Rock Solid Excavation builds and refreshes yards that handle what Michigan throws at them — paver walkways and patios, flagstone steps, fresh sod, seed and straw, and clean mulch beds. We start with a solid base and the right materials so the work still looks right after the ground freezes, thaws, and freezes again. Freeze, thaw, repeat — built to take it.
What We Build and Install
Whether you're starting from bare dirt on a new build or refreshing a tired yard, we handle the full scope of hardscape and softscape work. We grade the site so water moves where it should, prep a proper sub-base under everything hard, and finish the planted areas so they take root and stay put.
- Paver walkways, patios, and sitting areas
- Flagstone steps and natural stone accents
- Fresh sod for an instant, established lawn
- Seed and straw for larger or budget-conscious areas
- Mulch beds, edging, and bed shaping
- Grading and drainage prep so surfaces shed water
- New-build yards (bare dirt to finished) and refreshes of existing yards
Why It Lasts in Michigan
Michigan ground doesn't sit still. Clay soils hold water, winter heaves anything set on a weak base, and heavy spring rain finds every low spot. The difference between a patio that stays flat and one that shifts is what happens under it — so we excavate to the right depth, lay and compact a stone base, and pitch every hard surface to drain. For planted areas, we match seed and sod to our climate and time installs so roots establish before the season turns.
- Compacted aggregate base under pavers and stone to resist frost heave
- Surface pitch built in so water sheds instead of pooling
- Joint material and edge restraints that keep pavers locked together
- Soil prep and grading that move water away from the house and beds
New Builds and Refreshes
On a new build, you've often got bare dirt and rough grade left behind by the foundation crew. We take it from there — final grading, base prep, hardscape, and a finished lawn. On a refresh, we work with what's there: replacing failed pavers, re-leveling settled patios, reshaping beds, and bringing thin lawns back with sod or overseeding.
Hardscape & Landscape in the field
Frequently asked
Do you do both new yards and existing yard refreshes?
Yes. We build complete yards from bare dirt on new construction, and we refresh existing yards — re-leveling patios, replacing failed pavers, reshaping beds, and reviving thin lawns. John will walk the property and lay out the best plan for your site.
Should I choose sod or seed and straw?
It depends on the area, the timing, and the budget. Sod gives you an established lawn right away and holds slopes better; seed and straw cost less and work well over larger areas. We'll recommend the right approach for your yard during the walk-through.
Why do some patios shift or heave over the winter?
Almost always it's the base. A patio set on poorly compacted fill or directly on clay will move when the ground freezes and thaws. We excavate to depth, build a compacted stone base, and pitch the surface to drain, which is what keeps it flat through Michigan winters.
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Fenton and serve Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, and Washtenaw County — including Flint, Grand Blanc, Linden, Holly, Hartland, Howell, Brighton, Milford, South Lyon, Novi, and the surrounding area.