Distinctive Landscapes

About Us

Distinctive is a premier landscaper business based in Ames, IA, serving the surrounding areas since 2013. Specializing in landscapes and hardscapes, we also offer top-quality custom carpentry and expert remodeling services. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to bringing your outdoor living dreams to life with meticulous attention to detail and passion for exceptional craftsmanship. At Distinctive, we go above and beyond to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that enhance the beauty and value of your property. Let us elevate your surroundings and exceed your expectations.

Our Story

Distinctive Landscaping & Custom Carpentry – Your Trusted Partner for Beautiful Outdoor Spaces and Home Renovations in Ames, IA

Since its establishment, Distinctive has been transforming outdoor spaces and homes throughout Story County, with a strong reputation for excellence in landscaping, hardscaping, and custom carpentry. Founded and led by Ryan Kinart, the company brings a personalized approach to each project, ensuring the highest quality of craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Whether you're looking to enhance your yard with a beautiful paver patio, build a custom deck, or renovate your home, Distinctive is your trusted partner.

At Distinctive, we specialize in creating stunning and functional outdoor environments. Our hardscaping services, including paver patios, natural stone, and retaining walls, offer lasting beauty and durability for your yard. Whether you're looking to create an inviting space for entertaining or add structure to your landscape, our custom designs will elevate your outdoor area. We also design and build foundation beds that help define your garden space, enhance curb appeal, and promote healthy plant growth.

Our landscape lighting services bring your outdoor areas to life after the sun sets. With carefully placed lighting, we can highlight key features, enhance security, and create an atmosphere perfect for evening relaxation or entertainment. Our team at Distinctive works closely with you to design solutions that fit your vision and budget.

Beyond landscaping and hardscaping, Distinctive offers expert custom carpentry and remodeling services that bring new life to your home. From deck building to full-home renovations, we specialize in transforming interiors and exteriors to match your style and needs. Whether you’re looking for a new custom deck to enjoy the outdoors or remodeling a space for better functionality, we approach each project with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
Our carpentry team has experience in building beautiful, functional spaces that complement your home’s aesthetic. We take pride in delivering high-quality, custom designs that meet your unique specifications, ensuring a result that fits perfectly with your lifestyle.

Located in Ames, IA, Distinctive is proud to serve the local community and surrounding areas in Story County. As a locally owned business, we value the relationships we've built with our clients and work hard to exceed expectations on every project. From residential landscaping to custom home renovations, we’re dedicated to making your dreams a reality.

Owner Ryan Kinart brings over 30 years of expertise in the field, working directly with clients to ensure every job is done right. Ryan’s hands-on approach and dedication to customer satisfaction have earned Distinctive a reputation for quality, reliability, and professionalism.

Whether you need a small outdoor refresh or a major renovation, Distinctive offers the services and expertise to make your home and yard stand out. From the initial consultation to the final touches, we’re committed to delivering stunning results that you can enjoy for years to come.

For your next project, trust Distinctive Landscaping & Custom Carpentry to turn your vision into reality. Contact us today for a consultation and discover the difference we can make for your home or outdoor space.

Areas Served

Story County, IA | Ames, IA

Our Certifications

Drainage Installation Certified
Licensed & Insured

What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Landscapes
Hardscapes
Custom Carpentry
Remodeling

Our Services include:

Landscape Maintenance
Foundation Beds
Paver Patios
Natural Stone
Retaining Walls
Deck Building
Interior Remodeling
Custom Carpentry
Landscape Lighting

Testimonials

On 1/5/2026 Steve and Alice Moore had this to say:
My wife and I would give Distinctive Landscapes 10 10 10. 10 For quality and detail of work making sure everything was completed right as our project proceeded to completion. 10 For communication. We were kept updated as weather and material supplies impacted our job. As concerns came up we were given ideas and options giving us a better than expected outcome and able to meet our schedule. The final 10 is for the value for the work done. We couldn’t be happier Jay and the Distinctive Landscapes team and would use them again. Testimonial written by Steve and Alice Moore on this site.

On 12/31/2025 Jane Williams had this to say:
Jay Ollila the General Manager at Distinctive Landscaping has been wonderful to work with. I am building a new construction home and he assisted me with picking out a beautiful paver 12x12 patio. I so appreciate Jay’s patience and input as we decided on the color & design of the paver patio. I will definitely utilize Jay, again, when I move forward with some Landscaping in the Spring of next year. Thank you!! Testimonial written by Jane Williams on this site.

