Custom pavers, patios, and walkways across Greater St. Louis. Hand-built by owner-operators. Engineered to outlast the warranty.
We focus on what we do best — pavers, patios, and walkways — executed at a level most contractors won't touch.
Modern ashlar, herringbone, and bespoke layouts laid to architect-grade tolerances. Every joint compacted on a 6" engineered base — built to handle decades of weather, weight, and traffic without a single paver shifting.
From intimate fire-side retreats to expansive entertaining grounds — circular pavers, custom seating walls, and built-in fire features designed to turn your backyard into the room you actually use.
Natural flagstone, irregular crazy-paving, and custom-cut paths that lead the eye through your landscape. Hand-fit on a compacted base with proper drainage — paths that flow like they've always belonged there.
A few recent installations across Greater St. Louis. Each project is one-of-one.
A look inside recent installs — from base prep through the final joint. This is the craftsmanship behind every M&L project.
M&L Exterior Design started with a simple frustration: most paver work in Missouri fails within a few winters because contractors cut corners on the base.
We do it differently. We're not a sales-first crew that subs out the actual install. Every patio, walkway, and driveway is built by our own team — start to finish — on a properly engineered foundation that won't shift, crack, or settle.
Twelve years in, our work still looks the day it was laid. That's the standard. That's the promise.
No sub-crews. The same team that quotes your project lays every paver.
6" gravel base · geotextile fabric · polymeric joint sand. Every job. No shortcuts.
Need us after install? Call. We'll pick up. That's how a family business works.
"If a paver settles or shifts on a job we built, we come back. No fine print. No fees."
Most paver failures happen below the surface. We don't shortcut the base — and we don't disappear after install.
6" of compacted gravel base with geotextile fabric. The reason our work doesn't sink, shift, or split when winter hits.
Every edge piece scored and cut on-site. No catalogue templates. No off-the-shelf bullnose. Every curve flows.
If a paver settles or shifts, we come back. No fine print. No fees. Two-season minimum on every install.
We walk your property, listen to how you live outside, and translate your vision into measurable design intent.
Detailed material selection, pattern mockups, and a transparent quote — no surprises before we break ground.
Excavation, engineered base, precision laying, and finishing. Every step inspected, every joint compacted.
We seal, polish, and walk you through care. Then we stand by it — long after the final paver is set.
"M&L turned a forgotten side yard into the most-used room of our home. The craftsmanship is unbelievable — every joint is perfect."
"Three contractors quoted us. M&L was the only one who actually listened. The walkway looks like it grew out of the garden."
"Two winters in and not a single paver has shifted. They know their craft. We'll be calling them for the pool deck next."
Family-owned and based locally. We've installed projects across every neighborhood from downtown St. Louis to St. Charles County.
Not in our area? Call us — 636-849-6681The questions we hear most from St. Louis homeowners before starting a paver, patio, or walkway project. Don't see yours? Call us — 636-849-6681.
Yes — every project starts with a free on-site consultation and a transparent written estimate. We walk your property, measure the space, discuss materials, and send you a detailed quote within 24 hours.
When installed on a proper engineered base — 30+ years easily. We use a 6" compacted gravel base with geotextile fabric, then polymeric joint sand. The pavers themselves can last a lifetime. The base is what fails on most jobs, which is why we don't cut corners there.
Greater St. Louis and all of St. Charles County, including St. Louis, St. Charles, O'Fallon, Wentzville, St. Peters, Lake St. Louis, Chesterfield, Cottleville, and Dardenne Prairie. Not sure if you're in our area? Call us at 636-849-6681.
Most residential patios range from $15–$30 per square foot installed, depending on materials, layout complexity, and site prep. Premium materials and custom features (seating walls, fire pits, lighting) shift the price. We always give a transparent line-item quote — no surprises.
A typical patio or walkway takes 3–7 working days from excavation to final sweep. Larger or more complex projects (with retaining walls, fire features, or drainage work) can run 1–3 weeks. We give you a precise timeline before we break ground.
For most outdoor spaces — yes. Pavers won't crack, can be lifted and reset if needed, allow drainage (permeable options), and look premium for decades. Concrete is cheaper upfront but cracks within years, can't be repaired cleanly, and looks utilitarian. We install both, but recommend pavers 9 times out of 10.
Yes. Proper drainage is part of every install — pitched grades, drainage channels, and permeable joint options when needed. We also handle retaining walls, edge restraints, and any site prep required. One crew, one accountable team.
Yes — fully licensed and insured in Missouri. ICPI-certified installers. We're happy to share our insurance certificate on request. Family-owned and based locally since 2013.
Free consultation. Honest pricing. Drawings before we break ground. Most projects scheduled within 4 weeks.
We respond within one business day. No pushy follow-ups, no automated funnels — just an honest conversation.
Made with Emergent
