Nestled on historic Gilley Street, right next to the Savenye Environmentally Sensitive Area in South Surrey, stands a charming rancher built in 1948. Even after nearly eight decades, this home gracefully holds onto its character—effortlessly blending with the peaceful, coastal beauty of Boundary Bay. With its timeless appeal and modern sensibilities, the only thing it needed to complete its outdoor sanctuary was a refreshed patio. And that’s exactly what we were proud to create.

The old concrete patio—likely more than 30 years old—had clearly weathered its share of storms. Riddled with cracks and settled unevenly, it was a product of minimal base preparation, a common oversight in coastal areas where softer, ocean-side soil demands extra support.

We started from the ground up, removing six inches of soft, unstable earth. In its place, we installed a sturdy road base, compacted with care to provide a lasting foundation. Instead of the standard 4-inch base, we opted for 6 inches—because longevity matters, especially in a setting like this.

Then came the part where form meets function. We chose 2' x 2' nonskid paver slabs, installed in a classic running bond pattern—a design with roots in century-old brick roads and architecture. Each slab overlaps the next by half its length, creating a clean, rhythmic visual that echoes the home's mid-century elegance while remaining modern and understated. This wasn't just a design choice; it was a tribute to the home's legacy and the natural beauty surrounding it.

To complement the patio, we added natural rock edging and hand-mixed a custom concrete crib to contour the existing drain—small touches that bring it all together with both utility and style. Once the new sod settles and the grass grows in, this patio will become more than just a place to sit—it will be a tranquil retreat, a green and elegant extension of the home's soul.

In a world that often confuses more with better, this patio proves that simplicity—done right—can be the highest form of elegance.