Built to Last. Designed to Impress — St. Louis Hardscapes by Second Nature
For over 40 years, the team at Second Nature Excavation & Hardscapes has been designing and building high-quality hardscapes in Franklin County and throughout the St. Louis metro area. Who needs a vacation when you can have a Second Nature “staycation?” Hardscaping is the foundation of any well-designed outdoor space; it provides structure, function, and long-term durability while enhancing the beauty and usability of your property.
From patios and walkways to retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and complete outdoor living areas, our St. Louis hardscape contractors deliver custom solutions built to last. Every project is thoughtfully designed, professionally installed, and tailored to how you actually use your outdoor space.
Why Choose Second Nature for St. Louis Hardscapes?
Choosing the right hardscape contractor makes all the difference. Second Nature combines experience, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design to create outdoor spaces that add real value to your property in Franklin County.
- Over 40 years of St. Louis landscaping and hardscape experience
- Custom designs, never cookie-cutter installations
- High-quality materials paired with expert craftsmanship
- Integrated hardscape and landscape solutions for cohesive outdoor spaces
- Clear communication and dependable timelines from start to finish
Our reputation is built on quality work, trusted relationships, and long-lasting results—and it’s why homeowners in Franklin County and across the St. Louis metro continue to choose Second Nature for their hardscape projects.

What is Hardscaping?
Hardscaping refers to the permanent, non-living elements of landscape design. Unlike plants, flowers, soil, and turf (softscaping), hardscape features define the layout of your yard and remain consistent year after year. When done correctly, hardscaping improves drainage, accessibility, safety, and overall property value.
Second Nature specializes in custom hardscape design and construction using durable materials such as natural stone, concrete, pavers, brick, and wood, ensuring each project balances aesthetics with structural integrity.
Types of St. Louis Hardscape Services by Second Nature
Second Nature offers a full range of custom hardscape services in the St. Louis area, designed to enhance both the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. From foundational structures to finishing features, our hardscapes are built with top-quality materials, thoughtful design, and expert craftsmanship. Below are the most common types of hardscape projects we design and install for homeowners in Franklin County and throughout St. Louis.
Patios & Walkways
A well-designed patio or walkway creates flow, functionality, and visual appeal throughout your outdoor space. Our team designs and installs custom patios and walkways in St. Louis that complement your home’s architecture and landscape.
We build patios and paths using:
- Concrete pavers
- Natural stone
- Brick
- Stamped or poured concrete
Whether you’re creating a welcoming front entry, an aesthetically pleasing pathway through your side yard, a backyard gathering space, or a seamless connection between outdoor areas, our patios and walkways are built for comfort, durability, and style.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are essential for managing slopes, preventing erosion, and creating usable outdoor space. Second Nature designs and installs structurally sound retaining walls that are as attractive as they are functional.
Our retaining wall solutions throughout Greater St. Louis include:
- Drainage-integrated systems
- Decorative garden walls
- Structural retaining walls
- Terraced landscape walls
Every retaining wall is engineered to withstand the St. Louis area’s soil conditions and weather while enhancing the overall design of your landscape.
Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen transforms your backyard into an entertainment destination. Second Nature designs and builds fully customized outdoor kitchens in St. Louis, tailored to your cooking style, space, and lifestyle.
Outdoor kitchen features can include:
- Integrated lighting and seating
- Built-in grills and smokers
- Countertops and prep areas
- Storage and cabinetry
- Refrigeration and sinks
We handle everything from layout and materials to utilities coordination, creating outdoor kitchens that are both beautiful and practical.
Outdoor Living Areas
Outdoor living areas bring indoor comfort outside. Our St. Louis outdoor living spaces are designed for relaxation, entertaining, and year-round enjoyment.
Outdoor living features can include:
- Integrated lighting and sound
- Shade structures and privacy features
- Covered patios and pergolas
- Seating walls and built-in benches
Second Nature creates cohesive outdoor environments where hardscape, landscape, and architectural elements work together seamlessly.
Outdoor Fireplaces & Firepits
Nothing extends outdoor enjoyment in St. Louis like a custom firepit or outdoor fireplace. We design and install fire features that add warmth, ambiance, and a natural gathering point to your yard.
Fire feature options include:
- Gas or wood-burning firepits
- Custom stone fireplaces
- Built-in seating around fire features
- Fire elements integrated into patios and living areas
Each fire feature is designed with safety, durability, and aesthetics in mind—perfect for St. Louis evenings in every season.

Our Hardscape Design-Build Process in St. Louis
Second Nature offers a complete hardscape design-build experience, meaning your project stays cohesive, efficient, and carefully managed from the initial idea through final installation. By handling both the design and construction in-house, we eliminate miscommunication, streamline timelines, and ensure the finished hardscape reflects the original vision.
Our process includes:
- Consultation & Planning: We take the time to understand your goals, evaluate your St. Louis-area space, and align the design with your budget, lifestyle, and long-term needs.
- Custom Design: Our experienced team creates detailed, site-specific designs that complement your home’s architecture and integrate seamlessly with your landscape.
- Professional Installation: Skilled craftsmen install every element using premium materials and proven construction techniques for lasting durability.
- Final Walkthrough: We review every detail of your hardscape with you to ensure the finished project meets your standards, and exceeds your expectations.
This approach allows us to deliver hardscapes that are functional, visually striking, and built to stand the test of time, even in the St. Louis area’s changing seasons.
Start Your St. Louis Hardscape Project Today
If you’re ready to enhance your outdoor space with professional hardscape design and installation in St. Louis, Second Nature is ready to help. From patios and retaining walls to outdoor kitchens and fire features, we bring experience, creativity, and precision to every project.
Contact Second Nature today or call (636) 655-3444 to schedule a consultation and start building an outdoor space in the St. Louis area you’ll enjoy for years to come.