Millburn Township covers both the Millburn downtown and the residential section of Short Hills. Housing here leans toward large colonials, Tudors and stucco homes, many built in the early and middle twentieth century and since renovated or expanded, on lots with mature landscaping. Parts of the township are hilly and wooded, while the area near the Rahway River is lower. Homeowners tend to expect outdoor work to match the quality of the house.
Designing the backyard as a whole
On a Millburn lot, a patio is rarely just a slab outside the door. Our hardscaping projects here often combine a main dining terrace, a sitting area, steps up to the house and walkways to the garden or pool. Planning it as one job means grades and drainage are set once and every phase fits together.
Steps and patios that meet the house
French doors and raised back entries are common on larger homes. We build wide steps and landings faced in stone, flowing down to a paver patio set on a compacted base. Curved borders and wraparound steps soften the line between house and yard.
Fire features and pool surrounds
Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits extend the season into late fall. We build them in natural stone or veneer, with seating walls where space allows. For pools, we replace worn coping and decks with stone, pavers or stamped concrete.
Respecting older masonry
Many homes have original brick and stone chimneys, walls and foundations. When these need work, we use mortar compatible with the old material. A few points worth knowing:
- matching aged stone may take longer to source
- lime-based mortars need mild weather to cure
- the original joint style matters as much as the color
Permits and flood rules
The township building department reviews many hardscape projects, and lot coverage limits may apply to larger patios and driveways. Properties near the river may also face flood zone rules.
Millburn borders Maplewood and Livingston, and we serve the rest of Essex County. To plan your outdoor space, request a free estimate.
