Mahwah is a township in the far northwest corner of Bergen County, against the New York line. It is the largest municipality in the county by area, and it does not look like the rest of Bergen. The eastern side has subdivisions and townhouse communities in the Ramapo River valley. The western side rises into the Ramapo Mountains, with wooded lots, winding roads and houses built into the hillside. Soil is thin and stony in many places, and bedrock can be close to the surface.
Building on a slope
On sloped Mahwah lots, flat usable space is the most valuable thing a backyard can have. The way to get it is usually a retaining wall. We build segmental block and natural stone retaining walls with a compacted base, drainage stone and a perforated pipe behind them so groundwater does not build pressure. Terraced designs with two shorter walls are often safer and better looking than one tall one.
Steps that follow the grade
Homes set above or below the road often need steps from the driveway to the door, or from the deck down to the yard. We build them in stone, block or poured concrete with treads sized for a comfortable stride. On rocky ground we can sometimes pin footings into ledge rather than digging through it.
Long driveways and outdoor living
Driveways in the hillier sections can be long and steep, and they take a beating from plows and runoff. Paver driveways with a strong edge and a deep base hold up well, and individual pavers can be replaced if one cracks. In the yard, larger properties have room for full hardscaping projects: patios, fire features and pool surrounds.
Before work starts in Mahwah
- Expect a site visit to look at rock, slope and drainage before we can give a firm plan.
- Steep slopes and wetland areas may bring extra township review.
- HOA approval is needed in many of the townhouse and condo communities.
- Equipment access matters on long or narrow driveways.
Nearby
We work all over northern Bergen, including Ramsey and Oakland. See the Bergen County page for more, or request a free estimate for your property.
