Hardscape Pricing
How Much Hardscaping Will Your Budget Really Get You?
What Does Hardscaping Cost in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Delaware Beaches?
If you’re considering a new patio, retaining wall, fire feature, or luxury landscape surrounding your pool, one of the first questions on your mind is likely, “How much will it cost?” At Keystone Pavers, we believe transparent pricing is the foundation of a successful project. This guide is built to help you plan with clarity. You can also try our patio cost estimator or our hardscape ROI calculator to see how much value you'll be adding to your home.
With over 25 years of experience designing and installing custom hardscapes, we’ve worked on properties of all shapes and sizes. As an ICPI-certified installer, Techo-Bloc Tech Pro, and Unilock Authorized Contractor we deliver premium craftsmanship using materials built to last in our Mid-Atlantic climate.
Hardscaping costs can vary based on project scope, material selection, site accessibility, and design complexity. This guide provides a realistic starting point tailored to the communities we serve.
We build premium hardscapes for homeowners in:
- Maryland's Eastern Shore: Stevensville, Chester, Centreville, Easton, St. Michaels, Queenstown, Grasonville, Oxford, Trappe, and Wye Mills
- Delaware Beaches: Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach, Ocean View, Fenwick Island, Dagsboro, and surrounding areas
No matter your location, we bring the same level of detail, care, and personalized service to every project.
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:
-
- 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 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:
-
- 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 ($30,000 - $70,000)
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:
-
- 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 ($70,000 - $200,000+)
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+)
When your goal is a show-stopping outdoor oasis, this budget allows for comprehensive designs that completely transform your property.
With this level of investment, your hardscape project can include:
-
- Expansive paver pool decks with integrated seating and landscaping
- Multi-level retaining walls that create dynamic outdoor spaces
- Custom-designed outdoor kitchens with bars and high-end appliances
- Pavilions and covered entertaining areas for year-round use
- Fire and water features for a high-end, resort-style atmosphere
- Smart outdoor lighting and automation systems for ultimate convenience
This range is perfect for homeowners who want a fully designed and engineered outdoor living space with all the luxuries of a high-end resort.
What Affects the Cost of Your Hardscape Project?
If you're planning a hardscaping project on Maryland’s Eastern Shore or along the Delaware Beaches, it's important to understand the key factors that influence the final price. At Keystone Pavers, we help homeowners design beautiful outdoor spaces that match both vision and budget. Here’s what impacts the cost:
1. Material Selection
From Techo-Bloc and Unilock pavers to natural stone, your choice of materials plays a big role in pricing. Concrete pavers offer excellent durability and value, while premium finishes or stone accents create a high-end look at a higher cost.
2. Site Conditions & Preparation
Is your property sloped? Does it require grading or drainage improvements? Projects that need excavation or site prep, common near waterfront or wooded lots, can increase labor and materials needed to ensure a stable base.
3. Project Size & Design Complexity
Whether it’s a small patio or a large outdoor living space with seat walls, steps, and lighting, size and design intricacy matter. Multi-level builds, curved layouts, and integrated features require more time and skilled labor.
4. Custom Features & Upgrades
Adding a fire feature, outdoor kitchen, water feature, or landscape lighting enhances functionality and aesthetics, but also increases the investment. These features are especially popular in custom backyard retreats across our service areas.
Understanding Hardscape Pricing: Why Costs Vary Between Contractors
Why Hardscape Prices Vary—And What You’re Really Paying For
At Keystone Pavers, we’ve been building premium outdoor spaces for over 25 years. As ICPI-certified installers with a 5-star reputation across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Delaware Beaches, we know quality craftsmanship and we know what it costs to do things right.
If you’re comparing hardscape quotes, you might notice a wide price range for what appears to be the same type of work. Here's why that happens:
Why Some Contractors Charge Less
Lower prices often mean cutting corners.
