---
title: "Open Envelope Studio — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/open-envelope-studio-pfvwus-pf~1477116143
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1477116143.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Open Envelope Studio"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/873334fc028e2774_2905-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "4807 Santa Anna St, Austin, Texas 78721, United States"
latitude: 30.2721
longitude: -97.6868
phone: "(512) 925-0155"
website: http://oes.design
rating: 5
review_count: 19
best_of_houzz_awards: 6
followers: 215
last_updated: 2026-09-06
---

# Open Envelope Studio

Original Houzz profile: [Open Envelope Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/open-envelope-studio-pfvwus-pf~1477116143)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** Austin, TX
- **Serves:** Austin, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, East Austin, Zilker
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (19 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2023), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Open Envelope Studio is a boutique landscape design and build studio based in Austin, TX. We specialize in modern outdoor living spaces and custom steel work. We pride ourselves on developing deep relationships with our clients, bettering lives though the built environment.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Patio Design
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Site Planning
- Custom Fire Pits
- Pool Landscaping
- Custom Water Features
- Swimming Pool Design
- Outdoor Lighting Design
- Deck Design
- 3D Rendering
- Project Management
- Pond Construction
- Living Walls
- Rooftop Deck Installation
- Custom Steel Work
- Deck Building
- Fence Installation & Repair
- Trellis & Pergola Construction

### Areas Served

- Austin
- West Lake Hills
- Rollingwood
- East Austin
- Zilker

### Typical Job Cost

$60,000 - 350,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Open Envelope Studio |
| Address | 4807 Santa Anna St, Austin, Texas 78721, United States |
| Phone | (512) 925-0155 |
| Website | http://oes.design |
| Followers on Houzz | 215 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/OpenEnvelopeStudio
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/OpenEnvelope
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelicanorton
- Blog — www.oes.design

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Open Envelope Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/open-envelope-studio-pfvwus-pf~1477116143)
- **Website:** http://oes.design
- **Phone:** (512) 925-0155

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2015–2023), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 19 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — dawnkarin, Sept. 2022**

> The yard of our new-build home in Central Austin was a blank slate of thirsty turf grass and a rickety wooden fence, that was both uninspired and uninviting for our family (see "before" photo).  OES developed a transformational design for our entire property, including designing fences, planters, pergolas, and determining the placement of a small pool and patio.
>
> Matt and Angelica (owners/architects/chief designers) worked closely with us to evaluate our property, elicit our vision, integrate our personal aesthetic, and understand how we would like the space to function.  They presented us with an impressive initial design, but then met again with us on multiple occasions to revise and fine-tune the construction plans. The depth of their experience and knowledge was evident throughout the design process; it was so exciting to watch the drafts come to life! This was a huge project that felt overwhelming, but they assisted us in breaking our project into three phases, that has allowed us to plan and finance each step of the project at a pace that works for us.
>
> It took a long time to get to the construction start date (partially due to the need to install the pool with a pool company prior to OES beginning their work), but once they began, our yard went from a blank slate to a gorgeous modern oasis within a few short weeks.
>
> Blake, our OES project manager, was always communicative and responsive. He was frequently on site, available via email or text, and was very patient with our questions and always promptly responded to our concerns. There are always little things that need to be fixed or addressed in any project, but OES addressed all of these outstanding details without hesitation prior to project close.
>
> OES does utilize subcontractors for things such as painting, irrigation, masonry, etc., and all of those folks were respectful, efficient, and professional while working our our property. The crew that did the bulk of our metal fabrication and heavy construction was lovely to work with, personable, friendly to our children and pets, and respectful of our neighbors.
>
> Some hard truths: projects of this scope are very expensive and take a long time to realize.  If you use OES, understand that it will take months to go through the design phase, and then you will likely wait as many months again for construction to begin. Their services are in high demand, and for good reason.  They do not rush their work, and it shows.  The end product is absolutely worth the wait and the expense.
>
> But see for yourself: Take a look at the before and after pics of our yard. You wouldn't recognize it! Prior to construction, we rarely entered our yard, and now we are outside using this space EVERY SINGLE DAY.  The photos that are attached are within a few days of project completion; the plants have  since grown and filled in the beds and the vines are climbing the trellises, so the yard continues to become more  attractive with each passing week.
>
> Thank you, OES!!!

