Old Tappan is a borough in the far northeast of Bergen County, bordering New York State and home to part of the Lake Tappan reservoir. Much of the housing is newer than in the older Bergen towns to the south: center-hall Colonials, contemporary homes and larger custom houses, along with several townhouse communities. Single family lots are generous, the ground is gently rolling, and backyards often have room for a pool, a patio and lawn all at once.
Decks around the pool
When an older pool deck cracks, heaves or gets slippery, it affects the whole backyard. We replace worn concrete decks with pavers or stamped concrete and rebuild the coping. Our pool masonry work covers coping stone, deck surfaces and the walls and steps around the pool area.
A few choices to make early:
- Surface. Pavers, stamped concrete or natural stone, each with a different feel underfoot and in the sun.
- Color. Lighter colors stay cooler on bare feet in July.
- Drainage. The deck should pitch away from the pool and toward a drain or lawn.
- Coping. Bullnose pavers, bluestone or precast coping set to suit the pool shape.
Living space beyond the pool
Many Old Tappan backyards have room for more than a deck. A separate patio with seating walls and a fire pit, a lighted set of steps from the house, or stepping stones leading to a quieter corner can make the yard usable from spring to late fall. We plan these as one hardscaping project so the materials and grades tie together.
Townhouse owners
In the townhouse communities, private patios and walks are often the owner’s responsibility. We can replace a tired concrete slab with pavers once the association approves the plan.
Working on larger properties
Bigger yards mean longer distances for wheelbarrows and equipment. We plan access paths that protect your lawn and irrigation, and we finish with cleanup and restoration of disturbed areas.
Neighbors
We also serve River Vale, Northvale and the rest of Bergen County. Request a free estimate and we will help plan the backyard.
