Custom Outdoor Living Spaces

Patios • Decks • Shade Structures

Custom Outdoor Living Spaces

Patios • Decks • Shade Structures

Patios, Decks and Shade Structures

Your backyard should be the place everyone naturally gathers.

Morning coffee on a quiet deck.

Summer dinners that last until the fire burns low.

Kids running barefoot across the lawn.

Friends who never want to leave.

We design outdoor living spaces that become your favorite room of the house.

Your backyard should be the place everyone naturally gathers.

Morning coffee on a quiet deck.

Summer dinners that last until the fire burns low.

Kids running barefoot across the lawn.

Friends who never want to leave.

We design outdoor living spaces that become your favorite room of the house.

Our Services Include:

  • Modern concrete patios and walks
  • Brick paver patios and walks
  • Unilock, High Format and Fendt retaining wall & step systems
  • Wood decks (Ipe, cedar and pine)
  • Composite decks, pergolas and arbors (Timbertech, Trex & Azek)

Patios, Decks and Shade Structures

What Can We Build For You?

PATIOS

A beautifully designed patio is the cornerstone of any exceptional outdoor living space. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy nook for relaxation or a grand area for entertaining, the right patio transforms your backyard into a functional and stunning retreat. At TERRAFIRMA, we specialize in custom patio design and construction that blends beauty with durability.

Popular Patio Features We Offer

  • Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces for warmth and ambiance.
  • Built-In Seating and Raised Planters to maximize functionality.
  • Water Features for a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Outdoor Kitchens for the ultimate entertaining experience.

A paver patio or stone terrace is an impressive alternative to concrete when creating an outdoor living space.

unilock paver patio entertainment backyard design build

Incorporating stone seating or large ledge outcroppings will help delineate space and add additional seating for entertainment.

This permeable Fendt paver allows a sustainable approach to floodplains and stormwater runoff.

Drone photograph of a completed landscape construction project on Lake Columbia. Featuring new retaining wall terraces with fresh plantings for a safe and beautiful walk to this homeowner's dock.

The addition of paver walkways or garden paths will add continuity and flow between your patio, house, garden, driveway, and/or garage.

A photo of an IPE deck, with Feeney cable railing in Ann Arbor in the hilly woods of Barton Hills. Build and designed by TERRAFIRMA Landscape Contractors.

DECKS & SHADE STRUCTURES

A well-designed deck transforms your backyard into an expansive open-air living room. Whether you’re looking for a cozy space to relax or a large entertainment area, custom decks offer endless possibilities. As licensed builders and professional landscape contractors, we specialize in crafting decks that integrate with your outdoor environment, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.

Golden hour sunset photo of a completed Trex composite deck with raised planting beds and a bluestone ashlar patio by TERRAFIRMA Landscape

We work with you to design the perfect deck railing to match your style and enhance safety. From sleek cable railings that offer unobstructed views to glass railings that add a modern touch while maximizing visibility, we provide a variety of options to suit your design needs. Choose composite railings for a low-maintenance, durable solution or metal railings for a contemporary, long-lasting finish. Our expert landscape design team helps you select and install the ideal railing to complement your deck, ensuring both aesthetics and functionality.

contemporary home landscape design and build BRAG tour ann arbor home remodelers landscape design and build

Maximize your outdoor living space with a deck drainage system that keeps the area beneath your deck dry and usable year-round. Our expert solutions channel rainwater away, creating a comfortable, waterproof under-deck space perfect for lounging, dining, or entertaining. We work with both new construction and existing deck retrofits. Enhance this area with motorized retractable screens, offering on-demand protection from insects, sun, and wind while maintaining an open, airy feel. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy outdoor retreat or expand your functional living space, our custom deck drainage and enclosure systems provide durability, style, and convenience.

Breathe new life into your outdoor living space with professional deck repair, resurfacing, and refurbishing services. Whether your deck is weathered, outdated, or unsafe, our landscape contractors specialize in transforming tired structures into stunning, durable, low-maintenance living spaces. From structural repairs to composite resurfacing and modern railing upgrades, we help homeowners reimagine their outdoor spaces with craftsmanship that lasts. Serving Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, we’re your go-to team for expert deck renovations that add value, beauty, and functionality to your home.

The perfect lake house deck should be durable and low-maintenance- because who has time to refinish a deck when the water is calling. We specialize in high-quality materials like composite decking and railings, ensuring longevity without the need for frequent upkeep. After your evening boat cruise, integrated LED lighting makes wayfinding safe and enjoyable. Don’t forget custom shed design and build for tidy storage of water toys.

photo of a backyard landscape project showing a shade arbor connected to a shade sail over a deck with hanging egg chairs

Why Invest in a Custom Deck?

A thoughtfully designed deck adds significant value to your property, increases usable outdoor space, and provides the perfect setting for birthday parties and family dinners. By choosing the right materials and design, you can ensure your deck complements your home’s architecture and withstands the elements.