**★★★★★ — monafaulkner, Jan. 2022**

> I don't think I can say enough about the exceptional team at OES. "Outstanding" is probably not strong enough of an adjective.
>
> This entire team, from the owners - Angelica and Matt who designed and charted out the plans - to the project manager Greg, to his whole crew - well we were blown away. They showed up on time (actually earlier before sunrise) and did this diligently every work day. The communication from the leaders were clear and often. The follow up on any open tasks was consistent. And the workmanship? Well, we cannot stop looking at our beautifully transformed backyard and pinch ourselves.
> The OES team is like a team of Fairy Godmothers that made magical things happen.  This project was a huge undertaking and they came up with creative ideas to transform our yard. We are already excited about doing another project with them down the road and have no doubt we will be so happy with the results. If you want a successful project with GOOD people and an exceptional work ethic, don't even bother with anyone else. Go to Angelica, Matt and the OES team. You will have zero regrets.
>
> Thank you OES team!

**★★★★★ — HU-300351451, April 2021**

> OES completed our project in August 2019.  They were absolutely amazing to work with.  We kept on looking at design ideas for our backyard and we always seemed to pick things they had done.  Finding out they were in Austin was a bonus for us.  We had them basically bulldoze the entire yard and start from scratch.  We now have multiple zones to our yard for different activities and a massive screened porch.  We were so lucky to have this space through 2020 and cherished the beautiful work they did.
> Working with the team was great.  We had multiple iterations of design and discussions about our project and they really just delivered more than we could have expected or even imagined ourselves.
> Matt, Angelica and the team at OES are wonderful to work with and we consider them friends now.  We continue to refer friends to them for their projects.  Highly recommended!

**★★★★★ — Zach Sankovich, July 2018**

> I honestly can't say enough good things about Angelica + Matt and the OES team. I was struggling to find someone to do with my small side yard, and after talking with four to five landscape design firms I chose them. They definitely weren't the cheapest, but, you get what you pay for. They really take the time to understand what you want to do with your space, and provide helpful (not costly) suggestions to get the job done, but also make the space live able and beautiful. Everything was done on time, and on cost down to the penny. Beyond that they are just rad people, and are truly committed to making Austin the special place that it is. You get to deal directly with them and their small team, and no one else which is really refreshing and nice. Going into it I was worried my space was too small given the scope of some of their projects, but they made me feel at ease and as you can see the pictures speak for themselves. They're coming back to do my front yard here shortly, and I would 100% recommend them to anyone who asked.

**★★★★★ — Christi, May 2018**

> OES is beyond amazing. When they started our yard was a massive hill-side pile of mud and clay with crumbling retaining walls and funky flower beds - now it is a show stopper! Their ideas (as well as improving upon our ideas/suggestions) were beyond anything I could have imagined. They put a lot of thought into our family- how our yard functions, how we want use it and the plants that will work best. We even pushed them outside their normal scope and they did everything to research and ensure the results were perfect. In our yard they customized and installed steel retaining walls, wooden fencing, a stair-step pathway, a  pool-side sun deck, a shaded patio, weather-proofed our pergola. They brought in contractors for artificial turf and a newly-created irrigation system. And, of course, planted perfectly complimentary plants, flowers, trees, bushes and bamboo. All through the course of our project they didn't stop till the project was just right. Since our project finished we recently re-hired them to custom design and install an outdoor kitchen incorporating our existing grill and added a sink, fridge and counter space. We now love having parties at our house and without fail the first thing people say walking in our door is gushing compliments of our backyard. I've referred them to friends who are also very happy with their work and thankful for the recommendation. As a final note, their pricing structure is ideal and very transparent which made it easy to understand and accommodate within our budget.

**★★★★★ — William Byrum, May 2017**

> Five Stars!  OES designed a solution for the corner of our lot solving several complicated issues.  The execution of the design was excellent!  The entire process was very professional and the results are beautiful!  We couldn't be happier!

**★★★★★ — Jeff Shattuck, Dec. 2016**

> Matt and Angelica are the best. They approached our patio project with a perfect balance of design innovation and practicality. Throughout they project they were always easy to work with and very personable. The work itself was done on time and on budget and we are thrilled with the result. We will be turning to them again in the future, 100%.

**★★★★★ — Keegan Archer, Dec. 2016**

> I have now worked with Matt and Angelica on multiple projects. As a team and individually this is a very talented group. Beyond the talent they put a tremendous amount of thought into each and every detail which transfers into continuity of design. This is pretty much the best thing you can hope for going into a project. They're also good listeners, which helps ideas translate seamlessly to a finished design. Lastly, they are adaptive and thus able to react to unforeseen issues, changes, and challenges that every project presents.

