Longer-Lasting AND Permeable!
Not all hardscapes are created equally, especially when it comes to porcelain, stone, and pavers. (We don't recommend concrete in Kansas City). In fact, it might be more common to see poorly crafted porcelain or stone hardscapes than it is to find well-made hardscapes.
At High Prairie Outdoors & Pools, we learned from the masters of longevity...literally! We went to Europe and learned how to craft LASTING patios and drives using methods that last decades longer than conventional methods.
Our European Trass foundation for hardscapes is also permeable, which means you won't have standing water, ugly drains, or overtaxing local drainage with excess runoff.
Timeless Style. Lasting Functionality.
Kansas City's Most Durable Hardscape
Think You Could Use a Little Extra Space?
Well-planned, outdoor living rooms can feel like natural extensions of your home’s interior. Think of it as adding a room without the expense of having to build on to your actual home. And there are no confining walls involved, so your senses get a chance to play. Our local Kansas City hardscaping designers can expertly and carefully balance the way your outdoor living spaces interact and relate to the architecture of your home, connecting paths that lead you through different spaces. To do this, we talk to you about how you plan to use your yard and what kind of feelings you’re hoping to create in each of your outdoor rooms — whether it’s for play, entertainment, family get-togethers, seclusion, or even simple and quiet reflection.
And it all typically starts with a patio — the outdoor living foundation. Patios are pleasant places for entertaining, getting lost in a good book, and hanging out with family.
Expand Your Living Space with Kansas City Hardscaping
Searching for a Kansas City patio builder for your backyard hardscaping project? Many times, when you think about landscaping, you’re envisioning adding a grand tree to your front yard landscape, a flowering shrub that brings color and texture, or perennials and annuals that create seasonal color, change, and interest.
Those are the softscapes — the living elements that give your outdoors depth and texture, as well as a connection to nature that comes with the sounds, scents, and smells that stimulate your senses and create a soothing, scenic space.
We all love our softscapes, but adding hardscapes to your yard can bring structure and cohesion to your growing and changing plants. Hardscapes by definition are areas that aren’t made of living things. They are made with materials such as wood, stone, concrete, bricks, pavers, and everything in between to create the ultimate relaxation spaces.
Kansas City Patios & Hardscapes FAQ
- Higher Structural Strength – Averaging a compresive strength of 5000 psi, trass is stronger than concrete (most averages 3000-4000 psi). All other bases have a significant lower structural strength.
- Freeze-Thaw Resilient – Water drains through, eliminating frost heave risk.
- Self-Healing Mineral Matrix – Micro-cracks seal naturally, extending life.
- Maintenance-Free – No re-sanding, re-leveling, or weed issues.
- Clay Soil Compatible – Reduces water pressure and swelling under patios.
- Long-Term Value – Built for decades, backed by a multi-year warranty.
Trass bedding forms a bonded, permeable layer beneath your pavers that blends the strength of concrete with the drainage of gravel. This unique foundation resists frost heave, adapts to subtle soil shifts, naturally seals micro-cracks, and keeps your patio level and stable for decades with minimal upkeep. Learn more about the technology behind trass bedding in our blog on the future of patios in Kansas City.
Kansas City's freeze-thaw cycles, expansive clay, and moisture are tough on conventional bases. Trass bedding excels because it’s permeable—so it allows water to drain through before freezing—and its self-healing mineral matrix resists soil movement while reducing long-term maintenance. This makes it an ideal solution for the region’s unpredictable conditions.
Paver patios can fluctuate in price up to 30% based on type of material selected, existing site conditions, and patio foundation chosen for construction. On average, most paver patios on a crushed rock base average $30 to $46 per square foot. A concrete or European base can be a bit more. High Prairie’s European bases average $40 to $46 per square foot, but structurally last decades longer than conventional patios.
General concrete patios range in price from $12-$16 per square foot when they’re poured on the necessary gravel base. In Kansas City, our clay soils shrink and swell significantly during freeze/thaw cycles, so don’t skimp on the base even if the concrete company “does it all the time”. Stamped or stained concrete can range from $16-$35 per square foot. Our professional trade partners we use for concrete work always use the proper base. Please note we do not offer concrete at this time.
High Prairie has several experienced stone masons on staff who build beautiful hardscapes every day. We only use trade partners for finished concrete or some veneer work with our stone masons are booked out. 98% of our stonework is done by our internal team. 100% of our stonework is managed to pass quality standards by our team.
We recommend paver patios at High Prairie because they last longer and age more gracefully over time. Determining if they’re worth the investment is a personal decision for every family. If a family intends to stay in their home for a while or lives in a high-end area, yes, paver patios are worth it. That’s presuming they have the financial means to comfortably invest in the lasting beauty of a paver or stone patio.