Our Approach to Deck Design and Construction

  • Consultation & Planning: We collaborate with you to understand your vision, lifestyle, and budget.
  • Material Selection: From natural wood to composite decking, we guide you in choosing durable, low-maintenance options.
  • Custom Design: Each deck is tailored to your landscape and your specific needs.
  • Expert Construction: Our skilled team of licensed builders ensure your deck is built to last with top-tier craftsmanship.

Popular Deck Features to Consider

  • Shade Elements such as motorized and composite pergolas, arbors and shade sails.
  • Underdeck Drainage System for rain-free outdoor living at ground level.
  • Integrated Landscape Lighting for ambiance and safety.
  • Built In Planters to raise your herb gardens or seasonal perennial plantings into a framed view.

 HOW YOUR PROJECT COMES TO LIFE

Consultation → Site Visit → Design → Renderings →
Materials → Construction → Enjoy Your Backyard

Consultation
We learn how you live, entertain, and use your property.

Evaluation
We measure, photograph, and evaluate grading, drainage, utilities, and opportunities.

Design & 3D Renderings

Your ideas become a professionally designed outdoor living plan that you can visualize before construction begins.

Selections
Choose pavers, stone, lighting, plants, decking, and finishes with expert guidance.

Construction
Our experienced craftsmen bring your project to life.

Final Walkthrough
We review every detail together so you can enjoy your investment with confidence.

Consultation
We learn how you live, entertain, and use your property.

Evaluation
We measure, photograph, and evaluate grading, drainage, utilities, and opportunities.

Design & 3D Renderings

Your ideas become a professionally designed outdoor living plan that you can visualize before construction begins.

Selections
Choose pavers, stone, lighting, plants, decking, and finishes with expert guidance.

Construction
Our experienced craftsmen bring your project to life.

Final Walkthrough
We review every detail together so you can enjoy your investment with confidence.

photo of a high-end landscape construction project on a new construction site in downtown Ann Arbor. The photo shows Unilock retaining walls, paver walk and patio and custom fire pit surrounded by low-maintenance plantings.

What Truly Makes Our Company Different:

  • Nearly 50 years of experience
  • Registered landscape architects & horticulturists- not just salespeople
  • Licensed builders for projects that span landscaping and home construction
  • In-house 3D and photorealistic renderings
  • Design-build project management under one roof
  • High-end craftsmanship and material selection
  • Experience with challenging Michigan sites, including lakefronts, slopes, clay soils, drainage issues, and complex outdoor living environments

Frequently Asked Questions About Patios & Decks

Can you build a patio on clay soils like those found throughout Ann Arbor?

Yes. Much of Southeast Michigan contains expansive clay soils that require careful preparation. Proper excavation, compacted aggregate bases, grading, and drainage are essential for long-term performance. We design and construct patios to accommodate local soil conditions and help minimize settling over time.

Should I choose concrete pavers, natural stone, or poured concrete for my patio?

Each material offers unique benefits. Concrete pavers provide exceptional durability, design flexibility, and easy repair if individual pieces ever need replacing. Natural stone offers timeless character and a one-of-a-kind appearance, while poured concrete can be a cost-effective option but is generally more susceptible to cracking over time. We’ll help you compare the advantages of each based on your home’s architecture, intended use, and maintenance preferences.

How much does a custom patio or deck cost in Michigan?

The cost depends on the size of the project, material selections, site conditions, grading requirements, drainage considerations, and features like retaining walls, lighting, outdoor kitchens, fire features, or seating walls. During our design consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and provide recommendations that align with your investment while maximizing long-term value.

How do I know whether I need retaining walls with my patio?

If your property has noticeable elevation changes, slopes, or walkout conditions, retaining walls may be recommended to create usable outdoor space, improve drainage, and stabilize grades. During the design process, we’ll evaluate your site and determine whether retaining walls would benefit the overall project.

Can outdoor lighting be incorporated into a patio or deck?

Yes. Landscape lighting is one of the most impactful upgrades for outdoor living spaces. We can integrate lighting into steps, retaining walls, seat walls, pathways, decks, railings, gardens, and gathering areas to improve both safety and nighttime ambiance.

Can a patio be built in phases?

Yes. Many homeowners choose to begin with a patio or deck and add features such as pergolas, pavilions, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, landscape lighting, or additional gardens in future phases. We can develop a master plan that allows your outdoor space to grow over time while maintaining a cohesive design.

Why choose TERRAFIRMA for a patio or deck project?

For nearly five decades, TERRAFIRMA has designed and built custom outdoor living spaces throughout Ann Arbor, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities. Our team includes experienced landscape professionals who carefully consider grading, drainage, construction techniques, plantings, and architectural design to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, durable, and tailored to the way you live.

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