Patios Fireplaces & Outdoor Living Spaces - Harvin Masonry

Patios Fireplaces & Outdoor Living Spaces - Harvin Masonry

Patios, outdoor fireplaces, and complete outdoor living spaces convert ordinary yards into functional, beautiful extensions of your home. Harvin Masonry specializes in designing and building outdoor environments—paver patios, stone fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, seating walls, fire pits, and multi-function living zones—tailored for comfort, longevity, and local climate resilience. If you want a backyard that’s perfect for family gatherings, entertaining, or quiet evenings by the fire, our team has the expertise to plan, permit, and build it right.

Why Outdoor Living Spaces Matter

Outdoor living spaces expand usable square footage without the costs of enclosed additions and provide a strong return on investment. Thoughtful hardscape design improves property value, lifestyle, and usability by:

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Creating defined areas for dining, relaxing, cooking, and recreation. 

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Managing landscaping by providing stable, low-maintenance surfaces. 

Bricks being placed on a brick wall, with downward-pointing arrows.

Increasing year-round use by integrating weather-resistant features like fireplaces or covered kitchen areas. 

Reducing erosion and water pooling by establishing designed grade and drainage.

Key Benefits of a Professionally Built Outdoor Living Space

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Functionality

Properly designed spaces align with your lifestyle—whether you entertain frequently or prefer a low-maintenance family area. 

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Durability

Proper base preparation, material selection, and professional installation ensure long life and durability against South Carolina weather. 

Bricks being added to a wall. Arrows indicate the placement of a brick.

Aesthetics

Quality masonry work provides visual coherence with your home—matching brick, stone, and texture for a cohesive look. 

Bricks being added to a wall. Arrows indicate downward movement from above.

Resale Value

Well-executed outdoor living spaces increase curb appeal and can significantly enhance resale value. 

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Low Maintenance

Materials like sealed pavers and hard stone require minimal upkeep compared to wood decking.

Our Patios & Paver Solutions

We design and build patios using:

Gray interlocking concrete pavers in a zig-zag pattern, stacked closely together.
Church with steeple atop a grassy hill. Road and stone wall in foreground; blue sky.
Rain falling on outdoor seating area near a brick building.
White, irregularly shaped stones arranged on a bed of dark gravel.

Construction Highlights

Our team includes experienced masons, project managers, and site supervisors who bring decades of practical experience. Many on our crew trained through apprenticeship and have specialized skills in:

  • Subgrade preparation: Proper excavation, geotextile installation, and compaction to prevent settling. 
  • Base materials: Correct use of aggregate base and fine bedding sand for paver systems. 
  • Edge restraints: Durable edge systems that lock pavers in place and prevent movement. 
  • Finishing: Joint sand stabilization, sealing (optional), and clean-up to ensure a professional finish.

Outdoor Fireplaces, Fire Pits & Fire Features

Fire features add warmth and focal points to outdoor spaces:

  • Stone fireplaces: Built-in fireplaces offer ambiance and can be integrated with hearth seating and mantels. 
  • Fire pits: Freestanding or recessed fire pits in stone or brick—available as wood-burning or gas options. 
  • Safety and code compliance: Proper clearances, chimney construction, and adherence to local codes for safe use.

Outdoor Kitchens & Built-In Features

Expand usable space with outdoor kitchens and built-ins:

  • Countertop materials: Durable stone, concrete, or tile surfaces suited for outdoor exposure. 
  • Grill bases: Masonry surrounds for grills with custom openings for appliances and storage. 
  • Sinks and plumbing: Integration of plumbing where feasible, considering frost protection and utilities. 
  • Storage and cabinets: Masonry enclosures that complement the overall design while protecting appliances.

Seating Walls, Steps & Transitions

Seating walls create natural conversation areas and integrate with patios for seamless transitions. Steps and transitions ensure comfortable movement between levels with slip-resistant surfaces and consistent riser heights.

Design Process — How We Work With You

01.

Initial consultation and site review

We discuss your goals, budget, and aesthetic preferences and inspect the site for grade, drainage, and existing conditions. 

02.

Conceptual design and material selection

We present material samples and suggested layouts, addressing functional areas like cooking, seating, and fire features. 

03.

Written estimate and timeline

A clear proposal includes scope, materials, project timeline, and warranty details. 

04.

Construction and oversight

Skilled masons execute the plan—managing drainage, substrate, materials, and final finishes.

05.

Final walkthrough and maintenance

We walk through care guidance and recommended seasonal maintenance.

Material Options and Considerations

  • Stone: Offers variation and natural textures, best for irregular, rustic applications. 
  • Brick: Ideal for classic looks and historic homes; color-matching available. 
  • Pavers: Provide design flexibility, patterns, and easy future repairs. 
  • Concrete: Cost-effective for slab patios, can be stamped or color-treated for aesthetics.

Maintenance & Longevity

Quality begins with materials. Harvin Masonry partners with trusted suppliers to source:

  • Inspect and clean pavers or stone annually. 
  • Re-sand paver joints every few years if necessary. 
  • Seal stone surfaces if recommended for your material to protect against staining. 
  • For fire features: ensure chimney and flue remain clear and waterproof crowns are maintained.

Why Harvin Masonry for Your Outdoor Living Project

  • Local expertise since 1971, so we know which materials and methods perform best locally. 
  • Comprehensive service from design to final walk-through. 
  • Free quotes and clear estimates to help you plan without surprises. 
  • Skilled masons who understand both structural demands and aesthetic detailing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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  • How long does it take to build a patio and outdoor fireplace?

    Timelines vary. A typical patio may take several days to a couple of weeks depending on size and complexity. Adding a fireplace or outdoor kitchen may extend timelines by one to several weeks. Exact durations are provided in the written proposal.

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  • Can you incorporate existing landscaping into the design?

    Yes. We coordinate with homeowners and landscapers to preserve desired plantings and integrate hardscape elements.

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  • Do you handle permits and inspections?

    We assist with permitting and ensure construction meets local codes, especially for structures like fireplaces and built-in kitchens.

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  • Are outdoor kitchens weatherproof?

    We use materials and construction methods that protect appliances and countertops. For climates with freeze cycles, we recommend seasonal maintenance steps for plumbing and gas lines.

Contact

Ready to transform your yard into a functional, beautiful outdoor living area?

We are located at 126 North View Road, West Columbia, SC 29169 and serve homeowners throughout West Columbia and surrounding communities.