Before any backyard can thrive, it has to drain properly. And in this hardscaping Cary, NC project, solving the drainage issues wasn’t just a matter of convenience—it was essential to protecting the home, patio, and the pool from long-term water damage.
When we arrived, it was immediately clear that the yard was struggling due to serious water runoff. The side yard sloped downward from a neighboring property, sending stormwater sweeping across the homeowner’s backyard. The flat middle section of the yard could only hold so much before excess water began pooling—particularly in front of the jacuzzi, where it collected on the patio and eventually spilled into the pool. Not only did this introduce debris and bacteria into the water, it also disrupted the pool’s chemical balance and contributed to the degradation of the surrounding hardscape.
Over time, that excess water had compromised the original patio. Pavers had shifted, stones were no longer level, and erosion had taken its toll on the surface and the base beneath. To solve this, we had to think beyond surface-level fixes—we needed to reshape the way the yard handled water altogether.
Epoxy Pebble Walkway: Beautiful + Functional
One of the most critical elements in our drainage solution was the installation of a custom epoxy pebble walkway along the side yard where stormwater entered the property from the uphill neighbor. This walkway was purpose-built not just for aesthetics, but as a first line of defense—intercepting runoff before it could flood the patio or pool area.
Why epoxy pebble worked:
- High permeability: Made from a blend of resin and natural stone, this surface resembles a permeable pavement system. It allows significant water flow through the surface rather than letting water pool—some systems can evacuate as much as 850 L/m²/min.
- Layered construction: Beneath the stone-resin layer, we built a graded, compacted aggregate base designed to hold shape under foot traffic while allowing water to soak through.
- Surface control: The walkway acts like a spillway—slightly recessed and sloped, it captures runoff and slows water.
Visually, the epoxy pebble finish ties together the stone patio and turf areas beautifully. Functionally, it’s a critical component of the drainage strategy, protecting the hardscape by absorbing the water nature is sending its way.
Raised Paver Borders for Definition and Control
To reinforce the landscape and add structure, we built raised paver borders along both the left side (where water enters the yard) and the right side (next to the house), creating structured natural areas that support both form and function.
We also added raised garden beds at each end of the back of the house, using stone paver borders to elevate and define existing natural areas that backed up to the home. Together, these features were vital to our drainage plan:
- Redirect surface water away from the home: Raised borders guide runoff away from the foundation, patio, and pool area.
- Prevent erosion and soil displacement: They hold mulch and soil in place, stabilizing planting beds through storms.
- Promote healthy drainage for plants: Elevation helps root zones drain effectively, reducing waterlogging and soil compaction.
- Create clean transitions: Stone borders create clear edges between turf, beds, and walkways—keeping materials where they belong.
Raised stone borders also outperform flexible edging in sloped environments. They’re not just more durable—they’re far more effective at managing water flow and minimizing erosion over time.
Built to Perform—And Ready for What’s Next
Even the best drainage system only performs if it’s maintained. That’s why we take time to educate homeowners on keeping debris clear, monitoring flow after storms, and trimming plant growth to keep pathways open.
But more than just solving a problem, this drainage strategy unlocked opportunity. With the water now properly managed and the foundation stabilized, the homeowners were free to reimagine their entire outdoor space. The patio, the deck, the pool surround—everything that followed was possible because this first phase was done right.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of this hardscaping Cary, NC, project, where we’ll share how the patio was completely rebuilt to bring beauty, structure, and long-term performance to this backyard retreat.