On 12/30/2025 Judith Heggen had this to say:
Really excellent work. All left over materials (dirt) hauled away leaving yard and new landscaping looking perfect. Great ideas on design. Fun to work with. Completed work in very timely fashion. Have recommended to friends and would use again in a heartbeat!! Testimonial written by Judith Heggen on this site.

On 12/29/2025 Bill and Linda had this to say:
AMAZING! There’s absolutely no other way to describe our new fire pit. These extremely friendly and respectful young people had such great camaraderie - such a joy to have around. They worked diligently for a week through cold and rainy weather to give us our new little mecca. We absolutely love it! Recommend? Absolutely!! Testimonial written by Bill and Linda on this site.

On 12/23/2025 Blake had this to say:
Very professional and honest company. They completed the work efficiently and as described. The follow up and continuous communication throughout the project was appreciated. I would definitely recommend them. Testimonial written by Blake on this site.

Contact Us

Distinctive Landscapes
1288 Westwood Pl Ames, IA 50014
Phone: (515) 231-6515
Email: info@distinctive-landscapes.com

Where To Find Us

Payment Types Accepted

Personal Checks

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

News

🏡 Transform your outdoor space with Distinctive Landscapes’ professional landscaping services. From custom landscape design to installation, we create outdoor environments that enhance curb appeal and functionality. Our team focuses on quality craftsmanship and long-lasting results for every property. Whether residential or commercial, we bring your vision to life with care and precision. 🌿
#DistinctiveLandscapes #LandscapingExperts #OutdoorDesign #CurbAppeal #QualityCraftsmanship

Now is the perfect time to start planning your 2026 home upgrades. 💡 Many homeowners use part of their tax return to invest back into the value and comfort of their homes. Booking early ensures priority scheduling and a head start on designing your ideal project. 🏡

As we celebrate the holiday season, we want to thank all our wonderful customers for an incredible 2025. 🎉 Your trust and support allowed us to transform homes and create meaningful spaces all year long. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year ahead! ✨

Transform your outdoor space with expert landscaping! From retaining walls to hardscape design, our landscaping services excel at lawn care and landscape maintenance. Discover our outdoor landscaping, deck building, and more!

🍂 Dreaming of a fresh look for your home this fall? From bathroom remodels to elegant custom cabinetry, we've got you covered! Plus, don't forget our expert lawn care and landscape maintenance services to keep your outdoors in top shape. Let's create something amazing! 🌟

Info

Careers

FAQ

What services does Distinctive offer?

We specialize in landscaping, hardscaping, custom carpentry, and home renovations. Our services include paver patios, retaining walls, garden beds, outdoor lighting, decks, and full-home remodeling to create functional and beautiful spaces.

How do I get started on a project?

Start by contacting us for a consultation. We’ll discuss your vision, budget, and timeline, then provide a custom plan and estimate tailored to your home or outdoor space.

Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?

Yes! While our focus is residential projects in Ames and Story County, we also take on select commercial projects that fit our expertise in landscaping, hardscaping, and custom carpentry.

How long does a typical project take?

Project timelines vary depending on size and complexity. Smaller landscaping or carpentry projects can take a few days to a couple of weeks, while full-home renovations may take several weeks to months. We provide a clear timeline during your consultation.

Are your services customizable?

Absolutely. Every project is tailored to your specific needs, style, and budget. From custom deck designs to intricate landscaping layouts, we ensure each detail aligns with your vision and enhances your property.

What does your commercial landscape maintenance package include?

Our comprehensive maintenance package covers weed pulling, bush trimming, fertilization, and seasonal services like snow removal. We also ensure your property remains neat and professional year-round.

How often do you perform maintenance visits?

Maintenance schedules are customized based on your property’s needs, but most commercial clients opt for weekly or bi-weekly visits during the growing season and as-needed service during winter.

Do you provide services for large commercial properties?

Yes! We specialize in maintaining commercial properties of all sizes, including office complexes, retail spaces, and multi-unit developments. Our team ensures your landscape reflects your business’s professional image.

Can you help improve the health and appearance of our existing landscape?

Absolutely. Our fertilization program promotes healthy growth, while weed control and trimming keep your property looking polished. We also offer recommendations for long-term landscape improvements.

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