Commercial Landscape Construction

We pride ourself in designing and building commercial landscape projects that not only meet your desires but are also aesthetically pleasing. No project is too small or too big for us.

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Commercial Landscape Construction Service

The Pacific Northwest presents a unique canvas for landscape construction. Our varied terrain—from the flat urban lots of Seattle’s neighborhoods to the sloping properties of the Eastside communities—demands more than standard solutions. It requires an understanding of how soil, water, and structure interact in a region where rainfall averages over 37 inches annually and clay-heavy soils can shift with the seasons.

Commercial landscape construction goes far beyond placing pavers or building a retaining wall. It’s the integration of engineering, craftsmanship, and environmental awareness into a cohesive outdoor environment.

In Snohomish, Pierce, and King Counties specifically, successful landscape construction must account for drainage patterns that can change dramatically between dry summers and wet winters. A patio installed without proper base preparation may heave after its first freeze-thaw cycle. A retaining wall built without adequate drainage behind it can fail within a few years as hydrostatic pressure builds.

The difference between landscape construction that lasts five years and construction that lasts twenty-five often comes down to what happens before the first stone is set: site analysis, grading plans, drainage solutions, and material selection appropriate for our climate.

When evaluating landscape construction, look beyond the finished surface. Quality work includes compacted base materials of appropriate depth, proper edge restraints on paver installations, adequate drainage provisions, and fasteners and structural connectors rated for our wet climate. These details aren’t visible in the finished project, but they determine how that project will look and perform in five, ten, or twenty years.

Brookstone Landscape & Design has been constructing outdoor spaces across the Seattle area since 2015, with particular experience in the communities throughout Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties. Our approach prioritizes understanding each site’s specific conditions and designing solutions that perform well in the long term in our unique Pacific Northwest environment.

Commercial Landscape Construction Services

Patio design & installation – Custom outdoor living surfaces using natural stone, pavers, or concrete, engineered for our soil conditions and climate
Retaining wall construction – Structural and decorative walls designed to manage grade changes, prevent erosion, and create usable outdoor spaces on challenging terrain
Outdoor kitchen construction – Complete design and build services for cooking islands, built-in grills, countertops, and supporting utilities
Custom fire features – Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces constructed to extend outdoor living seasons through the Pacific Northwest’s cooler months
Pergola & shade structure construction – Architectural elements that define outdoor rooms while providing relief from sun and light rain
Walkway & pathway installation – Functional circulation routes designed for safety, accessibility, and visual appeal using materials suited to your property’s aesthetic
Drainage solutions & water management – French drains, channel drains, dry creek beds, and grading solutions to protect structures and prevent water damage
Irrigation system installation – Complete sprinkler and drip irrigation design tailored to plant needs, sun exposure, and water conservation goals
Landscape lighting systems – Low-voltage LED installations for safety, security, and ambiance, including path lighting, uplighting, and architectural accents
Fence & gate installation – Privacy fencing, decorative borders, and secure entry points constructed with materials built to withstand Western Washington’s wet climate
Deck construction & repair – Wood and composite deck building, from intimate platforms to expansive multi-level outdoor living areas
Water feature installation – Fountains, ponds, waterfalls, and bubbler features that add movement and sound to outdoor environments
Planting & softscape installation – Trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground covers selected and installed for long-term success in local growing conditions
Sod & lawn installation – New turf establishment through sod or seed, including soil preparation, grading, and starter fertilization programs
Site preparation & grading – Excavation, clearing, demolition, and finish grading to prepare properties for construction or renovation
Erosion control & hillside stabilization – Terracing, plantings, and structural solutions to protect slopes and prevent soil loss on our varied terrain

DEsign & Consultation

Great landscapes don’t happen by accident—they’re planned. Our design and consultation services help you explore possibilities, understand options, and develop a roadmap that ensures your investment delivers lasting value and functionality.

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Hardscapes

Well-constructed hardscapes create the foundation for outdoor living. Our team builds patios, walkways, steps, and retaining walls engineered for longevity—because what happens beneath the surface matters as much as the finished product you see.

Water Features

Few elements enhance an outdoor space like the presence of water. We construct custom fountains, pondless waterfalls, streams, and reflection pools that add a sensory dimension to your property—designed for both visual impact and long-term functionality.

pergolas

More than decorative elements, pergolas transform open areas into purposeful outdoor rooms. We build custom structures crafted to endure the Pacific Northwest climate while providing years of beauty and functional value.

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Landscape Construction - Brookstone Landscape & Design - Seattle Metroplex - King County, WA

Most Popular Questions

What is the best time of year for landscape construction in the Seattle area?

The ideal time for landscape construction in the Seattle area is late spring through early fall, typically May through October. During these months, drier conditions allow for proper soil compaction, concrete and mortar curing, and efficient project completion without weather delays. However, certain projects, such as drainage installation, retaining walls, and hardscape construction, can proceed during the wetter months with proper planning.

Planting is actually best done in the fall when cooler temperatures and natural rainfall help establish root systems before summer stress. A reputable contractor can help you determine the optimal timing based on your specific project scope and site conditions.

How long does a commercial landscape construction project typically take?

