Iowa Outdoor Products

Before and After Project Information

Pre-Cast Retaining Walls
BEFOREAFTER
Pre-Cast Retaining WallsPre-Cast Retaining Walls

Before: This was a site that needed to be retained for slides that would take people into the pool. This was the most complex series of walls ever built in the state of Iowa.

After: A series of 4' retaining walls were created to distribute the load. The staircase were built out of double faced block to match the rest of the wall.

 
Bluestone Patio and Steps
BEFOREAFTER
Bluestone Patio and StepsBluestone Patio and Steps

Before: The current patio was starting to fall apart and the top course of brick along the outside was falling off.

After: Indiana Limestone edging was used to create a new boarder along the top of the patio. Pennsylvania Bluestone flagstone was tight cut into the upper patio and into the tread of the steps. A new brick planter was created were the bench was wrapping around.

 
Iowa Buff Wall
BEFOREAFTER
Iowa Buff WallIowa Buff Wall

Before: The slope off of the exsisting pool deck did not allow for a large entertaining area. Steps also needed to be added to get down to a lower patio and gate.

After: Iowa Buff wallstone was used to create a flat grade along the pool deck. Iowa Buff steps were also added to take the homeowner from the new pool deck to the lower lawn area. Boxwood were contiued around the pool to create hedges.

 
New Pool Deck/ Walls
BEFOREAFTER
New Pool Deck/ WallsNew Pool Deck/ Walls

Before: The exsisting concrete pool deck was starting to crack and not large enough for the entertaining the homeowner was wanting to do. Around the trees the area slooped back on the pool deck so during large rain events, water and debris was washing into the pool.

After: A tight cut Iowa Buff flagstone patio was created around the pool. Bull nosed copping was used around the pool lip to create a seamless flow around the pool. The deck was enlarged as well for more entertaining and more walking space. Iowa Buff Wallstone was used to create a new wall around the trees and added another seating area around the pool.

 
New Pool Deck
BEFOREAFTER
New Pool DeckNew Pool Deck

Before: The exsisting concrete pool deck was starting to crack and not large enough for the entertaining the homeowner was wanting to do.

After: A tight cut Iowa Buff flagstone patio was created around the pool. Bull nosed copping was used around the pool lip to create a seamless flow around the pool. The deck was enlarged as well for more entertaining and more walking space.

 
Formal Walk
BEFOREAFTER
Formal WalkFormal Walk

Before: The current walk to the pool was to exposed for the homeowner. The fencing around the pool was to open as well and privacy was a key factor for the homeowner. They also wanted to hide the mechanical equipment for the pool.

After: Tight cut Iowa Buff flagstone was used to create the walkway that is now hedged with boxwood. A new brick wall was built for privacy to the back yard and to hide the mechanical equipment.

 
Extension of the Landscape
BEFOREAFTER
Extension of the LandscapeExtension of the Landscape

Before: This area in front of the garage needed to carry across what had been done on the front of the house but not take away from the stone work done on it.

After: The result was to mirror the opposite side of the drive. The grade was raised to creat a flat surface for a bench and new trees. A small stream was created to carry water runoff from the driveway and downspouts out into the yard.

 
Boulder Wing Wall
BEFOREAFTER
Boulder Wing WallBoulder Wing Wall

Before: The slope on the side of the house became a problem for the homeowner. The homeowner also wanted to change the view of the front of the house, they had updateed a garage onto the opposite side of the house and wanted to balance the look out by updateing the boulder wall.

After: The result was to keep the same grade along the front of the house and update a strong focal point on the end of the house and balance out the view across the front.

 
Boulder Wing Wall
BEFOREAFTER
Boulder Wing WallBoulder Wing Wall

Before: The slope on the side of the house became a problem for the homeowner. The homeowner also wanted to change the view of the front of the house, they had added a garage onto the opposite side of the house and wanted to balance the look out by adding the boulder wall.

After: The result was to keep the same grade along the front of the house and add a strong focal point on the end of the house and balance out the view across the front.

