Up North Hardscapes - Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering how our process works or what to expect with your project? We've got answers to the most common questions our clients ask. If you don't see what you are looking for, feel free to contact us - we're happy to help!
Jump to a Section:
[General Services] [Patio & Walkways] [Retaining Walls] [Rip Rap & Shoreline Restoration] [Concrete Work]
[Project Process] [Pricing & Payment] [Warranty & Follow Up]
General Services
1 / What type of hardscaping projects do you offer?
We specialize in creating custom outdoor spaces built to last — including patios, retaining walls, concrete driveways, shoreline rip rap restoration, planters, and walkways. Whether you're starting fresh or improving what’s already there, we’ll help bring your vision to life.
2 / Do you offer free estimatees?
Yes! We always provide free, no-pressure estimates. We'll come out, take a look at your space, talk through your goals, and give you a detailed quote — no surprises.
3 / What areas do you serve in Minnesota?
We’re proud to serve Central Minnesota. Not sure if you're in range? Just ask — we’re happy to let you know!
4 / Do you work with both residential and vacation/lake properties?
Absolutely! Many of our projects are on seasonal or lakefront homes. We understand the unique needs of these properties — from shoreline erosion control to designs that complement the natural setting. We’ll work with your schedule and property access, even if you’re not full-time local.
5 / Do you do custom designs or only standard layouts?
You don’t need a final plan — that’s where we come in! Whether you have a clear vision or don’t know where to start, we’ll walk you through design ideas, materials, layout options, and what will work best for your space, budget, and goals. We're here to make it easy and stress-free.
Patios & Walkways
1 / How long does it take to install a patio?
The timeline depends on the size, materials, and site conditions, but most standard patios take 2–5 days from start to finish. Larger or more complex designs may take a bit longer. We always keep you updated so you know exactly what to expect — no disappearing crews or mystery delays.
2 / What's the difference between concrete and paver patios?
Both are great options — it really depends on the look and functionality you want:
-
Concrete patios are smooth, durable, and often more budget-friendly. You can customize them with colors, textures, and finishes.
-
Paver patios offer a high-end, classic look. They're made of interlocking stone or brick and allow for beautiful patterns and easy repair (you can swap out individual pavers if needed).
We’ll help you choose what works best for your space and your style.
3 / Can you help design a layout that fits our space?
Yes — that’s one of our favorite parts of the job. Whether you want a cozy sitting area, an outdoor dining space, or a winding path through your yard, we’ll help design a layout that fits your space, function, and budget. We can even blend new features with existing landscaping.
4 / What kind of maintenance is required for a paver patio?
Very little! Paver patios are designed to be low-maintenance. To keep it looking sharp, we recommend:
-
Occasional sweeping and rinsing
-
Weed control along the joints
-
Sealing every few years which we do offer (optional but helps with color and durability)
We use high-quality base materials and proper installation techniques to keep your patio solid and level for years.
Retaining Walls
1 / When do I need a retaining wall?
Retaining walls are used when you need to hold back soil, prevent erosion, or create level space on a sloped yard. You might need one if:
-
Your yard is sloped and hard to use
-
Water is pooling or washing out areas
-
You want to add a raised garden or level patio
-
You’re dealing with erosion near a structure, driveway, or shoreline
We’ll evaluate your space and let you know if a retaining wall is the right solution.
2 / Do you build walls for erosion control?
Yes! Erosion control is one of the main reasons our clients need retaining walls. Whether it’s water runoff, shoreline washout, or slope instability, we design and install walls to manage drainage, stabilize the soil, and protect your property.
3 / How tall of a retaining wall can you build without a permit?
Typically, walls under 4 feet tall don’t require a permit — but this varies by location. If your wall needs to be taller, we’ll let you know upfront and help guide you through any required permits. We’ll make sure everything is up to code and built to last.
Rip Rap & Shoreline Restoration
1 / What is rip rap and why is it important for lakefront properties?
Rip rap is a layer of large, durable stones placed along a shoreline to prevent erosion and protect your land from water damage. Over time, waves, storms, and ice can eat away at your property. Rip rap helps stabilize the shoreline, preserve your yard, and even add a natural-looking touch to your landscape.
2 / Can you restore damage from past shoreline erosion?