**★★★★★ — Catherine Shattuck, Nov. 2016**

> OES was originally hired to draw up plans to add on a screened-in porch. What they delivered was much more -- it was an entire backyard. Ultimately, we moved ahead with a modified patio and 3/4 backyard renovation, and tacked on some front yard landscaping as well. Their design work and esthetic are both top notch -- modern and clean with incredible attention to detail. They were able to answer every question, no matter how tiny, and we worked together to build what we wanted within our budget. Execution was a snap. Their entire crew was friendly and professional and easy to work with, even when we hit the kind of snafus that always present themselves during renos. They were flexible and fair and the final product is beautiful! Highly recommend.

**★★★★★ — Matt Fajkus Architecture, Nov. 2016**

> I have worked with Open Envelope Studio on a few residential designs in Austin, and I have found their work to be exceptional. They are able to scale their work to fit various needs, and their designs highly compliment their adjacent proper buildings. Their training in both Architecture and Landscape Architecture lends to their well-rounded approach, and I would highly recommend them to anyone searching for a Landscape Architect.

**★★★★★ — Amanda Robinson, Oct. 2016**

> If you are looking to transform your outdoor space, do yourself a favor and hire OES! Our entire experience with them was amazing. The design they created for our backyard feels like an extension of the house and we love to spend time out there. Their work quality is top notch and there is an extreme attention to detail. Additionally, all members of the OES team were a pleasure to work with (punctual, good communicators, respectful of property and neighbors).
>
> The process started with an initial walk-through where Matt and Angelica saw our space and we discussed what we were hoping to achieve.  Their innovative ideas during that initial walk-through convinced us to go ahead with the work, and we are so glad that we did! They came up with creative ways to meet our budget and never pressured us to do more. The finished product is even better than we had anticipated. We highly recommend them!!

**★★★★★ — Melissa Lancaster, Aug. 2015**

> We cannot sing enough praises of our experience working with Open Envelope Studio. We were desperate to create an attractive and usable space in our large, embarassingly barren backyard. Not only did they create a usable space, they created a unique, architecturally interesting shade structure and designed a paver pattern and ground cover just as interesting. In addition to an amazing hardscape, the landscape was matched to perfection. The plants are gorgeous, arranged beautifully and appropriate for our climate. No worries of plants that will only last one season. The space feels and acts as an extension of the house rather than separate. Friends and visitors meet the back yard with a jaw dropping “wow” where they used to opt indoors.Open Envelope was very professional without intimidation from the initial phone call to the final day of installation. We met for a detailed design discussion and shortly after received a detailed rendering, beautiful nonetheless, and cost estimate for our review and approval prior to scheduling a date to break ground. They problem solved materials and design to meet our budget and did not try to hard sell anything. Their crew was kind, courteous, professional and never left a mess. They always communicated with us on time frame of phases during the project. They delivered on all expectations and more. We are beyond grateful for their vision and execution and highly recommend them. The family enjoys coffee, popsicles and cocktails daily in our new space. Thank you Open Envelope!

