Create your perfect outdoor living space with beautiful stone and paver patios designed to last for decades.
Your backyard should be more than just grass and a fence. It should be a place where you want to spend time, whether you're hosting friends for a barbecue or enjoying your morning coffee in peace. A custom stone or paver patio gives you that space, and it adds real value to your home at the same time.
At FMA Fontana Masonry, we design and install patios that match your style and fit your budget. We work with natural stone, pavers, flagstone, and more. Every project starts with understanding what you want and how you'll use the space. Then we build something that works for you and looks amazing.
Fontana's warm climate means you can use your patio almost year-round. Why not make it a space you're proud to show off? Let's talk about what's possible for your backyard.
The material you choose sets the tone for your entire outdoor space. Different materials have different looks, different costs, and different maintenance needs. Here's what we typically work with and what makes each one special.
We'll walk you through samples and show you what each material looks like in real outdoor settings. You'll see how they handle weather, foot traffic, and spills. We want you to make an informed choice that you'll be happy with for years.
Pattern and layout matter too. Herringbone, basketweave, running bond, and random patterns all create different visual effects. We can show you photos of past projects and help you visualize what will work best in your space.
A beautiful patio starts with proper preparation. If the base isn't right, you'll end up with sinking pavers, drainage problems, and cracked stones. We do it right the first time so your patio stays level and looks great for decades.
We excavate to the proper depth, typically 7 to 9 inches depending on your soil type. This gives us room for a solid base that won't shift over time. We also grade everything to ensure water flows away from your home.
We lay crushed stone or gravel and compact it in layers. This creates a stable foundation that can handle weight and resist settling. Proper compaction is critical, and we don't rush this step.
A one-inch layer of coarse sand goes on top of the base. We screed it perfectly level to ensure your pavers or stones sit evenly. This layer also helps with drainage.
We carefully place each paver or stone according to your chosen pattern. For natural stone, we select pieces that fit together naturally. For pavers, we maintain consistent joints for a clean look.
Edge restraints keep everything locked in place. Then we sweep polymeric sand into the joints, which hardens to prevent weeds and insect activity. We seal the entire surface if you choose that option.
Most patio installations take 3 to 5 days depending on size and complexity. We clean up thoroughly each day and protect your landscaping throughout the process. You can walk on your new patio within 24 hours of completion.
Local Expertise: Fontana's clay-heavy soil requires special attention during excavation and base prep. We've been working with these soil conditions for years and know exactly how to build patios that won't settle or shift over time.
Your patio can be more than just a flat surface. With thoughtful design, you can create distinct areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining. Here are some ideas that work well in Fontana backyards.
If your yard has a slope, we can create multiple levels connected by stone steps. This adds visual interest and defines separate spaces. A lower level might be perfect for a fire pit, while the upper level hosts your dining table.
We can incorporate low retaining walls that double as bench seating around the patio perimeter. Built-in planters add greenery without taking up floor space. These features make your patio feel custom and finished.
Consider where the sun hits your patio at different times of day. A pergola or covered section can provide relief from afternoon heat. We can also prep for low-voltage lighting that makes your patio usable after sunset and adds ambiance.
Nothing extends outdoor season like a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. We can build these features into your patio design or add them later. If you love cooking outdoors, we also install outdoor kitchens with grills, counters, and pizza ovens.
During your consultation, we'll talk about how you plan to use your patio and suggest features that make sense for your lifestyle and budget. We're not trying to sell you the most expensive option. We want to create something you'll actually use and enjoy.
Let's discuss your ideas and create an outdoor space you'll love for years to come.
