Questions Are Part of Planning a Great Outdoor Space
Straightforward answers about pricing, design, construction, patios, outdoor living, landscaping, maintenance and working with Flores Landscapes.
The Questions Homeowners Ask Us Most
If you're beginning to think about an outdoor project, these are some of the most useful questions to answer first.
How much does a paver patio cost?
See the answer → 02Do I need a design?
See the answer → 03What if my project needs permits?
See the answer → 04How long will my project take?
See the answer → 05What about drainage and grading?
See the answer → 06What warranty does Flores offer?
See the answer →Planning & Working With Flores
What to expect before construction begins, including design, pricing, permits, scheduling and how we help you determine the right project.
How much does a paver patio cost?
Paver patio pricing depends on the size of the patio, paver selection, site conditions, access, layout complexity and added features such as steps, seating walls, lighting or fire features.
As a general planning range, many paver patio projects can fall around $30–$40 per square foot, but actual pricing can vary significantly based on the project. We'll discuss your budget early and help determine which options make sense for your property.
What's the benefit of getting a design? Do I need one?
A design gives you a professional plan tailored to the property, your goals and your budget. It helps our team work through layout, scale, traffic flow, materials and how the different pieces of the project should relate to one another before construction begins.
Designs are especially useful for larger or more complex outdoor living projects. Some straightforward projects may not require a formal design. If a design makes sense for your project, we'll explain the options before moving forward.
What if my project needs permits or HOA approval?
The requirements depend on the project and municipality. Planting and basic landscape work may not require permits, while items such as retaining walls, decks, structures, electrical work and certain larger installations often can.
When permits or HOA approvals are required, our team helps guide the process and coordinates the necessary project information so the work can move forward properly.
How long will my project take?
Construction time varies significantly by project. A straightforward patio is very different from a complete backyard involving hardscape, a pavilion, kitchen, utilities, lighting and landscaping.
Before construction begins, we'll review the expected scope and scheduling process. Weather, inspections, material availability, site conditions and changes to the project can all affect timing.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before the first meeting?
No. Many homeowners know what they want the backyard to do before they know exactly what should be built.
Tell us how you want to use the space, what you like and dislike about the current yard, the features you're considering and the budget you want to work within. We can help you determine the right place to start.
Why choose Flores Landscapes?
Flores is a locally owned Central Ohio company focused on complete outdoor living and landscaping projects. We plan the individual pieces of a backyard together rather than treating the patio, structures, cooking, fire, lighting and landscaping as unrelated upgrades.
Just as important, we place a strong emphasis on communication, craftsmanship and standing behind our work after construction is finished.
Building the Foundation of the Backyard
Questions about pavers, drainage, durability, fire features and designing hardscape for Central Ohio conditions.
Will hardscaping affect drainage or yard grading?
Yes. Any time a patio, walkway, wall or other hard surface is added, the way water moves across the property can change. That's why grading and drainage need to be considered as part of the project rather than after it.
We evaluate slope and runoff and may incorporate solutions such as grading changes, drains or catch basins when appropriate. The goal is to move water intentionally and protect the home and surrounding property.
How long do patios and retaining walls last?
Properly installed hardscape can last for decades. Material selection matters, but base preparation, compaction, drainage and construction technique are just as important to long-term performance.
Regular maintenance can also help preserve the appearance and performance of the finished space, especially with Central Ohio's freeze-thaw cycles.
What's the difference between a fire pit and an outdoor fireplace?
A fire pit is usually open on all sides and naturally encourages people to gather around it. It tends to create a more casual, social seating arrangement.
An outdoor fireplace is more architectural and directional. It can anchor a patio or outdoor room, provide a strong focal point and direct smoke upward rather than toward seating.
The better option depends on your space, seating plan and how you want people to use the backyard.
Can lighting, fire features or seating walls be built into my patio project?
Yes. In fact, those elements often work best when they are planned at the same time as the patio.
Thinking about utilities, wall locations, furniture placement, lighting and circulation before construction helps create a cleaner finished project and reduces the need to modify completed work later.
Can hardscaping be installed in the fall or winter?
Often, yes, depending on the type of work and ground and weather conditions. Hardscape construction does not always need to wait for spring.
Seasonal scheduling can vary, so we'll evaluate the specific project and current conditions before determining the appropriate construction window.
Kitchens, Structures & Complete Outdoor Rooms
How kitchens, pergolas, pavilions, fire features and other elements can work together as one finished backyard.
