In the lakeside town of Excelsior, outdoor living is a way of life. But for one homeowner, their backyard retreat was falling apart—literally. Years of Minnesota weather had taken a toll on their wood retaining wall, patio, and stairs.
What once looked charming had become a maintenance headache and a safety concern.
That’s when they found us through our website. They were looking for a solution that could stand up to the elements while elevating their home’s curb appeal.
Our team at Classic Company had just the answer.
Out with the Old
Wood can look great early on, but Minnesota’s climate isn’t forgiving. Freezing winters and damp summers cause wood to rot, warp, and shift. This Excelsior property had all the telltale signs: soft spots in the retaining wall, uneven patio slabs, and crumbling stair edges.
Instead of replacing wood with more wood, we offered something smarter: stamped and colored concrete. It’s durable, low maintenance, and—when done right—can mimic the look of natural materials beautifully.
Custom Concrete That Looks Like Wood
We used a textured stamping form that gave the new retaining wall the realistic appearance of wood grain. Then we added rich coloring to deepen the effect, creating a wall that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings—without the risk of rot or splinters.
We carried the same finish across the newly poured patio and stairs, creating a unified, upscale look that instantly boosted the home’s outdoor living spaces.
The Homeowner’s Verdict? “A Tremendous Improvement.”
It’s always rewarding to see a client light up when the job is done. This one summed it up perfectly: “What a tremendous improvement to the property.”
That’s the kind of feedback we aim for—and the reason we take such care with every step, from forming and pouring to coloring and stamping.
Built for Excelsior. Built to Last.
Excelsior’s beautiful but tough weather patterns call for materials that won’t quit. Our stamped concrete patios and retaining walls are designed to hold their shape and color year after year.
No rot. No shifting.
Just a solid surface that looks great and holds strong.
Thinking of Replacing Old Wood Features?
If your yard is showing signs of age or you’re ready to upgrade the look and feel of your outdoor space, we’d love to help. Our concrete solutions are tailored to Excelsior homes and designed for long-term results.
Get in touch to start your project with us now.
