Service field guide
Drainage and grading reviewed before the hardscape is built.
Sherwood handles drainage as it relates to hardscape performance: where water collects, where it comes from, and whether a new patio, walkway, driveway, wall, or entrance will make the problem better or worse. The goal is to identify grading and runoff limits early, not promise a universal stormwater fix.
Start with the problem
Signs this may be the right scope.
The first step is identifying what you can see, then checking the hidden cause: base movement, poor pitch, weak edges, water, settlement, thresholds, or bad transitions.
Water pools beside a patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, wall, or foundation-adjacent area
Downspouts discharge into the work area or send water across pavers, steps, walls, or low spots
Existing pavers settled, heaved, or failed where the base stayed wet or the pitch was wrong
You want new hardscape work but need to understand drainage limits before the surface is built
What the work may include
The finished surface is only the visible part.
Drainage-conscious grading and runoff review for hardscape areas where water pools near patios, driveways, walkways, entrances, walls, or foundations, with limits identified before the surface is built.
Drainage and grading review around patios, driveways, walkways, entrances, walls, steps, and foundation-adjacent hardscape areas
Runoff path planning for new or repaired hardscape surfaces
Downspout, low spot, soft base, settlement, freeze-thaw, and wrong-pitch review where those issues affect the work area
Drainage-conscious construction decisions for pavers, walls, steps, landings, and finish grading
Water movement
What can change the scope.
- Sherwood checks where water enters the work area, where it can leave, and what obstructions or low points are already present
- Grading and pitch should be reviewed before excavation so the finished surface does not trap water
- Soft base, settlement, freeze-thaw exposure, clay soil, downspouts, and neighboring grades may change the scope or limit what hardscape work can solve
- Stormwater-sensitive sites may require owner decisions, municipal guidance, or professional review beyond the hardscape scope
Before it is covered
What good prep should make clear.
- Visible water sources, low points, and likely runoff paths are identified before the quote is finalized
- Pitch, base preparation, finished heights, and transitions are explained as hardscape performance details
- The scope states drainage limits clearly instead of implying the hardscape will solve every stormwater issue
- TODO add real drainage and grading case studies
Project
Related project examples.
See how this kind of work appears in real site conditions, prep details, and finished results.
Pool Installation
Beautiful pool interlock and stepping stone installation. Full backyard overhaul
Built-right detail: TODO document pitch away from entry
View project
Front Overhaul
A beautiful, complete front makeover
Built-right detail: TODO document observed runoff paths
View project
Patio Installation
Beautiful pool interlock and stepping stone installation. Full backyard overhaul
Built-right detail: TODO document pitch away from entry
View project
Complete Front Makeover
A beautification of the front
Built-right detail: TODO document drainage stone and outlet approach
View projectContact me later
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