Unilock Patio and Retaining Wall Build in Whitmore Lake

This backyard had a lot of potential - but without any usable hardscape, it was just open space that wasn't doing much for the homeowner. The goal was to create a defined outdoor living area that felt intentional, held up over time, and actually got used.

We built a large Unilock paver patio with two distinct levels connected by a set of clean, wide steps. A linear channel drain runs along the base of the steps - that's not a detail you see on every job, but it matters. It keeps water from pooling at the transition point and protects the base for years down the road.

The upper level steps up to a circular fire pit pad with a cobblestone ring border - a nice contrast against the large-format field pavers. The whole patio is bordered by a natural stone retaining wall that ties everything together and gives the space clear edges without feeling boxed in. It's the kind of detail that makes a backyard feel finished rather than thrown together.

What we ended up with is a backyard that works on multiple levels - literally. There's a spot to gather around the fire, a main patio area big enough to actually entertain on, and stone retaining walls that frame the whole thing cleanly. Unilock products are built to handle Michigan winters, and when they're installed right, they stay that way.