If you are planning a new patio or complete outdoor living space, choosing the right company can make a significant difference in both the finished appearance and the overall quality of the project.
At Arnold Masonry and Landscape, we believe homeowners should look beyond a contractor’s name or marketing and focus on something much more important: What does the company actually specialize in building?
For a project centered around natural stone, brick, custom patios, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor firepits, outdoor kitchens, masonry steps, walkways, and other permanent outdoor features, hiring a company with extensive masonry and hardscape experience gives you the advantage of working with a team that understands how these elements should be designed and built together.
We have been serving Atlanta and North Atlanta since 1985, with masonry at the heart of what we do.
If you are considering a custom patio or outdoor living project, here is what we recommend looking for before choosing who will build it.
Why Masonry Experience Matters for a Custom Patio
A patio may look simple once it is finished, but creating a high-quality custom patio involves much more than selecting attractive materials and filling an open area in the backyard.
The patio often becomes the foundation of the entire outdoor living space.
It may connect your home to:
- An outdoor kitchen
- An outdoor fireplace
- An outdoor firepit
- Masonry steps
- Walkways
- Built-in seating
- Entertaining areas
- Other custom masonry elements
Because all of these features interact visually and physically, we believe the patio should be designed as part of the overall environment rather than treated as an isolated surface.
Natural Stone Requires Craftsmanship
Natural stone is one of the materials that defines much of our work.
Unlike manufactured materials designed to be uniform, natural stone has individual shapes, textures, thicknesses, and variations.
Working with it requires decisions about:
- Stone selection
- Pattern
- Placement
- Cuts
- Joints
- Transitions
- Edges
- Steps
- Proportion
- Overall appearance
The craftsmanship becomes part of the finished design.
A properly designed natural stone patio should not simply provide a usable surface. It should complement the architecture of the home and feel like a permanent part of the property.
Brick Masonry Requires the Same Attention to Detail
Brick can create anything from a traditional Atlanta patio to more elaborate steps, entrances, walkways, and outdoor living features.
Pattern, alignment, borders, transitions, and surrounding masonry details all influence the finished appearance.
This is why we recommend looking at a contractor’s actual masonry portfolio rather than simply asking whether the company “does patios.”
Masonry Contractor vs. General Patio Installer
Many different companies may advertise patio installation.
That does not mean every company approaches the project with the same level of masonry experience.
Here is a useful way to think about the difference:
| Project Consideration | General Patio Installer | Masonry & Hardscape Specialist |
| Basic patio construction | May offer | Yes |
| Natural stone craftsmanship | Experience varies | Core specialty |
| Brick masonry | Experience varies | Core specialty |
| Custom masonry details | May be limited | Core capability |
| Masonry steps | Varies | Common |
| Outdoor fireplaces | Varies significantly | Common masonry project |
| Outdoor firepits | Varies significantly | Common masonry project |
| Outdoor kitchen masonry | Varies | Common outdoor living project |
| Built-in masonry seating | Varies | Common |
| Coordinating multiple masonry features | Depends on company | Central to design-build approach |
| Complete outdoor living spaces | May require separate specialists | Well suited to integrated design |
| Architectural masonry details | Experience varies | Core focus |
The company title still does not guarantee quality.
What matters is demonstrated experience.
Before hiring anyone, look closely at what the company has actually built.
Look for Projects That Match What You Want
One of the most useful things you can do when choosing a contractor is compare your project to the company’s completed work.
If you want a custom natural stone patio, ask to see natural stone patios.
If you want an outdoor fireplace, look at completed outdoor fireplaces.
If you want an outdoor kitchen incorporated into a larger entertaining area, look at projects that combine a kitchen with patios, masonry, seating, and other outdoor features.
Do not assume that experience with one type of outdoor work automatically translates to expertise in another.
Look Beyond the Wide-Angle Photos
Beautiful, finished photographs are helpful, but look at the details too.
When reviewing masonry work, pay attention to:
- Stone placement
- Brick patterns
- Cuts
- Joints
- Corners
- Edges
- Steps
- Transitions
- Material consistency
- Fireplace proportions
- Outdoor kitchen finishes
- How different features connect
Those details can tell you much more about craftsmanship than a single photograph of an entire backyard.