Some contractors reduce costs by hiring unskilled labor, skipping proper base preparation, or offering no design services. That can lead to:
-
- Uneven or sinking pavers
- Poor drainage and frost damage
- Generic layouts with no long-term appeal
- No warranty or aftercare if something fails
We’ve been called in too often to fix failed patios or driveways built by the lowest bidder. What seemed like a deal turned into a costly redo and it always leaves us feeling terrible for the homeowners who were taken advantage of.
Why Some Contractors Charge More
Some high-end contractors may charge more because of:
-
- Large overhead (big showrooms, large crews)
- Exclusive or imported materials
- Complex custom designs
- Higher profit margins
That doesn’t always mean better quality. At Keystone Pavers, we use premium materials from Techo-Bloc and Unilock and we offer tailored designs, and build it right the first time, without inflated pricing. We're not the cheapest, that's for sure, but we're also not the most ridiculously expensive.
Bottom line: When it comes to hardscaping, you’re not just paying for materials. You’re investing in expertise, proper installation, long-term durability, and a company that stands behind their work.
Our Clients Love Us!
Here's What They Say
We had Keystone Pavers install a driveway with extensive hardscaping along the edges and aprons at both ends. I got about five quotes from other contractors given the size of the project and most were reasonable. However, after meeting with Eric and his team, it was clear to me that Keystone was the best company for the job. His knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to quality and detail were impressive. My first impressions were spot on. The crews always showed up on time as planned and did a phenomenal job. Eric was exceptionally responsive when I had questions along the way as well. I recommend Keystone Pavers in the highest possible terms!
Keystone Pavers did a phenomenal job on our large paver patio installation! Our previous patio (installed from another contractor 15 years ago) was constructed incorrectly and was horribly rippled and the pavers were separating. Other contractors either walked away from the project or told us they would use the already existing foundation and put new pavers on top (which would not have solved the problem). Eric immediately and accurately diagnosed the problem and proposed an appropriate plan to reconstruct the patio from the foundation. He listened intently and addressed all my concerns. We are impressed by the quality and workmanship and the construction was top notch. Highly recommend Keystone. Our patio was installed about 2 months ago and we have been enjoying it thoroughly throughout the summer. Thank you Courtney and Eric!
Keystone Pavers did an amazing job installing our patio. Very happy with the entire process, they were great!
I'm a returning customer; I had a patio and walkway installed by Keystone Paves a few years ago. When planning a front entrance and walkway I didn't consider anyone but Keystone Pavers and they didn't disappoint. In spite of a minor supply-chain issue that caused a slight delay in starting the project, Eric and his crew pressed on, adjusted their schedule, and managed to complete the work within the requested timeframe.
I contacted this company for a paver patio, but didn’t realize how far away they were from me. I’m a first time paver user and even tho I didn’t end up using them. Eric helped me along the way. Extremely few companies will help u out when u aren’t using them. He even emailed me a list of trusted paver installers who could help me along the way with the best price. Answered all my questions, which were many. Lol He also advised me on what to make sure of in my contract so that I was taken care of. Eric u rock, and are a very essential employee to this company. He helped me out even tho he didn’t get a dollar from me. I will definitely recommend this company to my friends who live out that way. Thank u!
Entire TEAM was very professional hands down. From day one meeting with the owner to discuss a plan, working with office personnel until the job was completed was outstanding. Job was done quicker than expected too. My property was clean, neat and taken care of too. There TEAM is polite and professional. They met us when it was convenient for my schedule and plan to come back and seed in the spring if necessary. Highly recommended👍👍
Eric and his crew are true professionals and their quality of work is the best in the area. Highly recommend!
Exceptional experience all around! The owners, Eric and Courtney are patient, talented, thoughtful, responsive and hard working. Their talent is second to none. It has been a blessing to be the beneficiary of their project design and professionalism. I highly recommend Keystone Pavers.
A++ for Keystone Pavers! Eric, Courtney and their team are true professionals during every phase, from design and estimating to installation. They have vision and a passion for their trade and it shows. As business owners they say what they do and do what they say. We are beyond thrilled with our pool deck, fire pit and surrounding landscape. Our backyard is now the oasis we always wanted! The Somervilles, Chester, MD
Eric and his team are fabulous. I couldn't have expected anything better from their service!