Under-Deck Living

Before & After: A Custom Patio & Retaining Wall for Kona

While Kona, the family’s beloved pup, was away at puppy training class, her family decided it was the perfect time to reimagine their backyard. Living near the river, Kona loves to swim — which often means wet paws, muddy footprints, and plenty of energy when she comes inside. The family knew they needed a more practical setup to give her (and them) a space that worked better every day.

Their goals were simple but meaningful: a custom space for Kona’s kennel, a wider patio to help keep the basement entrance cleaner, and a solution that added both function and beauty to their backyard.

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The Vision: A Space That Works for Everyone

The family’s wish list included:

• A dedicated spot for Kona’s kennel tucked under the deck.

• A wider, dog-friendly patio designed to keep muddy paw prints from tracking inside.

• A custom retaining wall that would level out the slope while still leaving storage space above.

• A setup that felt intentional and long-lasting — built for their lifestyle.

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Our Custom Solution

As a local concrete and masonry contractor in St. Michael, MN, we designed and built a custom retaining wall tailored specifically around the kennel space. By carefully grading and leveling the slope, we created a solid base to expand the patio and improve the flow from the sliding basement door.

This new setup:

• Keeps Kona’s kennel secure and tidy.

• Expands the patio into a larger, more useful outdoor living area.

• Provides a cleaner, drier space when coming in from the river and backyard.

• Leaves room above the wall for extra storage.

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The Best Part: Kona’s Homecoming

When Kona returned from training, we had the joy of meeting her and seeing her explore her new space for the very first time. After a good swim in the river, she now has a kennel that keeps her dry, a wider patio to stretch out on, and her family has a cleaner way to come and go.

We love projects like this — where concrete and stone become more than a structure. They become part of a family’s story, and even a pup’s favorite spot.

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From Slope to Sanctuary

What was once uneven and underutilized is now:

• A safe, custom kennel space for Kona

• A wider patio for family use

• A cleaner entryway with less mess after river days

• Extra storage space above the retaining wall

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Your Project, Your Story

Every project we build is designed around the people (and pets) who call it home. For this family, it meant creating a backyard that worked just as well for Kona as it did for them.

If you’re ready to reimagine your backyard with a custom concrete patio or retaining wall in St. Michael, Albertville, Monticello, or surrounding Minnesota communities, we’d love to help.