Metuchen is a small borough completely surrounded by Edison, but it has a very different character. Its downtown grew up around the train station, and the residential streets are full of Victorians, foursquares, colonials and Tudors from the late 1800s through the mid 1900s, with deep porches and old brick. Mature trees shade most blocks. Here, the masonry work tends to be about the front of the house and how it looks from the street.
Steps that suit the house
On older homes the original front steps were often built of brick or stone, and later replaced with plain concrete. Rebuilding them in a material that fits the facade makes a real difference. We build concrete steps on a full footing, then face them in brick or stone with bluestone treads, or build fully in brick with stone caps. Railings are chosen to match the age of the house rather than a modern catalog look.
Walkways under the trees
Front walks in Metuchen often run from the sidewalk straight to a porch through old trees. Where roots have heaved concrete, we prefer pavers, brick or bluestone on a compacted base. Pieces can be reset over time without tearing out the entire path. A border in a contrasting color keeps a simple path looking finished.
Brick, stone and chimneys
Stone masonry and brickwork on older homes tends to need the same set of repairs:
- repointing joints that have eroded
- rebuilding chimney tops and crowns
- resetting loose caps on garden walls and pillars
- replacing spalled brick with a close color match
Soft, compatible mortar protects older brick that would crack under a hard modern mix.
Backyards behind older homes
Rear yards here range from narrow to surprisingly deep. A paver patio with a short walk from the back door, or a garden seating area under a gazebo, makes good use of the space without overwhelming an older property.
Around town
Metuchen is ringed by Edison, and we also work in Highland Park and across Middlesex County. Planning new steps or a walkway in Metuchen? Get a free estimate and we will visit the house.
