Upgrade Your Property With Expert Commercial Landscaping and Paver Patios in Farmington Hills & Livonia, MI

Feb 24

commercial landscaping and paver patio Farmington Hills, MI & Livonia, MI

If your office building or apartment complex needs a serious upgrade, look no further than expert commercial landscaping and paver patio construction in Farmington Hills and Livonia, MI. Your property should impress from the first glance, offering a refined, welcoming experience for clients, tenants, and visitors alike. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also create functional, high-end environments that elevate your property’s value and desirability.

What is Considered Commercial Landscaping?

Commercial landscaping goes beyond mowing the lawn and installing blooms—it’s about transforming an outdoor space into something functional, beautiful, and built to last. A well-designed commercial landscape enhances the architecture of the building, provides a welcoming environment for tenants, employees, and visitors, and increases the overall value of the property. Whether it’s an office building, apartment complex, or mixed-use space, every element of the landscape should feel intentional and seamless.

We take a strategic approach to commercial landscaping, designing outdoor areas that blend aesthetics with purpose. The right combination of hardscape and softscape elements ensures that your property stands out for all the right reasons.

Paver Patios and Walkways

A commercial property should feel cohesive, guiding people naturally through the space. Paver patios and walkways create structured, well-defined areas where people can relax, work, or move through the landscape with ease. Unlike plain concrete, pavers offer durability and style, with various textures, colors, and patterns to match the property’s overall design.

For office buildings, a paver walkway lined with lush greenery can create an inviting entryway, while apartment complexes benefit from paver patios that offer communal gathering spaces. The construction process is just as important as the materials—proper grading, drainage, and expert craftsmanship ensure these surfaces remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

Landscape Lighting

A well-lit property isn’t just safer; it’s more visually appealing. Landscape lighting adds depth and drama to an outdoor space, making it feel just as refined after sunset as it does during the day. Strategically placed fixtures highlight architectural features, illuminate walkways, and create ambiance in courtyards or outdoor lounges.

For commercial properties, lighting serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Office buildings benefit from sleek, modern lighting that enhances professionalism, while apartment complexes require soft, inviting illumination that makes outdoor spaces feel warm and welcoming. We can incorporate high-quality, energy-efficient lighting solutions that stand up to Michigan’s changing seasons.

Pergolas and Pavilions

A shaded retreat in the middle of a busy commercial space can be a game-changer. Pergolas and pavilions provide stylish, functional outdoor seating areas that encourage people to spend more time outside, whether it’s an employee taking a break, a resident enjoying the fresh air, or a client waiting for an appointment.

Pergolas offer a balance of sunlight and shade with their open-roof design, making them perfect for outdoor dining areas or lounge spaces. Pavilions, on the other hand, provide full coverage, protecting against sun and rain while offering a more defined, structured gathering space. These features elevate any commercial landscape by creating intentional outdoor areas where people naturally want to gather.

Fire Features

Nothing draws people together quite like a fire feature. Whether it’s a custom-built fire pit or a sleek outdoor fireplace, adding a fire feature instantly transforms a commercial property into a destination. These elements add warmth, ambiance, and a touch of luxury, making them a perfect addition to office courtyards, apartment complex patios, or mixed-use developments.

Fire pits encourage social interaction and relaxation, while larger fireplaces create a focal point for outdoor lounges. The right materials matter—natural stone, paver blocks, and heat-resistant bricks ensure a fire feature remains durable and visually striking. We can design fire features that seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape while providing long-lasting function and beauty.

Seasonal Plantings and Green Spaces

Greenery plays a vital role in commercial landscaping, softening the hard edges of buildings and creating a natural, welcoming feel. Seasonal plantings add vibrant color throughout the year, ensuring the property always looks well-maintained and inviting.

Michigan’s climate presents unique challenges, but with the right plant selections, commercial landscapes can thrive in every season. Thoughtfully placed trees, shrubs, and perennials provide year-round interest, while flower beds, container plantings, and ornamental grasses enhance the overall aesthetic.

The Standard Size for Walkways

A well-designed walkway does more than connect spaces—it enhances flow, accessibility, and the overall aesthetic of your property. While concrete is a common choice, paver walkways offer a more durable, stylish, and long-lasting alternative that elevates the entire landscape. Whether leading to an office entrance or weaving through an apartment courtyard, the right walkway design ensures a smooth, inviting experience for everyone who steps onto the property.

Width and Accessibility

Walkways should be at least four feet wide to accommodate standard foot traffic, but high-use areas—such as building entrances, gathering spaces, and common paths—benefit from wider walkways. In commercial settings, these paths should allow for comfortable movement, whether for employees heading to work, residents strolling through an apartment complex, or visitors exploring a retail plaza.

Accessibility is another crucial factor. ADA-compliant walkways must have smooth surfaces, gentle slopes, and minimal gaps between pavers to ensure wheelchair and stroller access. A well-planned walkway not only looks impressive but also makes the space more functional and inclusive.

Material Durability

Michigan’s climate presents unique challenges, especially with its harsh winters and fluctuating temperatures. Traditional poured concrete is prone to cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles, leading to expensive repairs over time. Pavers offer a more flexible, durable alternative. Unlike solid concrete slabs, pavers move with the ground, preventing large cracks and making it easier to replace individual sections if needed.

For commercial properties, investing in high-quality pavers means less maintenance, fewer repairs, and a consistently polished appearance year-round. These materials also provide more design versatility, allowing walkways to complement the property’s overall look rather than feeling like an afterthought.

Slip Resistance

Safety is essential for any commercial property, and walkways should be designed to provide reliable footing in all weather conditions. Rain, ice, and snow can turn smooth surfaces into hazards, which is why textured pavers offer better traction than traditional concrete.

