Old Bridge is one of the larger townships in Middlesex County, stretching from the Raritan Bay shoreline at Laurence Harbor down into quieter residential sections inland. Most homes are suburban single family houses, a mix of postwar capes and ranches and newer colonials and bi-levels. Backyards tend to be a good size, and in-ground and above-ground pools are a common sight.
Building on sandy ground
Parts of Old Bridge sit on sandy soil. Sand is good at draining water, but it shifts if the base above it is shallow or the edges are not contained. That is why some older patios and walkways in town have wavy surfaces and pavers drifting at the borders. When we build a paver patio or driveway here, we dig out to firm ground, install and compact the stone base in layers, and lock the edges with restraint so the surface stays put.
Pool decks and backyard living
A pool turns the backyard into the main summer space, and the deck around it takes a lot of sun, water and chemicals. Cracked, faded or tripping decks are one of the most common requests we get in town. Our pool masonry work covers coping, paver and stamped concrete decks, and the patios and seating walls around them. Many homeowners add a fire pit or a set of lit steps from the house to finish the space.
Walls for sloped yards
Not every lot in Old Bridge is flat. Where the yard drops off, a retaining wall can create level ground for a patio, define a garden or keep soil off a walkway. In loose soil, drainage behind the wall matters as much as the wall itself, so we build with clean stone backfill and a path for water to escape.
Steps and basements
Front and rear stoops on older homes settle and crack over time, and the gap they leave lets water run toward the foundation. We rebuild steps on new footings in concrete, brick or stone veneer. If your basement takes on water after storms, we start with grading and gutters, then look at the walls before recommending waterproofing.
Before you start
- Permits through the township. Pool decks, walls, steps and driveway aprons may need approval. We check and file as needed.
- Pool equipment and lines. We locate pool plumbing and electrical before digging around the deck.
- Flood zone lots. Homes near the bay or low areas may have added rules. We confirm early.
- Summer deadlines. If you want the pool area ready by early summer, book your estimate in winter.
We also serve Sayreville, South Amboy, Spotswood and Monroe. See all of Middlesex County or our page for Woodbridge.
Ready to fix that patio or redo the pool deck? Ask for a free estimate and we will come see the yard.
