Mount Arlington is a small borough perched above the southeastern shore of Lake Hopatcong, between Roxbury and Jefferson. It began as a summer resort, and you can still see that in the older lake cottages tucked onto narrow, sloping lots near the water. Up the hill, the housing shifts to year round homes from many eras, including townhouse communities and newer single family homes. The constant is the terrain: steep grades, exposed rock and runoff headed toward the lake.
Making flat ground where there is none
On many Mount Arlington lots, the only way to get a usable yard is to build one. A retaining wall or a series of terraced walls can create a level lawn, a patio with a view, or space to park a second car. We build segmental block and stone walls on compacted gravel, with drainage stone and outlets so water pressure does not push the wall over. Taller walls may need an engineered design, and we tell you early if yours does.
Steps from the road to the door, and down to the water
Lake lots tend to need a lot of stairs. We build stone, block and concrete steps with even risers and landings to break up long climbs, and add railings where the drop calls for them. Low voltage step lights make the path safer after dark.
Patios and terraces with a view
A raised terrace on a wall can put your seating area right where the view is best. Stamped concrete, pavers and bluestone all work. Each is pitched to drain, and the edge is planned so runoff does not wash out the slope below.
Older cottages, newer problems
Former summer homes often sit on minimal footings, with masonry piers, small chimneys and patched concrete that has taken years of frost. Our masonry repair work rebuilds piers, foundations and chimneys, and we resurface or replace worn concrete.
Questions to ask early
- How will materials reach the work area?
- Is the lot close enough to the water to need extra review?
- Where does runoff go now, and where should it go?
Mount Arlington neighbors Roxbury and Jefferson and is one of the lake towns in our Morris County service area. Request a free estimate for your Mount Arlington home and we will walk the slope with you.