At Arnold Masonry and Landscape, our portfolio includes decades of custom masonry and outdoor living work throughout Atlanta and North Atlanta.
When a Masonry-Focused Contractor Makes the Most Sense
The more masonry your project involves, the more important specialized experience becomes.
Here are several situations where we believe homeowners should strongly consider a masonry and hardscape company.
A Custom Natural Stone Patio
Natural stone is not simply another patio surface.
The appearance depends heavily on how the individual pieces are selected, arranged, cut, and finished.
An experienced masonry team understands how to work with those natural variations to create a finished patio that looks intentional.
A Brick Patio
Brick patios can incorporate different patterns, borders, transitions, steps, and architectural details.
If brick is an important part of your home’s existing architecture, experienced masonry work can also help the new space complement the original structure.
A Patio With Masonry Steps
Steps should not feel like an afterthought.
When the patio includes changes in elevation, custom masonry steps can create a natural connection between different outdoor spaces.
The material, width, proportions, transitions, and placement should all relate to the patio itself.
A Patio with an Outdoor Fireplace
An outdoor fireplace is one of the most substantial masonry features that can be incorporated into a backyard.
It may become the visual focal point of the entire outdoor space.
We consider:
- Fireplace proportions
- Stone or brick selection
- Placement
- Hearth design
- Surrounding seating
- Relationship to the patio
- Relationship to the home
- Connections with other masonry features
A well-designed outdoor fireplace should look like it was always intended to be part of the property.
A Patio with an Outdoor Firepit
An outdoor firepit creates a different atmosphere.
Rather than acting as a vertical architectural focal point, it can create a central gathering area surrounded by seating.
We consider how the firepit relates to:
- Seating placement
- Patio size
- Walkways
- Nearby outdoor kitchen areas
- Other masonry
- Overall circulation
Stone and brick can also be coordinated with the patio and other features so the firepit feels integrated into the overall design.
A Patio with an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is another reason to think beyond the patio itself.
The kitchen structure, masonry, countertops, appliance openings, preparation areas, and seating can occupy a significant portion of the finished outdoor space.
We design and construct applicable masonry and hardscape portions of outdoor kitchens so the kitchen relates naturally to the patio and surrounding gathering areas.
Arnold Masonry and Landscape does not install electrical, gas, water, or plumbing systems.
A Complete Outdoor Living Space
This is where a masonry-focused design-build approach becomes especially valuable.
Instead of separately deciding where the patio, outdoor fireplace, outdoor firepit, kitchen, steps, walkways, and seating should go, we can look at the entire outdoor space as one project.
That allows us to coordinate:
- Materials
- Dimensions
- Proportions
- Gathering areas
- Traffic flow
- Seating
- Masonry details
- Transitions
- Connections to the home
The goal is to create one outdoor environment, not a collection of features added independently.
Why One Masonry Design Matters Across the Entire Backyard
One of the clearest differences between a standalone patio and a complete outdoor living project is the number of features that need to work together.
Imagine a backyard that includes:
A natural stone patio.
A large outdoor fireplace.
An outdoor kitchen.
Masonry steps.
A seating area around an outdoor firepit.
Custom walkways connect everything.
If each feature is designed independently, it is easy to end up with different materials, inconsistent proportions, awkward transitions, or areas that do not flow naturally together.
When we approach those features as one project, we can think about the relationship between them from the beginning.
Consistent Materials
Using complementary stone and brick across several features can visually connect the entire backyard.
The fireplace can relate to the outdoor kitchen.
The kitchen can relate to the patio.
The steps and walkways can repeat materials or details found elsewhere.
Better Proportions
A massive outdoor fireplace can overwhelm a small seating area.
An undersized outdoor kitchen may look out of place beside an expansive patio.
Built-in seating can interfere with circulation if it is placed without considering how people will move through the space.
Designing everything together allows scale and proportion to be considered across the entire project.
Better Flow
Outdoor living spaces are meant to be used.
People need to move naturally between cooking, dining, sitting around a fire, entering the home, and walking through the backyard.
