Frequently Asked Questions | Fine Grade Landscapes, Boise Idaho

Fine Grade designs and builds complete outdoor living environments across Boise and the Treasure Valley. Our services include custom paver patios and walkways, block and boulder retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, water features, irrigation system installation, sod installation, full landscaping, and professional landscape design and architecture. Every project is handled in-house from design through construction.

Yes! All estimates are completely free and come with no obligation. We schedule a property visit, walk the space with you, discuss your vision and budget, and follow up with a detailed written estimate. Call (208) 994-9204 or fill out our contact form to get started.

Fine Grade serves Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Kuna, Garden City, and surrounding Treasure Valley communities. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, give us a call. We're happy to check.

Yes. Fine Grade Concrete, Landscapes, and More is fully licensed and insured in Idaho. We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage on all projects. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Absolutely! We offer full landscape design services including 2D plans and 3D renderings so you can see exactly what your space will look like before we break ground. Our design-build approach means the same team that designs your project builds it, so there's no handoff and no miscommunication.

It depends on scope. A straightforward paver patio or sod installation typically takes 3–7 days. Mid-size projects like retaining walls or outdoor kitchens run 1–3 weeks. Large full-yard renovations can take 4–8 weeks or more. We'll give you a detailed timeline with your estimate and keep you updated throughout the project.

It starts with a free on-site consultation. We listen to your vision, assess the property, and take measurements. From there we provide a detailed estimate and, if desired, a design plan. Once approved, we schedule your project start date. Throughout construction we communicate proactively. You'll always know where things stand. We finish with a final walkthrough to make sure you're completely satisfied.

Yes. Fine Grade handles the full scope: hardscape (pavers, concrete, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, water features) and softscape (sod, planting, grading, drainage, irrigation). Most of our projects combine both, and keeping everything with one contractor means better coordination, cleaner execution, and no gaps in responsibility.

We're a family-owned business and treat every project like it's our own property. We use best-in-class materials, communicate clearly throughout the job, and stand behind our timelines. Our reviews consistently mention communication and quality, not just the finished result. We don't cut corners, and we don't disappear after the deposit.

Yes. We stand behind the quality of our work with warranties on both materials and workmanship. Specific terms vary by project type and material. We'll walk through warranty details during the estimate process so you know exactly what's covered.

Paver patio costs in Boise typically range from $15 to $35 per square foot installed, depending on paver material, pattern complexity, site prep requirements, and access. A standard 400 sq ft patio runs $6,000–$14,000. Travertine and tumbled concrete pavers fall on the lower end; natural stone and complex herringbone or fan patterns cost more. We include excavation, base compaction, edge restraints, sand bed, and installation in every quote.

Retaining wall pricing in the Treasure Valley ranges from $25–$80 per square face foot depending on wall height, material (concrete block, boulder, or timber), and soil conditions. A typical 30-foot long, 3-foot high block wall runs $3,000–$6,000. Walls over 4 feet tall require engineered footing design in Idaho and increase cost. Boulder walls tend to run higher due to equipment and material weight. We assess soil, drainage, and load requirements during the free estimate.

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) are ideal in the Treasure Valley. Spring allows full-season establishment for sod and plants, and concrete/paver work can begin once nighttime temps stay above 40°F. Fall is excellent for sod, as cooler temps reduce transplant stress. Summer work is absolutely doable, we schedule early starts and manage heat exposure for plant material. We book out several weeks, so reaching out in late winter for spring projects is recommended.

Yes, when required. Retaining walls over 4 feet, structural work, and some grading projects require permits in Boise, Meridian, and surrounding cities. We handle the permit process on your behalf and include it in the project scope. Work that does not require permits, standard patios, sod, irrigation, planting, moves faster. We'll tell you upfront during the estimate whether your project requires permits and what the timeline impact will be.

Often yes, but it depends on the product. If the original material is still in production and you can share the manufacturer and product name, we can usually source an exact match. For older installations where the exact paver is discontinued, we can offer a complementary material that blends well. Concrete color matching is more difficult, poured concrete weathers over time and exact color matches are rarely achievable. We'll give you an honest assessment of what to expect before you commit.