 
Tight Cut Pennsylvania Bluestone Patio
BEFOREAFTER
Tight Cut Pennsylvania Bluestone PatioTight Cut Pennsylvania Bluestone Patio

Before: At the base of the exsisting patio, the homeowners were having trouble with grass not wanting to grow because of the shade, mud and just an unsitely area to look at.

After: Tight cut Pennsylvania Bluestone was installed along with a Bluestone firepit. The patio increased the entertaining space and also gave them a unique firepit. The patio wraps around to take you to the driveway.

 
New Steps
BEFOREAFTER
New StepsNew Steps

Before: The problem with this area was that the steps were not up to code, the tread sizes were all different and they took up to much valuable space off the side of the patio.

After: The solution to this was to create a staircase that has the right number of treads, takes up less space by moving them closer to the brick planter and create a better landing for the back garage door. Concrete steps were poured, faced with brick and then an Indiana Limestone cap was placed on the front of the treads. Pennsylvania Blue tight cut flagstone was the inlay for the treads, landing and patio below the steps.

 
New Front Walk
BEFOREAFTER
New Front WalkNew Front Walk

Before: The problem with their current concrete walk was the drainage issue over the walk. This tends to bring out the rust in the concrete and make for an icy situation in the winter time.

After: The solution for this was to come up with a new walk that would give more bed space up front and balance the front. Allow for the downspout to get tiled under the walk. The walk is made of Red Sunset Flagstone that was tight cut to create a walk that would not move and is easy to walk on.

 
Raising the Grade
BEFOREAFTER
Raising the GradeRaising the Grade

Before: The problem with this is that there is to much house foundation showing and the slope for mowing was odd. The homeowner wanted something to correct both problems and add on something that would change the front foundation of the house.

After: The solution was to do a two tiered granite boulder wall that would cover up both the foundations but not interfer with the electric meter and satelite dish. Plantings were done to give color and cover up more of the foundation.

 
Hillside Waterfall
BEFOREAFTER
Hillside WaterfallHillside Waterfall

Before: The homeowner was wanting to get rid of the excessive slope on the hill outside of their back patio. In doing this, a focal point needed to be created.

After: The focal point that was created was a pondless waterfall that is set into a boulder wall. A new lannon wall was created with a lannon flagstone patio below it. Planting that were done, created spring/summer/fall colors and screening from the neighbor's house.

 
Patio Restoration
BEFOREAFTER
Patio RestorationPatio Restoration

Before: The original patio was starting to shift and started to have pieces of flagstone that we decaying. The steps were also starting to crumble.

After: The new patio was done out of lannon flagstone that was tight cut. New steps out of lannon outcropping were added.

 
Frontyard Transformation Part 3
BEFOREAFTER
Frontyard Transformation Part 3Frontyard Transformation Part 3

Before: In this section of the transformation, the homeowner was wanting a direct path from the front yard to the door. Though they did not want it as the main focal point of the new garden.

After: A set of steps was installed to accomplish the path part. These steps were installed with sod treads to elimate them from being a major focal point within the front of the garden and blend in more with the rest of the lawn.

 
Front Yard Transformation Part 2
BEFOREAFTER
Front Yard Transformation Part 2Front Yard Transformation Part 2

Before: This was one of the homeowners other major concerns, a small concrete walk to the front door. They felt that they needed something larger, having more of a grand feel to it.

After: The old sidewalk was torn out to make way for a new six foot wide walk that turn the courtyard into a grand place. Looking down the center of the walk you will see a green pot, that is the focal point for all views into the courtyard.

 
Front Yard Transformation
BEFOREAFTER
Front Yard TransformationFront Yard Transformation

Before: This homeowner was tired of have a curvelinear bed design and not having anything that would set them apart from other houses on their street.

After: The transformation of the front yard from a natural feel to formal feel was a large task. Creating a formal courtyard that would be the main room from the frontyard. The homeowner want to keep some of the natural feel to conform with the rest of the landscaping of the house.

 
Flagstone Patio/ Walkway
BEFOREAFTER
Flagstone Patio/ WalkwayFlagstone Patio/ Walkway

Before: This area was a high trafficed area for both neighbors. The brick in this area is decaying and exposed dirt is also starting to erode onto the walk and steppers that are currently there.

