BERMS VS. SUNKEN PATIOS—WHICH ONE WINS ON FLAT LOTS?
I’ve seen berms work wonders for visual interest, especially when you tuck in seating or planters. But I’m always wary of sunken patios for exactly the reasons you mentioned—water loves to find the lowest spot, and even with drains, you’re at the mercy of your soil’s permeability.
If you’re combining berms and built-ins, do you ever run into issues with roots from nearby trees or shrubs messing with the structure over time? I’ve had a client’s planter bench start to crack after a few seasons because roots pushed up from underneath. Wondering if you’ve found a workaround for that, or if it’s just part of the gamble when you’re adding elevation changes on a flat site.
BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT
Those root issues are such a pain, aren't they? I’ve run into similar problems with built-in seating and planters—especially when we’ve tried to work around existing trees to keep that mature landscape vibe. Sometimes it feels like you’re either fighting nature or working with it, and the line between those two isn’t always clear.
Have you ever tried using root barriers when you’re building up berms or adding built-ins? I’ve seen some success when we install a heavy-duty barrier a few feet out from the structure, but honestly, it’s not foolproof. Roots have a mind of their own... If there’s moisture or any kind of nutrient-rich soil under your work, they’ll find a way.
I do wonder if the gamble is part of the creative process on flat sites. You get these gorgeous elevation changes, but you’re always kind of holding your breath to see how things settle over time. I’ve started to lean into modular elements—like freestanding benches or movable planters—so if there’s shifting or cracking, it’s less catastrophic. It also keeps things flexible as the landscape matures.
On the other hand, I totally get the appeal of a sunken patio for that cozy, private feel. But yeah, water management on a flat lot is a whole different beast. I’ve had clients who loved the idea until we started talking about sump pumps and French drains... Suddenly berms start looking pretty good.
It’s reassuring to hear that others are navigating these same challenges. Makes me think it’s less about finding a perfect solution and more about adapting as things grow and shift. There’s a certain beauty in that unpredictability, even if it does mean tweaking things down the line.
BUILDING ON LEVEL GROUND: STEP-BY-STEP TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF A FLAT LOT
I hear you on the unpredictability, but I have to say—I’m not totally sold on modular everything. There’s something to be said for committing to a bold built-in, even if it means dealing with roots or drainage headaches later. In my experience, well-executed hardscaping just elevates the whole property, and honestly, the maintenance is worth it for that “finished” look. Sure, you might have to tweak things down the line, but isn’t that part of owning a luxury home? Sometimes the risk pays off with a space that feels truly custom, not just flexible.
Totally get where you’re coming from—there’s just something about a built-in fire pit or a custom stone patio that modular can’t quite match. I’ve seen clients light up when their outdoor space feels truly “theirs,” quirks and all. Maintenance can be a pain, but honestly, that character is hard to fake.
Honestly, I get the appeal of custom work, but sometimes people romanticize quirks that end up being a headache down the line. I’ve seen plenty of “character” patios turn into money pits. Modular might lack charm, but it’s predictable—less likely to surprise you with drainage issues or shifting stones. There’s a tradeoff, for sure, but I’d rather deal with boring than busted.
