FAQ
Paver, concrete and fence questions, answered.
Straight answers about estimates, pavers, concrete, fences and the permits and rules that come with them. If yours is not here, call or text us.
Jump to a topic
What would you like to know?
Getting started
Estimates, service area and cost.
Is the estimate really free?
Yes. Estimates are free. Tell us what you want to build and we'll look at your yard and give you the numbers. Call or text (650) 334-6529, or send the form on this page.
How do I get an estimate?
Call or text (650) 334-6529, email [email protected], or send the form on this page. Texting a photo of your yard helps us get a feel for the job before we visit.
Where do you work?
We're based in Menlo Park and take jobs across the Bay Area, including Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Belmont, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, San Jose, Fremont, San Francisco and Oakland. Not sure about your address? Drop your ZIP code into the checker above, or call us.
What services does Marin Landscaping offer in Menlo Park and the Bay Area?
We build paver patios, driveways, walkways and steps, fire pit areas, concrete driveways, concrete patios and walkways, and wood fences and gates. We're based in Menlo Park and work across the Bay Area.
What affects the cost of a paver, concrete or fence project?
Size, materials, how much prep your yard needs (digging, removal, drainage), access for equipment and your city's requirements. That's why we price after we've seen the yard, and why the estimate is free.
Can you handle more than one project at a time?
Yes. We build paver patios, driveways and walkways, concrete driveways and slabs, and wood fences and gates, so one crew can take on the whole yard. At the estimate we talk through what you want and the order the work usually happens in.
What happens after I ask for an estimate?
We call or text you back, ask a few questions and set up a visit. We walk the yard with you, measure and look at drainage, access and what is there now. Then you get the scope, the materials and the cost before anything starts.
Pavers
Paver patios, driveways and walkways.
How thick should the base be under pavers?
CMHA, the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (formerly ICPI), calls for at least 4 inches of compacted base under a patio or walkway on well-drained soil and at least 6 inches under a residential driveway. Weaker or poorly draining ground needs more, about 50% more for each ideal condition that is missing. We look at your ground before we give you numbers.
How long do pavers last?
A paver patio or driveway can last for decades when the base is built right. The compacted rock under the pavers matters even more than the pavers themselves, which is why we spend our time on it.
Do pavers need to be sealed?
Not always. Sealing can deepen the color and help resist stains, but it is optional. If you want it, we will go over the finish and what upkeep it needs.
Why is there white powder on my new pavers?
That is usually efflorescence, a natural mineral deposit. CMHA says it does not affect structural performance or durability. It can peak as early as 60 days after installation and may linger for months.
Can you fix sunken or shifted pavers?
Usually, yes. We lift the pavers, rebuild or add to the base, and set them again. Often only the sunken section needs work, not the whole patio or driveway.
Are pavers or poured concrete better for a driveway?
Neither is best for everyone. Pavers cost more up front, come in many styles and can be repaired one section at a time. Concrete usually costs less up front and takes little upkeep, but it can crack as the ground moves. We'll go over both with you at the free estimate.
Concrete
Concrete driveways, patios and walkways.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Industry guidance puts the minimum at 4 inches for a driveway, with 5 inches or more for garbage trucks and other heavy vehicles. We will recommend the right thickness for what drives on yours.
How long does concrete take to cure before I can use it?
Most concrete can take foot traffic after a day or two and vehicles after about seven days, and it keeps getting stronger for weeks. Weather changes the timeline, so we'll tell you what to expect for your pour.
Will my new concrete crack?
Concrete can crack as it dries and as the ground moves. We cannot promise a slab will never crack, but control joints steer cracks to chosen lines, and good base prep and proper curing keep them to a minimum.
Can concrete have color or a pattern?
Yes. Concrete can be colored in the mix or stained, and it can be scored or patterned. Tell us what you have in mind and we will tell you what works for your project.
Fences and gates
Wood fences, gates and repairs.
How tall can my fence be?
It depends on your city and where the fence goes. In Menlo Park, for example, fences can be up to 4 feet in the front setback and 7 feet elsewhere, with a 3 foot limit near corners. Other cities have different limits, so check yours before you build.
Who pays for a fence between neighbors?
California Civil Code 841 presumes neighbors share equally the reasonable cost of a dividing fence, unless they agree otherwise in writing. A landowner who plans to incur costs must give the neighbor 30 days written notice. For disputes, ask an attorney.
What wood is best for a fence?
Redwood is popular. For posts, redwood heartwood grades or pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact are the durable choices. We will go over options and budget at the estimate.
Can you fix a leaning fence or a sagging gate without replacing it?
Often, yes. A leaning fence or sagging gate usually comes down to a post that has moved. If the boards and rails are sound, we can reset or replace the post and keep the rest.
Permits and rules
Permits, city rules and fire pits.
Do I need a permit for a patio, driveway or walkway?
It depends on your city. California's model building code exempts some flatwork from a building permit, and Menlo Park's local code lists sidewalks and driveways among the exempt work. Cities also have their own rules about how much of a lot can be paved, driveway width and drainage. We will point out what to check for your address, and it is always worth confirming with your city.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
California's building code exempts fences not over 7 feet from a building permit, but cities add their own planning rules, such as height limits and setbacks, and some require a permit at lower heights. It is worth confirming with your city's planning office.
Can I use a wood-burning fire pit on any day?
No. The Bay Area Air District says it is illegal to use wood-burning devices, including outdoor fire pits, on a Spare the Air alert day. Check the Air District website before you light a wood fire. Your local fire district can tell you how far a fire pit has to sit from structures.
Are gas fire pits covered by the same rule?
The Air District says gas and electric heating devices are not subject to burn bans, but its FAQ does not name gas fire pits specifically, so confirm with the Air District. A gas line is its own job with its own rules and permits.
Building codes, city rules and Air District rules change, and what applies depends on your address. Treat the answers here as a starting point and confirm permits and setbacks with your city.
Let's talk
Ready for a yard you'll love?
Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.
Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free