Steps, paths and slopes
Steep lots are where steps and walkways do the most work. We build them on a solid base with an even rise and run, so every step feels the same underfoot.
Serving San Francisco, CA
Paver, concrete and fence contractor in San Francisco, CA.
Free estimates for paver walkways, patios, concrete work and wood fences in San Francisco.
Free estimates Pavers, concrete and fences Menlo Park crew
Working in San Francisco
Building in San Francisco, one yard at a time.
San Francisco is a densely built city of small lots. The western blocks in the Sunset and Richmond districts are mostly flat, while the hills around Twin Peaks, Bernal Heights and Glen Park have steep lots. Neighborhoods include the Outer and Inner Sunset, the Richmond, West Portal, Glen Park, Bernal Heights, the Excelsior and Visitacion Valley.
Downtown averages about 23 inches of rain a year, wettest from November through March, with dry summers. Small lots and steep ground make steps, walkways and drainage the things to plan carefully, so we start with the site.
San Francisco, CAFree estimates, local crew
Neighborhoods and places
- Outer Sunset
- Inner Sunset
- Richmond District
- West Portal
- Glen Park
- Bernal Heights
- Excelsior
- Visitacion Valley
What we build
Services in San Francisco.
The same eight services, built by the same Menlo Park crew. Tap one to see how we build it.
PaversPaver patios
A paver patio gives you a flat, tough spot for dining, grilling and hanging out. We lay out the shape, build a compacted base, set the pavers and lock them in.
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PaversPaver driveways
A paver driveway adds curb appeal and handles daily traffic. The base does the heavy lifting, so we build it deep and set the pavers tight.
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PaversPaver walkways and steps
Walkways and steps that feel good underfoot and stay easy to keep clean. Straight, curved or stepped to follow the lay of your yard.
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PaversFire pits and outdoor living
Add a fire pit, seating area or a bigger patio footprint, so the yard works after dark too.
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ConcreteConcrete driveways
A poured concrete driveway is a clean, long-lasting surface. We prep the base, set the forms, pour and finish it.
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ConcreteConcrete patios and walkways
Flat, smooth and built to last. Concrete patios, walkways, pads and slabs poured and finished to the shape you need.
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FencesWood fences
A wood fence brings privacy and gives your yard a clear edge. We set the posts, hang the rails and boards, and keep the lines straight.
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FencesFence gates and repairs
A leaning fence or a sagging gate doesn't always mean a whole new fence. We fix what can be fixed and build gates that swing right.
See detailsBefore you build
What to know before you build in San Francisco.
Local ground, local rules and local habits that shape a good paver, concrete or fence job.
A long wet season
Rain falls mostly from November through March, so drainage and a slight surface slope away from the house matter. CMHA calls for a minimum surface slope of 1.5% on pavers.
Check the rules first
Permit and zoning rules for fences, walls and paving in San Francisco depend on your zoning district, your block and, on hillsides, your slope. We point out what to check, and the Permit Center has the final word.
Rules
What to ask the city about your San Francisco project.
Fence, wall and paving rules in San Francisco depend on your zoning district and your lot. Here is what to check before you build.
| Topic | What to check |
|---|---|
| Fences and gates | Height limits and permit requirements depend on your zoning district and where the fence sits. Ask the San Francisco Permit Center before you build. |
| Retaining walls and steep lots | The California Building Code generally exempts retaining walls up to 4 ft (bottom of footing to top of wall) from a permit unless they hold back extra load, but local rules can be stricter and steep lots often need engineering. Ask the Permit Center early. |
| Sidewalk and street | Anything in the public right-of-way, such as a driveway apron or sidewalk, is a city matter with its own permits. |
| Trees | If a tree is in the way or near the work, ask whether a tree permit applies before anything is cut or dug. |
Confirm before you build
Rules change and lots differ. Check the current requirements with the San Francisco Permit Center. We walk the lot with you at the free estimate and point out what to ask.
Nearby
Also building near San Francisco.
Same crew, same free estimate. Pick a nearby city to see what we build there.
ZIP codes we cover in San Francisco: 94102 to 94134, plus 94158. Not sure about yours? Use the ZIP checker.
Questions
San Francisco: questions, answered.
Do you work in San Francisco?
Yes. We take jobs in San Francisco, from the Sunset and Richmond districts to Bernal Heights and Visitacion Valley.
Can you build steps on a steep San Francisco lot?
We build steps and walkways into slopes on a solid base with an even rise and run. The number of steps comes from how much height has to be covered. Retaining walls or deep cuts on a hillside can need engineering and a permit, so we look at the lot at the free estimate.
Do I need a permit for a fence in San Francisco?
It depends on the zoning district, where the fence sits and how tall it is. Ask the San Francisco Permit Center before you build, and we will point out what to check at the free estimate.
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.
Call or text today(650) 334-6529
Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free