We think about those relationships while developing the design.
How to Evaluate a Masonry Company Before Hiring
A contractor asking you to make a major investment in your property should be able to show you why they are qualified to build the project.
Here are some of the most important things we recommend evaluating.
1. Years of Relevant Experience
Ask how long the company has been performing the type of work you are considering.
At Arnold Masonry and Landscape, we have served the Atlanta area since 1985.
More importantly, masonry has remained a central part of our work throughout that history.
2. Comparable Completed Projects
Do not settle for a generic portfolio.
Ask to see projects similar to yours.
For example:
If you want a large natural stone patio with an outdoor fireplace, look for projects that demonstrate both.
If you want an outdoor kitchen, look closely at the masonry and finish details of completed kitchens.
If you are planning several features, look for complete outdoor living projects rather than individual close-ups of isolated features.
3. Customer Reviews
Customer reviews provide information that photographs cannot.
A project may look beautiful when it is finished, but homeowners also want to know what working with the company was like.
Look for repeated comments about:
- Craftsmanship
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Responsiveness
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Finished quality
- Overall experience
We have earned high customer ratings across Google, Houzz, and other review platforms, as well as numerous Best of Houzz awards for Design and Service.
4. A Detailed Written Scope
Before signing an agreement, understand exactly what the company is proposing to build.
Depending on your project, the written proposal may identify:
- Demolition
- Site preparation
- Patio dimensions
- Material selections
- Natural stone or brick
- Masonry steps
- Walkways
- Outdoor fireplace construction
- Outdoor firepit construction
- Outdoor kitchen masonry
- Built-in seating
- Custom masonry details
- Cleanup
- Material allowances
- Exclusions
- Payment terms
A vague proposal makes it much harder to compare contractors fairly.
5. Clear Communication About Changes
Construction projects can evolve.
You might choose a different material, enlarge a section, add a feature, or make another change after the original scope has been established.
Before hiring a company, understand how changes are documented and how additional costs are communicated.
Compare Craftsmanship, Not Just Price
When homeowners receive several estimates, it is natural to focus on the final number.
But comparing only price can be misleading.
Imagine three companies provide estimates for a “stone patio.”
One proposal may include a straightforward patio.
Another may include custom masonry steps and more detailed stonework.
A third may incorporate an outdoor fireplace and other architectural masonry details.
Those are not the same project.
Compare the Written Scope
Use a simple checklist when reviewing estimates:
| Item | Company 1 | Company 2 | Company 3 |
| Patio dimensions listed | |||
| Exact material identified | |||
| Demolition identified | |||
| Site preparation identified | |||
| Masonry steps included | |||
| Walkways included | |||
| Outdoor fireplace included | |||
| Outdoor firepit included | |||
| Outdoor kitchen masonry included | |||
| Built-in seating included | |||
| Cleanup addressed | |||
| Exclusions identified | |||
| Payment terms provided | |||
| Changes handled in writing |
This allows you to compare what each contractor is actually proposing rather than simply choosing the lowest number.
Why the Lowest Patio Quote Is Not Always the Best Value
There is nothing wrong with wanting a competitive price.
The problem comes when homeowners assume two estimates represent identical work.
A lower number can mean several different things.
The company may genuinely operate more efficiently.
The material allowance may be different.
The patio may be smaller.
Certain masonry details may not be included.
Demolition may be excluded.
Steps or walkways may be separate.
One quote may simply represent a different project.
That is why we encourage homeowners to understand the scope before comparing the price.
At Arnold Masonry and Landscape, our projects currently have a $15,000 minimum investment.
We charge a $100 consultation fee, which is applied toward your project if you choose to move forward with us.
The consultation allows us to see the property, understand your goals, and develop a more detailed project scope.
Why Choose Arnold Masonry and Landscape for Your Atlanta Patio?
We have been serving homeowners throughout Atlanta and North Atlanta since 1985.
Masonry is not simply one item buried in a long list of unrelated services.
It is at the core of what we do.
