Example builds › Rock Solid Excavation › Services › Hardscape & Landscape
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.
New-build yards (bare dirt to finished) and refreshes of existing yards
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.
Why It Lasts in Michigan
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.
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.
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.
New Builds and Refreshes
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.
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.
Solid surfaces and precision earthwork for residential and commercial sites.
What that means for your project
Free on-site walk-through, written estimate, no pressure. Freeze, thaw, repeat — built to take it.
Free on-site estimate.
(810) 577-6228 example build
Frequently asked questions
Do you serve my area?
We work out of Fenton across Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, and Washtenaw counties. If you're near the edge, ask.
Are estimates free?
Yes — free on-site estimates, residential and commercial.
Are you licensed and insured?
Fully licensed and insured for residential and commercial site work across Southeast Michigan.
How does Michigan freeze-thaw affect this work?
It's the single biggest factor. Water that gets under or behind a structure and freezes is what moves it. Base prep and drainage are where the job is won or lost.