Leonia is a compact borough in southeastern Bergen County, set on the slope that runs west from the Palisades ridge. Its residential streets climb and dip, and much of the housing dates from the early and middle twentieth century: Colonials, Foursquares, stucco and brick homes, and some later infill. Houses often sit above the sidewalk, which gives the town its character and also shapes almost every masonry project we take on here.
Tall steps are the norm
Because so many homes are raised above street level, Leonia front steps are often long runs with six, eight or more risers. Every one of those treads takes water and frost, and the bottom steps usually take the most. When we rebuild them, we pour a solid footing below frost depth, form each tread at a consistent height, and finish in brick, stone veneer or poured concrete steps with new railings that run the full length.
Holding back the hill
Front lawns that slope to the sidewalk and back yards cut into the hill often rely on old walls that are starting to lean. A retaining wall on a slope needs a gravel base, drainage behind it and the right batter, or the soil pressure will push it over. We build segmental block and stone retaining walls, and we can set steps right into the wall so the yard is easier to use.
Older brick and mortar
Many Leonia homes have brick chimneys, brick porches or foundation walls that are close to a century old. Mortar on the weather side erodes first. Repointing before the brick itself starts to crumble keeps water out and saves a much bigger repair later.
Hillside tips before you build
- Expect more excavation and more concrete on a sloped lot than on a flat one.
- Plan where water will go at the bottom of every new surface.
- Ask early whether your project needs borough review, since walls and steps often do.
- Think about delivery access when the house sits well above the street.
Close by
We also serve nearby Fort Lee and Englewood, plus the rest of Bergen County. To get steps, a wall or old brick looked at, schedule a free estimate.
