hardscapes.
Groundworks Hardscapes
Hardscapes Built to Anchor the Landscape
Patios, stonework, walls, and outdoor structures built with permanence, proportion, and precision.
SCOPE OF WORK
What We Build
We focus on a core set of hardscape services that define how outdoor spaces are built and used. These are the elements we design and install directly across the Hamptons, with close attention to materials, grade, and long-term performance.
If your project falls outside what’s listed, we’re still happy to talk. We frequently collaborate with architects, engineers, and specialty trades, and can coordinate those relationships when a project calls for it.
1. Patios & Walkways
2. Retaining Walls
3. Driveways & Aprons
4. Outdoor Kitchens
5. Fire Pits & Water Features
6. Pergolas & Outdoor Seating
7. Gates & Fences
Materials, Craft, and Informed Decisions
Every hardscape project begins with an understanding of how the space will be used, how it should feel, and how it needs to perform over time. Material selection is not only a design decision, but a practical one; balancing aesthetics, usability, durability, and budget within the context of the site.
— Stone Selection
Stone selection plays a critical role in the success of patios, walkways, retaining walls, steps, and outdoor living spaces. We guide clients through stone choices based on visual goals, intended use, and site conditions, considering factors such as color, texture, finish, scale, foot traffic, drainage, and long-term maintenance.
Common materials used in Hamptons hardscape construction include bluestone, limestone, granite, reclaimed stone, and concrete pavers. Each material performs differently depending on exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and installation method. Not every stone is appropriate for every application, and our role is to help narrow selections to those that align with both design intent and long-term performance.
Porcelain pavers are also an option in certain hardscape applications. Their uniform appearance, slip resistance, and low maintenance requirements can make them a strong fit for specific design goals, particularly where consistency and ease of care are priorities. As with natural stone, porcelain is evaluated based on site conditions, drainage, and intended use.
— Budget, Use, and Long-Term Value
Hardscape materials vary widely in cost, but material price alone does not determine the success of a project. We work with clients to establish a realistic budget early, then recommend stone and construction methods that make sense for how the space will be used. Rather than overspending on surface materials at the expense of performance, we prioritize proper base preparation, drainage, and structural detailing. The elements that determine whether a patio or wall remains stable and looks good for decades.
— Masonry and Carpentry Experience
Our team brings years of hands-on experience in masonry and carpentry, allowing us to evaluate details beyond surface appearance. Base construction, grading, drainage, jointing, transitions, and structural integration all influence how a hardscape performs and ages, particularly in coastal environments like the Hamptons. These considerations are addressed throughout the design and build process, not after installation begins.
— Gates and Fencing
In addition to stonework and hardscape construction, we design and install a range of gates and fencing solutions. This includes pool-code compliant fencing, deer fencing, and custom gates and fence installations designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape and architecture. Safety, function, and visual continuity are considered together for every property.
The projects below reflect how these principles come together on site – from material selection and construction through final installation across properties in East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, and the rest of the Hamptons.
