Upper Saint Clair Kitchen + Deck/Patio
A two-phase project for an Upper Saint Clair family. We came in for a complete first-floor renovation in 2022 — kitchen, foyer, living room, dining room, powder bath — and the family invited us back two years later for a custom multi-tier patio that finally extended the living space outdoors. Same family, two completely different scopes, one continuous relationship.
The Ask
Phase 1 (2022): renovate the entire first floor with the kitchen as the centerpiece — open the layout, modernize every finish, and run the project so the family can keep living upstairs without losing their minds. Phase 2 (2024): build us a multi-tier patio out the back that handles entertaining, the grade of the yard, and Pittsburgh weather for the long run.
The Design
Phase 1 — Kitchen + first floor: bright shaker cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting, quartz counters with a subtle vein, full-height tile backsplash behind the range, and an island sized for actual cooking and homework at the same time. Refreshed engineered hardwood across the entire first floor for one continuous read. Powder bath updated to match the new palette, foyer trim and lighting brought current. Phase 2 — Patio: a multi-tier paver layout stepped down to match the existing grade, with one zone sized for a dining table and a second for lounge seating. Soldier-course borders define each tier, and proper drainage was installed before the first paver was set so the lower yard never floods.
The Build
Phase 1 ran 14 weeks on the main level, phased so the upstairs and one bath stayed functional throughout. ICR coordinated plumber, electrician, and engineer directly — the homeowners never had to chase trades. Phase 2 ran 5 weeks on site. Excavation to undisturbed subsoil, 6 inches of compacted 2A modified stone base, mechanically tamped, polymeric sand joints, and a perimeter drainage tile graded to daylight. The kind of base most contractors skip — and the reason this patio will still be flat in fifteen years.
See it in motion.
The moment it came together.
Details, from every angle.
“We are so happy with the work that ICR did! They did a complete first floor renovation — including bathroom, foyer, living room, dining room, and most importantly the KITCHEN! ICR handled the communication between the plumber, electrician, engineer, etc. The guys showed up every day and were very efficient. We can't wait for our next project with them! 10 out of 10 recommend!!”
