Harrington Park is one of the quieter corners of the Northern Valley. Streets wind past ranches, colonials and split-levels from the midcentury and later, many on lots with trees along the back property line. The scale is residential and relaxed, and most homeowners we meet here are looking for outdoor spaces that feel informal and comfortable rather than grand.
Fire pits as the centerpiece
A fire pit is one of the most requested features in a wooded backyard. It gives a reason to use the yard on cool evenings and becomes a natural gathering spot.
We build fire pits and outdoor fireplaces on a solid base with stone or block surrounds, then set them into a paver or gravel patio with seating around the ring. On lots with lots of trees, we site them in open areas with clear sky overhead.
Mixing hard and soft surfaces
Not every outdoor area needs to be fully paved. Combinations that work well here:
- A paver dining patio near the house, with gravel beyond it
- Bluestone stepping stones through planting beds
- A crushed stone path to a shed or back gate
- A low dry-stacked wall at the edge of a garden
Using less solid paving keeps more water soaking into the ground and helps when a lot is close to its coverage limit. Our patios and walkways page has more on materials.
Back stoops and transitions
Many homes here step down from the kitchen or family room to the yard through an old concrete stoop or a deck. Replacing it with a stone-faced stoop and wide steps onto the patio makes the move from inside to outside feel easy.
Gentle slopes
Backyards that slope toward the woods can be leveled with a short retaining wall, which also doubles as extra seating around the fire pit.
The borough building department may need to review patios, walls or new fire features, and we check before work begins.
Harrington Park is part of our Bergen County service area, near Old Tappan and Closter. Request a free estimate and we will help you plan it.
