The O’Fallon Project: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of a Landscape

Location:

O’Fallon, MO

Materials Used:

CAMO Hidden Fasteners, Composite Decking, Haven Underdecking, New Castle Steel

Price Range:

$140,000

A two-story deck with black railings attached to the back of a grey house. The upper deck has a table with chairs and a blue umbrella, and stairs lead down to a lower patio area and a grassy lawn.
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Mastering the Gradient

Homeowners of a new residence faced a common challenge: a large, sloped yard that felt disconnected and unusable. Solid Ground stepped in to bridge the gap between the back door and a secluded area of the property.

By installing a massive retaining wall and a custom stone walkway, our team paved a path to a lower-level Zen garden.

  • Structural Skeleton: A 14-gauge New Castle Steel frame provides the primary support for the upper level, offering a 50-year warranty for a lifetime of stability.
  • Stable Foundation: Steel remains immune to the rot and shifting often found in wood structures on sloped terrain.
  • Permanent Hardscape: Large stone work wraps the home, creating a stable route to the previously inaccessible lower yard.

A Destination Across Multiple Levels

The project delivers 1,000 square feet of outdoor entertainment area designed to flow naturally between elevations.

Upper-Level Composite Deck

A 20×20 composite deck serves as the homeowners’ primary lounge.

  • Subsurface Protection: Solid Ground is adding a Haven Underdecking system to create a dry, sheltered environment below the main deck.
  • Water Management Strategy: Advanced channels direct rainwater away from the home, keeping the lower level dry during spring storms.

Hardscape Walkways

The patio design wraps around the residence, flowing into a stone walkway that guides the eye toward the garden.

  • Zen Garden Access: The path creates a clear, stable transition to a secluded area of the property.
  • Integrated Landscapes: Stone and steel work together to turn a difficult slope into a functional backyard destination.

Professional Finishing Standards

Solid Ground employs precision fastening systems to maintain a sophisticated look across every project.

  • Fastener-Free Surface: CAMO Wedge Metal hidden fasteners keep the deck surface smooth and uninterrupted.
  • Precision Plugs: Starborn color-matched screws and plugs create invisible connections, maintaining a clean aesthetic.
  • Structural Hardware: Connections made with Simpson, Starborn, and Fastenmaster hardware function as a single high-performance unit.

Technical Specifications

  • Framing: 14-Gauge New Castle Structural Steel
  • Fasteners: CAMO Hidden Fastening System
  • Water Management: Haven Underdeck System
  • Foundation: American Ground Screws & High-Load Piers
  • Retaining Wall: Custom Hardscape Masonry

High-Performance Construction. Permanent Outdoor Living.

Solid Ground reconstructed the O’Fallon property from the soil up, turning a difficult slope into a welcoming landscape. By combining a high-span steel deck with extensive hardscape and retaining walls, our team delivered a space where everyday living flows into a secluded retreat.

Is your property ready for a structural upgrade? Let’s evaluate your site together and identify the advanced materials your project needs.

Start Your Project Today!

Award-Winning Industry Leaders:

  • NADRA 2025 Deck Safety Ambassador
  • Winner of the National Deck 2025 Competition
  • BBB Accredited Business

Elite Partners: Deckorators, TimberTech Platinum, & Armadillo Composite Decking