What can I include in an outdoor kitchen?
Common features include built-in grills, refrigerators, storage, access doors, countertops, bars and seating. The right combination depends on how you cook and entertain.
We also consider utilities, traffic flow and how guests will interact with the cooking area so the kitchen works as part of the entire outdoor space.
What maintenance does an outdoor kitchen require?
Appliances, countertops and cabinetry should be cleaned regularly to limit dirt, grease and moisture buildup. Some stone surfaces may also benefit from periodic sealing.
In Central Ohio, winter preparation matters. Depending on the kitchen, appliances and utilities, that can include covering equipment and properly shutting down or winterizing water and gas-related components.
What's the difference between a pavilion and a pergola?
A pavilion typically has a solid roof and provides more complete overhead protection. A traditional pergola uses an open overhead structure that creates filtered shade while maintaining a more open-air feeling.
Louvered pergolas add another option by allowing the overhead blades to change position for more control over sunlight and ventilation.
Can Flores build the patio, structure and outdoor kitchen together?
Yes. For larger outdoor living projects, planning those pieces together is often the better approach.
It allows dimensions, footings, utilities, furniture placement, cooking space, lighting, drainage and traffic flow to be coordinated before construction rather than solved one feature at a time.
Can a pergola or pavilion be added to an existing patio?
In many situations, yes. We first need to evaluate the existing patio, available space, proposed structure location and any footing or utility requirements.
Sometimes the existing patio works well as-is; in other cases, modifications may make sense before installing the structure.
Plants, Timing & Establishing the Landscape
Questions about planting in Central Ohio and giving new landscape material the best chance to thrive.
When is the best time to start a landscaping project in Central Ohio?
Spring and fall are especially good planting seasons in Central Ohio because temperatures are generally more moderate and new plants can establish with less heat stress.
However, the best timing depends on what is being installed. Hardscape, drainage, planting, turf and complete outdoor living projects each have different scheduling considerations, so planning early usually gives you the most flexibility.
What plants work well in Central Ohio?
Plants that are hardy enough for our cold winters, hot summers and varying soil conditions generally perform best. Native and well-adapted plants can also reduce maintenance and water needs.
Common choices include hydrangeas, boxwoods, ornamental grasses and hardy perennials, along with trees selected for the specific property's sunlight, soil, drainage and available space.
What is the purpose of mulch?
Mulch does more than make beds look finished. It helps retain soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures and reduce weed pressure around landscape plants.
Proper mulch depth and placement matter. Excess mulch piled directly against trunks or stems can create problems rather than helping the plant.
How should I water new plants, bushes and trees?
Newly installed plant material needs consistent watering while roots establish. Water thoroughly rather than relying only on light surface watering, and adjust the frequency based on rainfall, temperature, plant type and soil conditions.
The goal is moist soil around the root zone without keeping the area continuously saturated.
What maintenance does a new landscape require?
The amount of maintenance depends on the plant palette and overall design. New landscapes usually require more attention during establishment, particularly watering and monitoring plant health.
Over time, routine mulching, pruning, bed maintenance and seasonal cleanup help keep the landscape looking intentional and healthy.
Maintenance & Warranty
How to protect the finished work and what Flores stands behind after construction is complete.
What kind of warranty does Flores offer?
Flores offers different warranty coverage depending on the work. Qualifying paver installations include a 5-year workmanship warranty, qualifying plants and trees include a 1-year limited warranty, and qualifying pergolas include a 1-year workmanship warranty.
Each warranty has specific conditions and exclusions, so we recommend reviewing the complete warranty page rather than relying only on the summary.
How should I maintain a paver patio?
Keep the surface clean, address weeds or joint issues as they appear and maintain appropriate joint sand. Periodic professional cleaning, sanding and sealing can also help refresh older pavers and protect the finished surface.
Will weeds grow between my pavers?
Proper joint material helps reduce weed growth, but outdoor surfaces still collect windblown seeds, dirt and organic material over time.
Keeping joints maintained and the patio clean is the best way to limit weed growth and preserve the appearance of the paver surface.
See How a Flores Project Comes Together
You don't need every question answered before talking with us. Our process is designed to move from goals and budget to a clear plan, quote, construction and final walkthrough.
Tell Us What You're Planning
You don't need to have everything figured out before your first conversation. Tell us what you want from your outdoor space and the budget you want to work within, and we'll help determine the right next step.