West Seattle Decomposed granite patio
Homeowner’s Issue
West Seattle yards face a specific set of headaches: high winter rainfall, pockets of compacted glacial till, steep front-yard drops in Admiral and Fauntleroy, and shady corners that hold moss. Many homes near Alki and Lincoln Park get more wind and salt exposure, so plants and surfaces must tolerate occasional grit and spray. Clay‑heavy patches drain slowly, causing puddles and muddy edges that chew up lawns and walkways. On flatter lots the challenge is maintaining a stable, permeable surface that won’t rut during Seattle’s rainy season yet still looks tidy in drier summer months when water restrictions limit irrigation.
HOAs and neighbors here favor tidy front yards and defined walkways, so edging and clean transitions matter. Weed pressure is constant: ivy, vigorous grass runners, and opportunistic annuals emerge after fall storms. Shade encourages moss, and steep slopes drive erosion. Homeowners want low-maintenance solutions that improve curb appeal without hand-watering all summer or relying on chemical weed control. Decomposed granite (DG) offers a permeable, natural finish that fits West Seattle’s aesthetic and handles local drainage — when installed with the right base, edging, and organic maintenance plan. We focus on those site-specific fixes so a DG patio or path performs year-round without fuss.
Our Quality Service
We install DG patios and paths with attention to West Seattle conditions: base excavation, compacted crushed rock, geotextile fabric where appropriate, aluminum or timber edging, and hand‑compacted DG finish. We use plate compactors, rakes, and laser levels for clean grades and proper surface runoff. Typical installs take 1–3 days for standard patios; larger or sloped sites may need an extra day for drainage work.
Local insight: soils are often glacially derived and compact easily, so we always prep a layered base. We avoid herbicides — weed control is mechanical or organic only. We size drainage for winter storms and recommend permeable solutions to reduce runoff into storm drains. Benefits include safer, non‑slippery surfaces, improved curb appeal, lower maintenance, and material that breathes and settles instead of cracking.
What’s Included
- Site clearing: removal of grass, roots, and topsoil to required depth (typically 3–4 inches of finished DG over base).
- Base prep: crushed rock, compacted in lifts for drainage and stability.
- Edge installation: aluminum, timber, or stone edging to lock materials in place.
- DG application: screened decomposed granite, leveled and compacted.
- Final grading and cleanup; green‑waste haul‑away or curbside bin prep.
Options / upgrades: - Geotextile fabric underlayment for weed suppression and separation.
- Finer or stabilized DG mix for higher foot-traffic areas.
- Organic weed control package (hand pulling, mulching, manual spot treatments).
- Haul-away vs. green‑bin sorting (we prioritize composting where possible).
Before & After / Expectations
Expect some noise and truck activity during prep and compaction. Access to the work area should be clear of cars and garden furniture; narrow driveways or stair access may add time. We remove debris and can haul to green‑waste or landfill per your preference; composting is standard when material is clean.
After installation the surface may settle slightly over a few weeks — we return for a light top‑dress if needed. Maintenance tips for West Seattle:
- Water only during early morning or late evening windows in summer; DG needs minimal post‑install watering to settle.
- Hand‑pull weeds in spring and late summer; apply organic mulch to adjacent beds to reduce seed migration.
- Watch shaded areas for moss; improve airflow and sun where possible, and mechanically remove moss rather than using chemicals.
FAQs
Q: How long before the patio is ready to use?
A: Most patios are walkable the next day; full settling and light furniture use after 3–7 days depending on compaction.
Q: Will DG wash away in heavy Puget Sound rains?
A: Properly installed DG over a compacted base with edging resists washout. Steeper sites need additional grading and runoff control.
Q: Do you use herbicides?
A: No. We use mechanical removal, geotextile fabric, and organic methods only.
Q: Can we add seating or pavers later?
A: Yes. We design edges and grades to accept benches, pavers, or a fire pit later without breaking the whole surface.
Call to Action
If you own a West Seattle property and want a low‑maintenance, permeable patio that handles our rainy winters and dry summers, book a free on‑site estimate. Quick scheduling, local experience around Alki and Lincoln Park, and sustainable methods — no herbicides. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com for a free quote and availability.