Every hard surface requires maintenance. The structure of a well-built paver patio will not change much over time unless there is an unforeseen issue such as a sinkhole, spring, or other abnormal issue. Under normal conditions, you should plan to seal or reseal every 2-7 years, maintain the sand/joining material every 2-15 years, and surface clean as needed with soapy water. Nearby trees or plants with berries can stain any hard surface and may require special cleaners. Extremely damp or shady areas need sand and cleaning more often.
The High Prairie Process
An Experience-Driven Process
Our processes create customized solutions to help you master the art of the experience-driven lifestyle. This is what to expect when you work with us on Design/Build projects or all-inclusive Maintenance:
Get In Touch
Fill out our online form to get started. We'll be in touch to discuss the details of your project to make sure we're a good fit for you. If so, we'll set up your Discovery Meeting and provide a pricing guide to help you know what to expect.
Discovery Meeting
This is a free meeting at our design studio, where you'll select a design package. You'll have an opportunity to meet your designer and share details about your unique design style. We'll learn about your priorities and preferences as we help you discover your many options and possibilities. At this time, we'll collect half of the design fee.
Site Analysis
The Site Analysis breaks down the three pillars of memory making: how you relax, play, and connect. It includes measurements, drainage and grading considerations, architectural and existing element analysis, soil analysis, and a review of design opportunities, all seen through the lens of your three pillars.
Concept Reveal Meeting
At our studio or remotely, this is where you'll review your detailed design and discuss material options with your designer. If there are budget considerations, we can discuss phasing the project as needed.
Final Design Reveal and Proposal Presentation
We'll finalize the materials and order your selections upon your approval. Your Prairie Power Team will create a project plan, complete with milestones and target tasks. As we work through planning and permitting, you'll receive weekly updates, and after you sign, we'll get you on the schedule.
Crafting Your Space
The team will work diligently and according to schedule. You can track our progress and watch your landscape unfold via our project web platform.
Final Walkthrough + Ongoing Maintenance
You'll do a final walkthrough with the designer, and we will accept the final payment. You’ll learn more about our worry-free maintenance program options and we can schedule your Lawncierge project check-ins for proactive attention and monitoring of your new space.
Year-Round Services for Comprehensive Property Care
All of our services are completed by highly skilled crews equipped with specialized tools and landscaping know-how. With stonemasons, pool builders, horticulturists, and more on our team, we can complete 95 percent of our projects completely in-house, which means you’ll enjoy a stress-free build! As certified General Contractors, we can bring in electricians and plumbers as required, eliminating the need for you to juggle multiple contractors. This is what we can do for you:
Pools & Spas
Custom pools, spas, and water features designed as part of a complete outdoor environment. Our team creates spaces for relaxation, recreation, and connection while integrating every element into a larger vision for your property. Through our Legacy Program, your aquatic environment is cared for and improved long after construction is complete. Visit our Pools page to learn more.
Landscape Design & Installation
Thoughtfully designed and expertly built outdoor environments tailored to the way you live. From landscape design and planting plans to outdoor living spaces and hardscapes, every element is created as part of a cohesive vision that grows more beautiful and functional over time. Visit our Landscape Design page to learn more.
Estate Stewardship
Our Estate Stewardship System is like property management for the outdoors. One dedicated team manages everything from fine gardening and irrigation to pool care and seasonal enhancements, helping your property improve year after year instead of gradually declining. Visit our Landscape Maintenance page to learn more.
Habitat by High Prairie
Complete your outdoor environment with premium furnishings, shade solutions, fire features, and accessories. Habitat by High Prairie helps transform beautiful outdoor spaces into comfortable, inviting places where family and friends gather and lasting memories are made.
Holiday Lighting
Extend the beauty of your outdoor environment into the holiday season with professionally designed lighting displays. Our team handles design, installation, and removal, creating a festive experience while protecting your property and saving you time. Visit our Holiday Lighting page to learn more.
Outdoor Systems & Enhancements
Support and enhance your outdoor environment with the systems and features that improve its beauty, functionality, and enjoyment. From irrigation, drainage, landscape lighting, outdoor audio, and custom decks to professionally designed holiday lighting displays, our team provides the details that help your property perform better and create memorable experiences throughout the year.
Providing Exceptional Landscape Maintenance in Kansas City, MO, and These Area Communities
We offer our comprehensive landscaping services to homeowners throughout the Kansas City area:
- Parkville, Missouri
- Belton, Missouri
- Lee's Summit, Missouri
- Liberty, Missouri
- Blue Springs, Missouri
- Westwood, Kansas
- Fairway, Kansas
- Olathe, Kansas
- Mission Woods, Kansas
Visit our Service Area page to get a closer look at where we work.