## Selected projects

- [Dammert Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dammert-residence-pj-vj~3009850)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: In a funny twist of design, the original clients sold their house right as we finished up the final presentation. The new homeowners picked up where they left off and tailored their backyard needs with an artificial turf play area, limestone paver lounger patio, screened patio equipment and new cedar fencing. After resolving the masonry walls that needed maintenance in the upper parts of the yard, an upper lawn area for a living space overlooking the yard. We worked with some quirks of pool plac…
- [Burnett Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/burnett-residence-pj-vj~3006152)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: These fun clients dreamed of a screened-in gaming dojo so that their friends could come over and play board games. They also have several inside cats that want to spend time outdoors, so the patio can double as a semi-protected environment. They showed us Japanese-inspired imagery, which led to a modern tea house and a locally-sourced Texas basalt rock garden that can be raked into soothing patterns around the limestone boulders. Crushed limestone gravel provides a contrast in materials to the d…
- [Wynn Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wynn-residence-pj-vj~3004947)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: This cozy backyard in Bouldin Neighborhood has beautiful heritage oak trees that call you out into the yard. The client asked for a place to dine and lounge, a bubbling fountain for white noise and relaxation, and dense plantings. She requested plants to be organized more on massings than establishing a rigid grid or rhythm. The original exit point for the deck left that upper living space feeling too separated from the rest of the yard, so we removed the railing and fabricated steel and concret…
- [Coker Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coker-residence-pj-vj~3004889)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: We provided a level entry sequence to the front door from both the street and driveway parking. Pulling the screening away from the house, we lined the landing perpendicular to the house with low-growing hedge bamboo for privacy from the dining room windows. Since play was so important to the clients, we designed for front yard living spaces with a seating space on one landing and a bubbling fountain on the middle level. The gravel walkways and planting beds of Texas basalt and salt and pepper r…
- [Kiloh-Daniels Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kiloh-daniels-residence-pj-vj~2832487)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: The extremely small backyards in Austin's Mueller Development are always a fun puzzle to assemble. We were challenged by our clients with creating an outdoor living space for dining, informal seating, grilling, and playing. The other challenge was creating shade and rain protection while interfacing with the house and garage and dealing with drainage from the gutters. ​ The contrast of the poured-in-place concrete pavers and Texas basalt gravel paired nicely with the painted white steel columns…
- [Shattuck Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shattuck-residence-pj-vj~2832500)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: The clients wanted a screened-in porch attached to their house, and the backyard needed help with organization and circulation. Our design proposal included a butterfly roof to allow for a comfortable height when exiting the back door, and the new scored concrete patio replaced their existing wood deck. In order to complete the installation, we worked in phases. The first phase allowed us to re-grade the upper tier for new turf grass, pour the concrete patio, and remove invasive genetics in the…
- [Chandler Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chandler-residence-pj-vj~3004827)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: This family wanted to make the most of their small backyard. Their existing deck already doubled as storage, so we clad the exterior and fabricated a door so this could be hidden from the living and play spaces. Everything in its place, the lounge area on concrete pavers is framed by the built-in grill with sliding doors for more storage. The play space has an artificial turf surface treatment as maintenance in this area is difficult to access, which is especially handy around the play structure…
- [McGrew Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mcgrew-residence-pj-vj~2832517)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: This small courtyard in the Mueller development was uninviting as grass and sloping walkway; we designed a pattern of concrete pavers for dining and lounging areas for this family, allowing for strategic planting in the negative spaces. As a bonus, the pavers can double as a chalk canvas for their young children. We leveled the sloped walkway and proposed bold geometric tiles as an accent to the space. The custom grill countertop has a durable concrete countertop that flanks a credenza of vertic…
- [\[Bracketed Space\] House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bracketed-space-house-pj-vj~2022503)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a read…
- [Robinson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/robinson-residence-pj-vj~2148169)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: This "limited intervention" included adding privacy along the fence line, expanding the usable space out into the yard with concrete pavers, and completely reworking the deck off the master bedroom, which now includes a pergola. The outdoor dining area on the existing patio serves as a dining area was a significant expanse of concrete, so we proposed demolishing a portion of the concrete patio to allow for a line of clumping bamboo in order to get immediate screening without taking up too much r…
- [La Casa Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-casa-residence-pj-vj~2162214)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: This project was conceived and constructed for a family in South Austin in 2016. The clients moved from San Antonio and left behind a mature garden space. Post-construction, their new single-family spec home sat on a corner lot that was a sloping, heavily sodded blank slate. They wanted their entire property to be unified in one design language and to maximize the use of the three small outdoor spaces: a front, side, and backyard. The landscape design proposal we created for the 3,865 square-foo…
- [Buck Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/buck-residence-pj-vj~2109348)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 31
  - Description: This couple's home was remodeled before they purchased it and the front door was moved to face the busiest street, which serves as an on-ramp to Mopac. Entry circulation needed to be clarified and privacy was obviously a huge concern. They loved modern landscapes from Palm Springs, so our design proposal included minimal but structured plantings, concrete and steel walls, an entry courtyard with polygal panels, and clean lines to define spaces. While the entire property is now fenced off, the fr…
- [Mounce Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mounce-residence-pj-vj~1872221)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: This family has a large, steeply-sloped backyard that they wanted to make usable. We proposed leveling out the highest area with sod for a play zone, a gravel patio with a view over the house for lounging by a fire pit on the edge of the sod, and reorganizing the deck space off the house for dining and grilling. The bottom of the yard has the workout area, cutting around to the side yard that we've usurped from the front. Their front yard needed curb appeal by changing out the surface treatment…
- [Helms Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/helms-residence-pj-vj~1872445)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: The clients asked us to re-envision their backyard to make the space more usable. There is a significant existing grade drop between the back fence and finished floor height of the back door, so we reworked the space so that the steel retaining wall, steps, and large deck became a more comfortable scale. The height variation is so dramatic, and the board-form concrete fountain and sandbox make for a fun place for their young child and dog to play.
- [Abbenante Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/abbenante-residence-pj-vj~1042216)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 41
  - Description: We designed the landscape to compliment the language of the clean, modern house. The three areas of the outdoor space are a minimal xeriscaped front yard outside the wall, a courtyard around the pool for lounging, and densely planted, private backyard. We used very mature plants to achieve privacy in the back and immediate specimen impact outside the leuder wall (installation not by OES). As an addition, we fabricated the entry gate between the wall and house. November 2014 – February 2015
- [Wilson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wilson-residence-pj-vj~1147696)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: This compact yard had a severe drop-off at the back of the yard. The clients wanted to increase their square footage, have a place to entertain large groups, and watch TV outdoors. We replaced their existing fence with a horizontal cedar fence that has a steel kick-plate in order to retain and level a few more feet at the back. We focused on screening the neighbor’s new shed, the A/C unit, and utilities along the house. The custom propane fire pit doubles as coffee table and the board form concr…
- [Robinhood Trail Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/robinhood-trail-residence-pj-vj~1873518)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: This modern house listed for sale by Realty Austin needed some curb appeal that matched and complimented the exciting architecture. We designed a landscape that added privacy through clumping bamboo in the front and back, gave proper circulation to the front door, and added steel edging to frame and level out some spaces. The backyard needed only enough lawn to act as a placeholder for a pool in the future, and we created a gravel patio that brings the grade up to the top stair of the sunken pat…
- [Anderson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/anderson-residence-pj-vj~1873423)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: This sunken patio was already set up to be a fantastic space, but was overwhelmed by concrete. The clients asked us to soften the space in time to host a breast cancer fundraiser at their house. After the benefit, the patio would serve as a dining area next to a unique indoor pool and creating a connection to the driveway and back door and driveway. We wrapped the existing concrete bench in hardwood to add some warmth to the area surrounding the fire pit. Texas basalt gravel serves as mulch to t…
- [Clancy Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clancy-residence-pj-vj~1440598)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: This couple asked us to design a usable space to entertain friends; their existing patio was cracked and had drainage issues, which as adversely affecting the siding of the house. We loved how open they were to location, organization, and materials. We proposed a concrete paver patio set in pea gravel, a custom steel and concrete grill counter framed by a steel structure to hang string lights, and surrounding drought-tolerant plants. \*Concrete pavers installed by subcontractor managed by OES. \*S…
- [Main Stay House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/main-stay-house-pj-vj~1410730)
  - Location: Austin, TX
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: The landscape architecture on this spec house required a celebration of the many unique access points connecting the inside and out. We designed a paving pattern to give gracious entry to the front door tucked just out of sight, surrounded by grids of yuccas, grasses, and ground covers, mulched by Texas basalt gravel. The patio flanking the pool in the backyard opens up into the kitchen and living room. The large tree serves as an anchor to a shaded gravel patio just past the pool. At the back g…