Our work includes:
- Custom natural stone patios
- Brick patios
- Custom stone and brick masonry
- Outdoor fireplaces
- Outdoor firepits
- Outdoor kitchens
- Masonry steps
- Walkways
- Custom entrances
- Built-in masonry seating
- Complete outdoor living spaces
Decades of Masonry Craftsmanship
Our experience gives homeowners the ability to look through decades of completed work and determine whether our craftsmanship and style match what they want for their own property.
We work with natural stone and brick to create outdoor spaces that feel substantial, permanent, and connected to the home.
Complete Outdoor Living Experience
If your project extends beyond a patio, we can design the masonry and hardscape elements together.
That may include the patio, fireplace, fireplace, firepit, outdoor kitchen, steps, walkways, and seating areas.
By considering these elements together, we can create a more cohesive finished environment.
Highly Rated by Atlanta-Area Homeowners
We are proud of the reputation we have built over the years.
Our customers have shared positive experiences across Google, Houzz, and other review platforms, frequently highlighting our craftsmanship, communication, attention to detail, professionalism, and finished work.
Our projects have also received numerous Best of Houzz awards for Design and Service.
Serving Atlanta and North Atlanta
We build custom patios, masonry, and outdoor living spaces throughout Atlanta and North Atlanta, including:
Atlanta • Buckhead • Sandy Springs • Roswell • Johns Creek • Alpharetta • Marietta • Smyrna • Brookhaven • Milton • Woodstock • Kennesaw • Vinings • Cumming • Chastain Park • East Cobb • North Atlanta
Every home and property is different.
Our goal is to create masonry and hardscape work that complements the individual property rather than applying the same design everywhere.
Hire the Right Masonry Company for Your Patio
Your patio is a permanent part of your home.
If the project includes natural stone, brick, an outdoor fireplace, outdoor firepit, outdoor kitchen, masonry steps, walkways, seating areas, or other substantial outdoor features, masonry experience should be one of the most important factors in your decision.
Before hiring a contractor:
Look at their actual masonry work.
Ask to see projects similar to yours.
Read customer reviews.
Pay attention to craftsmanship.
Compare written scopes.
Understand what is included.
And choose a company with demonstrated experience building the type of outdoor space you want.
Considering a Custom Patio or Outdoor Living Project?
Start by completing our Request a Quote form and telling us what you would like to create.
Our projects currently have a $15,000 minimum investment.
We charge a $100 consultation fee, which is applied toward your project if you choose to move forward with us.
Share information about your property, desired materials, the outdoor features you are considering, and photos of your existing space.
Still deciding? View our completed masonry projects and read our customer reviews to learn more about the work we have completed throughout Atlanta and North Atlanta since 1985.
Frequently Asked Questions
A masonry-focused company can be particularly valuable when your patio involves natural stone, brick, masonry steps, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor firepits, outdoor kitchens, built-in seating, or several interconnected outdoor features.
These projects benefit from experience working with masonry materials as well as an understanding of how different permanent features should work together.
The most important step is reviewing completed projects that are comparable to what you want to build.
Look for demonstrated experience with your chosen materials and project type, comparable completed work, strong customer feedback, attention to detail, and a clear written proposal.
For natural stone or brick projects, review close-up photographs of the contractor’s work as well as complete project photos.
Cuts, joints, transitions, patterns, steps, edges, and finish details can reveal a great deal about craftsmanship.
We specialize in custom natural stone and brick masonry, patios, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor firepits, outdoor kitchens, masonry steps, walkways, entrances, built-in seating, and complete outdoor living environments.
We do not install electrical, gas, water, or plumbing systems.
Compare the actual scope rather than looking only at the total price.
Make sure you understand the patio dimensions, materials, demolition, site preparation, steps, walkways, masonry features, outdoor fireplace or firepit construction, outdoor kitchen masonry, cleanup, exclusions, and payment terms included in each proposal.
Two estimates with different scopes are not truly competing prices for the same project.
Our projects currently have a $15,000 minimum investment.
The final investment depends on your property’s conditions, project size, materials, masonry complexity, demolition, access, custom features, steps, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor firepits, outdoor kitchens, and overall scope.
We charge a $100 consultation fee, which is applied toward the project if you choose to move forward with us.
Start with our Request a Quote form so we can learn more about what you are considering.