Absolutely. If you’re seeing exposed roots, sinking ground, or a receding shoreline, we can assess the damage and rebuild a solid, long-lasting barrier. We’ll remove old or failing material if needed and restore the shoreline with proper slope, filter fabric, and layered rip rap to stop further damage.
3 / Do you work with DNR or permit processes?
Yes — and this is where hiring a pro really matters. In many areas, shoreline restoration requires permits from local townships or the Minnesota DNR. We’ll let you know what’s needed for your property and assist with the permit process to make sure everything’s done legally and correctly.
Concrete Work
1 / Do you pour driveways and sidewalks?
Yes! We handle concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage slabs, and more. Whether you're replacing old cracked concrete or installing something brand new, we’ll make sure it’s solid, smooth, and built to last through Minnesota’s seasons.
2 / How long does concrete take to cure?
Your concrete will be walkable within 24–48 hours and ready for light vehicle traffic in about 7 days. Full curing and maximum strength happen over 28 days. We’ll give you easy care instructions to follow during that time to keep it looking great.
3 / Will you remove the old concrete or do I need to prep that first?
Yes — if you're replacing an old driveway or walkway, we’ll take care of the demo and disposal. You don’t need to prep anything in advance — we handle everything from start to finish.
3 / Can you add custom textures or patterns to concrete?
At this time our concrete finishes are Broom finish - great traction, clean look.
Project Process
1 / What's the process for starting a project with you?
Here’s how it works:
-
Request a free estimate (call, message, or use our contact form)
-
We schedule a site visit to check out your space and talk about your ideas
-
You receive a detailed, no-pressure quote
-
Once approved, we lock in your spot on our schedule and send you a contract to be signed before beginning
-
Our team shows up, gets to work, and keeps you updated every step of the way
We make it simple, clear, and stress-free from start to finish.
2 / Do I need to be home during the work?
Nope! As long as we have access to the site, you don’t need to be home while we’re working. We’ll stay in touch, send updates if needed, and let you know as soon as your project is complete.
3 / How soon can you start after we approve the quote?
Start times vary depending on the season and our current schedule. During peak season (spring–fall), we usually book 2–4 weeks out, but sometimes sooner depending on the project size and location. We’ll give you a clear timeframe upfront — and we always show up when we say we will.
3 / Do you handle cleanup after the job is done?
Absolutely. We treat your property with respect and leave it clean and tidy once the work is finished. That includes hauling away debris, sweeping walkways, and making sure everything looks sharp.
Pricing & Payment
1 / How do you price your projects?
Every project is custom-priced based on the size, materials, labor, and site conditions. After our onsite visit, we’ll provide a clear, itemized quote that breaks everything down — no hidden fees, no guesswork.
We work with you to stay within your budget while still delivering high-quality results.
2 / Is a deposit required?
Yes, we require a deposit to secure your project on our schedule and cover material costs. The deposit amount is 50% and the remaining balance is due upon completion.
We’ll lay out all payment details clearly in your contract.
3 / Do you offer financing or payment plans?
At this time, we do not offer in house financing.
3 / Do you provide itemized quotes?
Yes — our quotes are clear and detailed, with a breakdown of labor, materials, and any optional upgrades. We want you to feel confident about what you’re paying for before anything starts.
Warranty & Follow Up
1 / Do your projects come with a warranty?
All block retaining walls and concrete paver patios, driveways, and pathways installed by Up North Hardscapes are covered for a period of one year against faulty workmanship. This warranty covers any installation defects including breakage and settling that may occur through no fault of the customer. Warranty does not cover discoloration or efflorescence of concrete based materials, stains caused by foreign substances, Acts of God (flood, wind, snow, etc.), normal wear and tear on hardscape area or excessive traffic and abnormal weight, nor modifications or repairs done by anyone other than an Up North Hardscapes employee.
2 / What happens if something shifts or breaks after install?
Our warranty covers labor and installation-related issues, including settling, shifting, or structural flaws that result from how the project was built. If materials fail due to a manufacturer defect, we’ll work with you to get them replaced too.
Note: Natural wear from weather, heavy vehicle use, or lack of maintenance isn’t covered — but we’re always happy to inspect and help however we can.
3 / Can I call you with questions after the job is done?
Absolutely! Just give us a call or shoot us a message. We don’t disappear after the last stone is laid — our goal is to leave you happy long after the dust settles. We love repeat customers too - let us know if any new ideas come up down the road!