After: Dakota Buff flagstone with a rustic garden path tight joint was added to stabilize the walking paths and limestone edging was added to lock in all the flagstone. The exsisting step by the door was taken out and turned into more of a ramp area.

 
Shoreline Re-Construction
BEFOREAFTER
Shoreline Re-ConstructionShoreline Re-Construction

Before: The shoreline for this property was starting to erode, shrinking the grass lawn. The homeowner was wanting to get back the eroded lawn and add some room onto it while stabilizing the shoreline.

After: Boulder walls were installed to help stop the shoreline erosion. Moving the wall out about 5 feet allowed for increased lawn space. A new limestone outcropping staircase was added, along with flagstone steppers to the deck.

 
Pond Re-Build
BEFOREAFTER
Pond Re-BuildPond Re-Build

Before: This pond was done out of flagstone and was starting to collapse inside the pool. The homeowner was wanting to have a nice clean pond with sound from the falls and an improved pool.

After: The final product was to combine both the original flagstone and granite boulders to give it a mixed look. A new Aquascapes system was install and granite boulders were used to line the pool and give ledges for plant material in the pond.

 
Iowa Buff Limestone Retaining Wall
BEFOREAFTER
Iowa Buff Limestone Retaining WallIowa Buff Limestone Retaining Wall

Before: The homeowner is looking to have a larger brick patio and walk built off their deck for entertaining. The challenge was create a flat patio area but not cut off the yard from the patio.

After: We accomplished this by raising the grade of the patio and building a 3' ht. limestone retaining wall with outcropping steps that trail down to the lower lawn area.

 
Brick Paver Patio w/ Limestone Walls
BEFOREAFTER
Brick Paver Patio w/ Limestone WallsBrick Paver Patio w/ Limestone Walls

Before: The homeowner wants a larger space to entertain on, as well as a better way to access their back deck.

After: The end result was a new brick patio that extends around both sides of the house and gives the deck a grand feeling with the larger stoop at the base of the steps.

 
Iowa Buff Outctopping Staircase
BEFOREAFTER
Iowa Buff Outctopping StaircaseIowa Buff Outctopping Staircase

Before: The backyard gate was in accessible for the homeowner. The slope of the hill also created standing water at the base of it and mowing became tough in the summer time.

After: The end result of a complete re - do of the backyard. Outcropping ledges were installled to create a terrace effect, as well as a series of outcropping was used to create a more natural staircase.

 
Iowa Buff Outcropping Walls
BEFOREAFTER
Iowa Buff Outcropping WallsIowa Buff Outcropping Walls

Before: The backyard gate was in accessible for the homeowner. The slope of the hill also created standing water at the base of it and mowing became tough in the summer time.

After: The end result of a complete re - do of the backyard. Outcropping ledges were installled to create a terrace effect, as well as a series of outcropping was used to create a more natural staircase. A new brick patio was added to the exsisting deck.

 
Iowa Buff Outcropping Walls and Staircase
BEFOREAFTER
Iowa Buff Outcropping Walls and StaircaseIowa Buff Outcropping Walls and Staircase

Before: The backyard gate was in accessible for the homeowner. The slope of the hill also created standing water at the base of it and mowing became tough in the summer time.

After: The end result of a complete re - do of the backyard. Outcropping ledges were installled to create a terrace effect, as well as a series of outcropping was used to create a more natural staircase.

 
Pond Reconstruction
BEFOREAFTER
Pond ReconstructionPond Reconstruction

Before: This pond did not meet the needs of the homeowner. It was starting to leak and need to have some major renovation done.

After: The finished product ended up being a complete re-build of the entire front enterance. The pond is now three times the size of the previous pond. A new walkway was installed out of Dakota Blush flagstone that overhangs the pond edge.

 
Stream/ Pond Construction
BEFOREAFTER
Stream/ Pond ConstructionStream/ Pond Construction
 
Valley West Mall
BEFOREAFTER
Valley West MallValley West Mall

Before: On the corner of 35th and Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Valley West Mall was looking for a high impact sign to showcase the mall on this highly visible corner.

