managing drainage.

You can make a variety of stepping stone designs yourself, including concrete, wood, mosaic, and stone. Some home improvement centers and craft supply stores sell kits to make mosaic stepping stones for around $15. If you need more than one stone, the cost of these kits can add up quickly, but they make a great weekend project and add uniqueness to your garden.

It’s possible to pour concrete if the temperatures are expected to dip below freezing at night, but you need to take some special precautions before you do. Most importantly, you need to make sure your concrete won’t freeze, so the best thing to do is enclose the area and heat it. You should also make sure you’re using cold-weather concrete that’s designed for pouring in cold weather. Use accelerants to help speed up the curing process and avoid cold temperatures from resulting in weak concrete.

With proper maintenance, exterior concrete steps can last 25 to 50 years or more. In most cases, your steps will require some minor repairs over that time frame, including sealing surface cracks and resurfacing to keep them in good condition. Interior concrete steps should last even longer, normally between 50 and 75 years, as they don’t have to stand up to the elements.

The Chesterfield, SC homeowners’ guide to patio services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Stephanie Mickelson
•
Oct 16, 2025Oct 16, 2025
The Cost of an Outdoor Living Space [2025 Data]
From patios and gazebos to full-on structures, your outdoor space is a blank slate. Learn how much it costs to build and furnish an outdoor room.
Kelly Weimert
•
May 20, 2025May 20, 2025
What Is the Cost of a Porch? [2025 Data]
A porch can expand your living space and add curb appeal. Find out what to budget for the cost of a porch on your home with this guide.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Nov 21, 2025Nov 21, 2025
How Much Does Flagstone Cost? [2026 Data]
Flagstone gives your outdoor space a gorgeous, rustic feel. Find out the cost of flagstone per square foot or per ton. Our expert cost guide helps you plan your budget for your flagstone project from walkways to patios to walls.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jun 14, 2025Jun 14, 2025
4 Common Concrete Patio Problems and How to Fix Them
Here is everything homeowners need to know about common concrete patio problems, including when to call a pro and what to fix yourself.
Gemma Johnstone
•
May 26, 2025May 26, 2025
Composite Decking vs. Wood: Which Is Better for You?
When designing a dream deck, knowing the pros and cons of composite decking vs. wood decking is helpful. We’ve broken down the differences to help you decide.
Catherine Hiles
•
Jun 2, 2025Jun 2, 2025
What Is Composite Decking and Is It Right for Your Outdoor Space?
Composite decking is made of synthetic and natural materials and tends to last longer than wood. Learn what composite decking is and its pros and cons.