Landscape construction timelines vary significantly based on project scope and complexity. A simple patio installation may take one to two weeks, while a comprehensive landscape renovation involving grading, drainage, hardscapes, irrigation, and planting can span six to twelve weeks or longer.

Factors that influence the timeline include permit requirements, material lead times, weather conditions, and the size of the construction crew. In Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties, projects requiring permits may add 2 to 6 weeks to the approval process before work begins.

During your initial consultation, your contractor should provide a realistic timeline that accounts for these variables and includes buffer time for unexpected conditions.

Do I need a permit for commercial landscape construction in Snohomish, King, or Pierce Counties?

Permit requirements depend on the type and scope of your project. Retaining walls over four feet in height typically require a building permit and may need engineered drawings.

Projects near streams, wetlands, or steep slopes often trigger a critical areas review. Significant grading, new impervious surfaces exceeding certain thresholds, and structures such as pergolas or outdoor kitchens may also require permits, depending on your jurisdiction.

Requirements vary, so it’s essential to verify local regulations before construction begins.

A knowledgeable commercial landscape contractor will help identify permit requirements during the planning phase and can manage the submission process on your behalf.

How much does commercial landscape construction cost in the Seattle area?

Landscape construction costs in the Seattle metro area vary widely based on project scope, materials, and site conditions.

Basic patio installations typically range from $25 to $50 per square foot, while premium natural stone work can exceed $75 per square foot. Retaining walls generally cost between $50 and $150 per square face foot depending on material and engineering requirements.

Comprehensive landscape renovations involving multiple elements often range from $50,000 to $150,000 or more for residential properties. Factors that influence cost include site accessibility, demolition of existing features, drainage complexity, and material selections.

Obtaining detailed proposals from qualified contractors that itemize costs helps you understand where your investment is going and allows for meaningful comparisons.

What is the difference between hardscape and softscape?

Hardscape refers to the non-living, structural elements of a landscape—patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, decks, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. These features are typically constructed from stone, concrete, pavers, wood, or metal and provide the functional framework of outdoor spaces.

Softscape encompasses the living elements—trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, ground covers, and lawn areas. A well-designed landscape integrates both hardscape and softscape to create cohesive outdoor environments that balance structure with natural beauty.

The hardscape elements are generally installed first during construction, followed by irrigation systems, and finally the softscape plantings that bring the space to life.

How long do pavers and natural stone patios last?

A properly installed paver or natural stone patio can last 25 to 50 years or longer with appropriate maintenance. Longevity depends heavily on installation quality—particularly the depth and compaction of the base material, proper edge restraints, and adequate drainage. In the Pacific Northwest, patios built on insufficient bases often experience settling, shifting, and heaving within the first few years as our clay-heavy soils expand and contract with moisture changes.

Quality installations include six to eight inches of compacted crushed rock base, proper slope for drainage, and polymeric sand in the joints to prevent weed growth and insect intrusion.

Annual maintenance such as reapplying polymeric sand and occasional pressure washing helps preserve appearance and extends service life.

Why is drainage so important in Pacific Northwest landscape construction?

Drainage is critical in Pacific Northwest landscape construction because the region receives substantial rainfall—over 37 inches annually in Seattle—and many properties have clay-heavy soils that drain poorly. Without proper water management, moisture accumulates around foundations, undermines hardscape installations, creates standing water, and damages plant roots.

Effective drainage planning addresses both surface water through grading and swales, and subsurface water through French drains, catch basins, and drain tiles.

Every hardscape element should be designed with drainage in mind, including proper slope on patios and walkways, gravel backfill behind retaining walls, and permeable options where appropriate.

Investing in drainage during initial construction prevents costly repairs and landscape failures down the road.

What should I look for when hiring a landscape construction contractor?

When hiring a landscape construction contractor, verify they hold appropriate licensing, bonding, and insurance for your jurisdiction. Request references from recent projects similar in scope to yours and take time to view completed work in person if possible.

A qualified contractor should conduct a thorough site assessment, provide a detailed written proposal with itemized costs, and clearly communicate project timeline and payment terms.

Ask about their experience with drainage, their approach to base preparation for hardscapes, and whether they obtain necessary permits.

In our local Seattle area, confirm they understand local regulations regarding critical areas, stormwater management, and impervious surface limits.

The lowest bid rarely represents the best value—prioritize contractors who demonstrate expertise, communicate clearly, and stand behind their work with meaningful warranties.

Areas of Expertise

Residential

HOAs, Master Planned Communities, Condominiums

Office

Commercial offices, Corporate Campuses, Industrial Facilities, Creative Office Spaces

Medical

Hospitals, Medical Centers, Rehabilitation, MOBs, Acute Care Centers

Education

Colleges, Universities, K-12 Schools

Recreation

Parks and Civic Spaces, Golf Courses, Museums, Theme Parks Complexes and Fields

Retail

Retail and Lifestyle Centers, Shopping Malls, Mixed Use Developments

Hospitality

Hotels, Destination Resorts, Country Clubs, Theme Parks

religion

Places of Worship, Cemeteries

Areas of Service

The areas highlighted in dark green represent the primary service regions for Brookstone Landscape & Design. Our experienced team has the expertise and resources to manage commercial properties, homeowner associations, condominiums, and retail or mixed-use projects throughout the Seattle metroplex.