Choosing pavers with a slightly rough or tumbled finish increases grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Using polymeric sand in the joints further enhances stability by preventing water buildup, which can lead to icy patches in the winter. A well-installed paver walkway isn’t just a visual upgrade—it’s a functional improvement that makes the property safer and more accessible for everyone.

Aesthetic Appeal

A walkway isn’t just a practical feature; it’s an integral part of the overall landscape design. A beautifully crafted paver walkway enhances the property’s sophistication, offering a warm welcome to tenants, employees, and guests. With a variety of colors, textures, and patterns available, pavers allow for complete customization.

Classic herringbone patterns add timeless elegance, while sleek linear designs create a more modern, refined look. Decorative borders or inlays can be used to define spaces, highlight entrances, or create a distinctive design element that sets the property apart.

Do I Need a Permit for a Paver Patio?

The short answer? It depends.

In Farmington Hills and Livonia, MI, permit requirements vary based on the size of the patio, its impact on drainage, and the zoning regulations for commercial properties. While smaller patios may not require approval, larger construction projects—especially in office complexes and apartment buildings—typically do.

Size and Scope

Most cities set a square footage threshold for when a permit is necessary. If your patio is designed for a large outdoor seating area, an outdoor kitchen, or a communal space within an apartment complex, there’s a good chance it will require approval. The larger the patio, the more likely permits will be involved.

Drainage Impact

Michigan experiences heavy rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles, making proper drainage design essential. City regulations often require patios to be graded correctly to prevent water from pooling or running off into neighboring properties. Many municipalities require drainage plans before granting a permit, ensuring that stormwater management is properly accounted for.

Zoning and Local Codes

Commercial properties have different zoning laws than residential properties. Office buildings and apartment complexes may be subject to stricter regulations regarding:

Setback requirements (how close the patio can be to property lines)
Surface coverage limits (the percentage of land that can be paved)
Structural elements (if features like pergolas, pavilions, or retaining walls are included)

Navigating these regulations can be time-consuming, but that’s where we come in.We can handle the entire permitting process, ensuring your paver patio meets all city requirements while avoiding unnecessary delays and red tape. Instead of worrying about paperwork, you can focus on creating an exceptional outdoor space that enhances your property.

The Best Material for a Fire Pit

Whether placed in a corporate courtyard or at the heart of an apartment community’s outdoor lounge, fire pits create an inviting atmosphere where people naturally gather. But in Michigan’s unpredictable climate, choosing the right material is key to ensuring long-term durability, safety, and visual appeal.

Natural Stone

For a truly high-end, custom look, natural stone is the top choice. Its unique textures and rich, organic tones blend seamlessly with upscale landscapes, making it an excellent option for office buildings and luxury apartment complexes. Natural stone fire pits are incredibly durable, standing up to harsh winters while maintaining their elegant appearance. Granite, bluestone, and limestone are particularly popular, offering both strength and sophistication.

Concrete Pavers

If you want a balance of style, affordability, and durability, concrete pavers are a smart choice. Engineered to withstand extreme temperature shifts, they hold up well against Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring longevity without cracking or warping. Concrete pavers also come in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing for complete customization to match the surrounding hardscape.

Brick

Brick fire pits bring a classic, timeless charm to any outdoor space. This material is naturally heat-resistant, making it a safe and reliable option. However, brick requires expert installation to ensure proper alignment and structural integrity, especially in Michigan’s fluctuating temperatures. A well-built brick fire pit can last for decades, providing a warm and elegant focal point for commercial properties.

What About Metal Fire Pits?

While metal fire pits are commonly available, they don’t offer the same custom, built-in luxury as natural stone, concrete, or brick. They tend to wear down over time, especially in outdoor commercial settings where they are exposed to constant use and weather extremes. For a long-lasting, visually impressive fire feature, a permanent, built-in fire pit is the superior choice.

What is the Difference Between a Pergola and a Pavilion?

Both pergolas and pavilions bring sophistication and structure to outdoor spaces, but they serve different purposes. Understanding which one best suits your commercial property depends on how you want people to use the space, the level of coverage needed, and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for.

Pergolas: Open-Air Elegance

A pergola is an open-roof structure designed to provide filtered sunlight rather than full coverage. With slatted beams or adjustable louvers, pergolas create a light, airy feel, making them perfect for office courtyards, lounge areas, and outdoor kitchens. They add an upscale architectural element without completely enclosing the space, allowing for a comfortable balance of shade and sunshine.

A pergola can be designed with climbing vines or drapery for added privacy and ambiance, making it an inviting retreat for employees, tenants, or guests. It’s a stylish way to define a gathering area without making it feel confined.

Pavilions: Full Shade and Protection

A pavilion, on the other hand, provides full overhead coverage, offering complete protection from sun, rain, and snow. These solid-roof structures are ideal for dining areas, outdoor meeting spaces, or community gathering spots in apartment complexes. Because they provide year-round shelter, pavilions allow for more consistent outdoor use, regardless of the weather.

Pavilions often feature additional elements like ceiling fans, lighting, and even built-in fireplaces, transforming them into luxurious, functional outdoor extensions of the property. They create a more permanent, enclosed feel while still being an open-air structure.

Which One Is Right for Your Property?

If you want to create an upscale outdoor lounge or outdoor kitchen area, a pergola offers a stylish, breathable design. If your space needs more protection from the elements, a pavilion is the better choice. Both options enhance the usability of an outdoor space, but the right choice depends on your specific needs and vision.

We can design and construct custom pergolas and pavilions that complement your commercial property’s architecture while providing a functional, inviting outdoor space for guests, tenants, and employees to enjoy.