The Front Range patio field guide

It's all in the base.

What we've learned building hardscape on Colorado clay — what actually moves a patio, the base spec you can hold any contractor to, how the materials really compare, and what drives the price. No fluff, no upsell.

Foundations· July 12, 2026

Why Colorado Patios Heave

Two forces move hardscape here — frost heave and swelling clay. Both of them run on water. Control the water and you've solved most of the problem.

Specs· July 11, 2026

What Good Base Prep Actually Looks Like

You can't inspect a base after the pavers go down. So here's the spec — depths, lifts, materials, restraint — written so you can hold any contractor to it before it's buried.

Materials· July 10, 2026

Pavers vs. Flagstone vs. Concrete

There's no universal winner. There's a right answer for your soil, your budget, and how much you care about being able to fix it later. Here's the straight comparison.

Cost· July 9, 2026

What a Patio Costs in Colorado

Six things move the number, and square footage is only one of them. Here's what actually drives a Front Range patio price — and why the cheapest bid is usually the most expensive one.

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