[See all 78 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/open-envelope-studio-pfvwus-pf~1477116143)

## Ideabooks

- [Precedent images](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44801652/list/precedent-images) — 6 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/openenvelopestudio)

## Community Q&A

**Q: steel outdoor accent** *(in Photo Questions)*

What kind of steel is this ?

A: It's raw steel, isn't it lovely? By now it will be covered by its signature patina.

**Q: What are the dimensions of the pavers? Built on site or pre-fab?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Would also love to know size of the gravel used. I really like the modern clean look of this project.

A: Hi there!  We like a 5/8&quot; gravel.  It has a good foot feel - going smaller to screenings can feel sloshy (like sand at the beach) and going larger to 3/4&quot; or 1&quot; works well in beds as an alternative to riverstone, but doesn't feel as good if you plan to walk over it.

**Q: How is the Steel anchored to the ground?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Are you using spikes or driving the entire piece into the ground?

A: We set posts in concrete for anything over 3&quot;, brace with angle, then weld the plate steel on to the angle and posts.  For edging (2-3&quot;), we use rebar we drive into the ground.

**Q: steel edging question** *(in Photo Questions)*

I love the look of the steel edging.  How high above the ground should they be usually?

A: We use 3/16&quot;

**Q: Do you have details of the exterior stone - limestone?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Do you have details of the exterior stone - limestone?

A: Beautiful home &amp; view!!

**Q: What railing is that?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: We welded 2&quot; flat steel for the uprights and top rail and I think 3/8&quot; square bar for the horizontal members.  It was custom fabricated for this client by us, so it's not available off-the-shelf.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-06.*
