Slate & Sod
About Slate & Sod
Slate & Sod is a free, multilingual service that helps homeowners across the United States plan an outdoor-living project and get matched with local licensed, insured builders. We are a matching service, not a contractor or design firm.
What Slate & Sod does
We help homeowners make sense of outdoor-living projects before they hire someone. That may be a paver patio, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, retaining wall, walkway, pool deck, pergola, or a full backyard update.
Many people know they want a better yard, but are not sure where to start. We help you think through the basics first: your goals, rough budget, project type, and the kind of space you want to build.
Then, if you want, we help connect you with local builders in your area. The service is free for homeowners. You stay in control of the process, compare written quotes, and choose who to hire.
What we are not
Slate & Sod is not a contractor, builder, landscaper, architect, engineer, or design firm. We do not perform construction work, give structural advice, or manage your job.
We provide general information to help you plan more clearly and ask better questions. Final design, pricing, permits, code compliance, drainage, structural details, and construction methods should come from licensed, insured professionals and, where required, a licensed engineer or your local building department.
For gas and electrical work, always use a licensed professional and make sure permits are pulled when required in your area.
How the service works
Our goal is simple: make the early planning stage less confusing, especially for busy homeowners and people who feel more comfortable in a language other than English. You can learn more at How It Works.
- Tell us the basics of your project.
- Share your ZIP code, rough budget, and preferred language.
- We help point you toward local builders who work on projects like yours.
- You compare written quotes, check license and insurance, and decide who to hire.
If you are ready to start, you can get matched.
What information we collect
We only collect contact and project-intent details needed to help with a match. That usually means your name, phone number, optional email, project type, ZIP code, rough budget, and preferred language.
We do not need financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, income details, or sensitive personal records. Keep it simple: tell us what you want to build, where you are, and how you would like to be contacted.
Our approach to cost and builder choices
Outdoor projects can range from a few thousand dollars for a simple small feature to much more for a large, detailed backyard. Real cost depends on project size, materials, access, slope, drainage, soil, features, and your local market. Any ranges you see on our site are general information only, not quotes.
We believe homeowners should see the trade-offs clearly. A larger patio, premium stone, custom seating wall, outdoor kitchen, or difficult site can raise the price. Simpler layouts, easier access, and standard materials can help control it.
We also believe in basic builder safety checks. Watch for red flags like large cash-only deposits, no license or insurance, vague quotes, no written contract, or pressure to sign right away. Get the scope and price in writing, compare a few quotes, and verify license and insurance yourself before work starts.
- Cost ranges are general information, not quotes
- Always compare a few written quotes
- Verify license, insurance, permits, and scope before hiring
Why homeowners use Slate & Sod
Some people come to us because they do not know what a fair budget looks like. Others want help explaining their project clearly, or want a smoother way to find local builders without feeling rushed.
We try to keep things plain, honest, and useful. No pressure. No big promises. Just a free service that helps you plan with more confidence and connect with local pros for the next step.
If you have questions, reach out through our contact page.
Slate & Sod helps you plan your outdoor project and find local builders, but we do not build the project ourselves.
Common questions
Is Slate & Sod a contractor?
No. Slate & Sod is a free matching service, not a contractor, builder, or design firm. We do not perform construction work.
Does it cost me anything to use Slate & Sod?
No. The service is free for homeowners. You can use it to plan your next step and get connected with local builders.
What kind of projects can you help with?
We focus on outdoor-living and hardscape projects like patios, walkways, retaining walls, pool decks, fire features, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and full backyard updates.
Do you guarantee a price or a builder?
No. We cannot promise a price, timeline, specific builder, or outcome. Final cost and scope depend on the project, site conditions, materials, local rules, and the professional you hire.
What should I check before hiring a builder?
Ask for a written quote and written contract, and verify that the builder is licensed and insured where required. Be careful with large cash-only deposits, vague pricing, or pressure to decide on the spot.
What information do I need to share?
Usually just your name, phone number, optional email, project type, ZIP code, rough budget, and preferred language. We only collect contact and project-intent details.
Thinking about an outdoor-living project?
Plan the budget and materials first. Then get matched, free, with licensed, insured local builders. You compare quotes and choose who to hire — and confirm the scope and price in writing before work starts.