American Fork, Utah
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A buyer's guide for patios, walls, outdoor kitchens and concrete in American Fork, built around the ground that makes or breaks hardscape in this town.
“The craftsmanship of the pavers is absolutely stunning, every detail meticulously executed, transforming our outdoor space into a work of art.”
“they will definitely be my go to landscaper for many years!”
Best Hardscape Contractors
Patios, walkways, walls and outdoor kitchens all look good on install day. What separates good hardscape from bad shows up three winters later. In American Fork, the most common failure is settling. The USGS calls the lakebed silt and clay under much of the city poor ground for heavy loads, and it loses strength when wet.
A good contractor plans for that. They dig deeper on the flats, compact road base in thin layers and slope every surface away from the house. On the east side, they plan for the rock and boulders that slow the dig near the mountain front. They also check the city's hazard map, because some lots need a soils report before big work starts.
Below is what to ask, the shortcuts to watch for and how we stack up. Use the same list on us that you use on everyone else. If a contractor gets touchy about any of these questions, that tells you something too. A good one will be glad you asked, because it gives them a chance to show the work.
What to look for
Ask how deep the base will be and why. On American Fork silt, the answer should change with the ground under your yard. A contractor who gives the same depth for every job, without digging, has not looked at yours.
Road base dumped in one thick layer and run over once does not pack all the way down. Ask if they compact in lifts and what machine they use. Good crews will answer that without blinking.
Ask where water from the patio will go. On flat lots that shed water slowly, the answer should show a slope, a swale or a drain on paper. A shrug and a promise that it will run off is not a plan.
Walls over 48 inches need a plan and a permit in American Fork. Kitchens and fire features with gas or power need the right permits too. Ask who handles them, and get the answer in writing.
What goes wrong in American Fork
A couple inches of base over wet silt looks just like a good job on day one. Within a few winters, pavers dip and the joints open. If a bid does not list base depth, ask, and walk away if the answer stays vague.
Near the canyon mouth, a crew can hit boulders a foot down. A bid with no test dig either has padding built in or a change order waiting for you. Ask how they priced the dig before you sign.
A patio laid dead flat or sloped back toward the house sends snowmelt to the foundation. On slow-draining silt, that water just sits there. Check the slope direction on the plan before the base goes down.
Why American Fork picks J&H
What homeowners say
"We had a really big project (full lot project) and a crazy timeline, and Jackson and his team were awesome. They are very efficient, work hard to get things done quick, and the quality of their work is top-notch. Great company. Great guys. I would highly recommend them for any landscaping needs."
"Jackson and his crew did a phenomenal job on our back yard. I had a vision and they brought it to life. We had them do a retaining wall, grading, underground trampoline, sprinkler system, and sod. They met deadlines, communication was on point, and the whole crew was friendly.…"
"…The job was completed quickly without sacrificing quality, and the results exceeded our expectations. We would absolutely hire this team again and recommend them to anyone looking for landscaping help."
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Your dream yard. Done right. Done on time.
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