After: The final product was a 7' high retaining wall made out of highland brown wallstone. This new wall showcases the mall as well as bring a new eye catching sign for high visibility on the corner of a busy intersection.

 
Stream/ Pond Construction (1 of 2)
BEFOREAFTER
Stream/ Pond Construction (1 of 2)Stream/ Pond Construction (1 of 2)

Before: This homeowner was wanting a place were they could sit on their exsisting patio and be able to hear the sound of water cascading as well as having a focal point for the corner of their yard.

After: The end result was a 2' waterfall that started the whole stream off, cascading down a series of smaller fall till it reaches it final destination, a large pond around the base of a pear tree.

 
Stream/ Pond Construction (2 of 2)
BEFOREAFTER
Stream/ Pond Construction (2 of 2)Stream/ Pond Construction (2 of 2)

Before: This homeowner was wanting a place were they could sit on their exsisting patio and be able to hear the sound of water cascading as well as having a focal point for the corner of their yard.

After: The end result was a 2' waterfall that started the whole stream off, cascading down a series of smaller fall till it reaches it final destination, a large pond around the base of a pear tree.

 
Courtyard
BEFOREAFTER
CourtyardCourtyard

Before: In this project, the goal was to design and install a new courtyard that would give guests of the homeowner an inviting area to gather before entry into the home. As well as, giving the homeowner a spacious, eye catching courtyard.

After: The courtyard ended up as a spacious entry to the front door. A water feature was added for touch of sounds. A bench and a arbor were also added for the homeowner to sit and enjoy the courtyard and water feature.

 
Timber Wall Construction
BEFOREAFTER
Timber Wall ConstructionTimber Wall Construction

Before: This side of the homeowner house turned into a problem area. It became a tough space to mow, the timbers were starting to rot and drainage became a problem. In addition to these problems, the homeowners wanted a way to access their backyard easier.

After: The final results were a new series of timber walls. New gardening areas were added to soften the side of the house. A staircase was added to allow the homeowners better access to the backyard and drainage was improved.

 
Limestone Retaining Walls
BEFOREAFTER
Limestone Retaining WallsLimestone Retaining Walls

Before: The challenge on this project was to create a space for the home owner to be able to utilize the backyard. The exsisting grade was cut to allow for this increase in entertaining space.

After: The end result is a series of limestone walls to retain the cut grade. New planting beds were added to soften the backyard and give it new life. A patterned limestone patio was installed to give a space for entertaining.

 
Lannon Stone Wall/ Planting Bed
BEFOREAFTER
Lannon Stone Wall/ Planting BedLannon Stone Wall/ Planting Bed

Before: The challenge on this project was to renovate an exsisting 36" planting bed into a bed that would not only anchor the corner of the house but also tie it into the new raised lannon stone wall beds.

After: On the corner there is a larger shrub that will anchor the corner of the house as well as a small patio area to enjoy the new shade perennial garden.

 
Pre Cast Retaining Wall/ Steps (1 of 2)
BEFOREAFTER
Pre Cast Retaining Wall/ Steps (1 of 2)Pre Cast Retaining Wall/ Steps (1 of 2)

Before: The challenge in this project was to create a new wall that was going with stand the elements and give the area a new feel. The owners also wanted to see a new set of steps intergrated into the wall.

After: The new landscaping create a drastically different feel compaired to the old railroad tie wall. The new wall allowed for better stability of the above parking and road. It also created a new safer route for the employees to reach the lower parking lot.

 
Pre Cast Retaining Wall/ Steps (2 of 2)
BEFOREAFTER
Pre Cast Retaining Wall/ Steps (2 of 2)Pre Cast Retaining Wall/ Steps (2 of 2)

Before: The challenge in this project was to create a new wall that was going with stand the elements and give the area a new feel. The owners also wanted to see a new set of steps intergrated into the wall.

After: The new landscaping create a drastically different feel compaired to the old railroad tie wall. The new wall allowed for better stability of the above parking and road. It also created a new safer route for the employees to reach the lower parking lot.