Your outdoor living space is more than a just a "yard"—it’s an investment in your family as well as your home’s aesthetic, functionality, and longevity. But what’s the secret to ensuring your patio, outdoor kitchen, or retaining walls stand the test of time? The answer lies beneath the surface: a strong foundation built on open graded base.
At Stone Peak Landscape, we follow what we call the "Open Graded Gospel", a commitment to using the best construction practices for long-lasting results. Here’s why this method sets the gold standard for Colorado landscaping and beyond.
What Is an Open Graded Base?
An open graded base is a layer of angular, crushed stone without fine particles. This creates very small spaces between the stones, allowing water to pass through freely.
In contrast, traditional road base contains compacted soil, cement, sand, and small aggregates mixed with fines, which can trap water and lead to settling or frost heave in Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Imagine building your outdoor space on a surface that naturally drains, stays stable, and resists damage—that’s the power of an open graded base.
The Advantages of an Open Graded Base
Unmatched Durability
The open graded base provides a stable, solid foundation that reduces the risk of settling or shifting. Your custom patios and pathways will remain level and secure for years to come. This allows us to offer you a longer and more reliable warranty on all of our work!
Superior Drainage
Colorado’s unpredictable weather, including snow, rain, and freeze can wreak havoc on outdoor surfaces. An open graded base allows water to drain through the foundation, minimizing moisture buildup and reducing the likelihood of cracks or frost heave.
Low Maintenance
With better drainage and stability, outdoor features built on an open graded base require fewer repairs and less upkeep over time, saving you money in the long run.
Applications of the Open Graded Base
Custom Paver Patios- The perfect patio starts with a strong foundation. An open graded base ensures your patio stays smooth, minimizes shifting, and remains looking new for years, even under heavy use or shifting soil.
Outdoor Kitchens- Outdoor kitchens are often heavy, with built-in grills, countertops, and appliances. The open graded base provides the stability needed to prevent these structures from settling or becoming uneven.
Retaining Walls and Pathways- Retaining walls and walkways built with an open graded base are less likely to shift or erode, maintaining their structural integrity, superior drainage, and appearance over time.
Why It’s Essential for Colorado Landscaping and Outdoor Living
Colorado’s climate and soil present unique challenges for outdoor construction:
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Trapped water expands and contracts, causing cracks and instability. The open graded base eliminates this risk by allowing water to flow through.
Soil Variability: Denver and surrounding areas often have soils prone to movement. An open graded base adapts to these conditions for a more stable surface.
Eco-Friendly Design: By promoting proper drainage, this method reduces erosion and supports sustainable landscaping practices.
The Stone Peak Difference: Our Open Graded Gospel
At Stone Peak Landscape, the open graded base is integral to every project, from custom patios to outdoor kitchens. Here’s why our approach stands out:
Commitment to Excellence in all things Outdoor Living: We prioritize methods that deliver durability, personalization, and value for our clients.
Proven Results: Our clients have seen firsthand how the open graded base prevents common issues like settling and water damage.
Tailored Solutions: Every project is customized to meet your specific needs and goals, ensuring the foundation complements all features of the design.
How to Get Started with Your Outdoor Space
If you’re planning an outdoor project, whether it’s a custom patio, an outdoor kitchen, or a complete landscape transformation, start with the right foundation. Stone Peak Landscape will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your outdoor living space is built to last.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s discuss how our open graded base method can transform your outdoor space.
Why Choose Stone Peak Landscape?
As a leading Colorado landscaping company, we combine cutting-edge practices like the open graded base with a commitment to excellence and personalized landscape design.

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