Courtyard Paving in Kenner

The courtyard is a New Orleans tradition, and Kenner homes carry that feel, especially in the older streets near the Rivertown district by the river levee. A paved courtyard turns a side yard, an entry, or an enclosed back space into an intimate outdoor room. We build them with the brick-and-stone character the region is known for, set on a base that handles Kenner’s flat ground and heavy rain.

Courtyard Character, Built Right

A good courtyard feels established, like it’s always been there. We get that look with tumbled, old-brick pavers, weathered stone borders, and patterns that suit an enclosed space: a tight herringbone, a classic running bond, or a fan layout that draws the eye in. Banding and a contrasting border define the edges and make a small space feel finished rather than cramped. The result reads like the courtyards in the older parts of the metro, not a builder-grade patio.

What Goes Into a Kenner Courtyard

• Old-brick or tumbled-stone pavers for an aged, established look
• Patterns scaled to an enclosed space so the paving feels intentional
• A compacted base and bedding layer set for soft, damp Kenner soil
• Drainage worked into a tight space where water has nowhere obvious to go
• Borders and banding that frame planters, a fountain, or a seating nook

Drainage in an Enclosed Space

Courtyards are the trickiest spaces to drain because they’re often boxed in by walls, fences, and the house. On a flat Kenner lot, that’s a recipe for standing water if the paving isn’t pitched carefully. We grade the surface toward a discreet channel drain or a planted low edge, and the compacted base gives water a path even when the surrounding ground is saturated after a storm. A courtyard should be a dry, usable space the day after rain, not a puddle behind a gate.

Humidity collects in still, shaded courtyards near the lake and river, so we lean toward lighter pavers and sealed joints that resist the algae film damp shade encourages. That keeps the surface safe and easy to rinse clean.

Small Space, Big Detail

Because a courtyard is small, every detail shows. We take extra care with cuts, joint lines, and how the paving meets walls and planters. A fountain, a fire feature, or a built-in bench turns the space into a destination. Climbing plants on the walls and a few well-placed lights make it a spot you’ll use on a quiet morning or a warm evening.

Permits in Jefferson Parish

Most enclosed private courtyards are straightforward, but if your project changes drainage, adds a structure, or touches a shared wall, the Jefferson Parish Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement may require a permit. We check what applies and handle it. If you’ve got a side yard or entry space that’s doing nothing, we’ll show you how a paved courtyard can turn it into the best room in the house that happens to be outside.