Franklin Township covers a lot of ground in the southeast part of Somerset County, and its housing reflects that. There are older neighborhoods with modest homes, large subdivisions from recent decades, townhouse and condo communities, and rural roads with houses on bigger lots toward the Delaware and Raritan Canal on the western side. Projects here range from a single set of steps to a full backyard with a pool deck.
Patios and backyard spaces
Many homes in the township’s subdivisions came with a small concrete pad or a deck. We replace them with patios and walkways built in pavers, bluestone or stamped concrete, sized for real outdoor furniture and connected to the house with steps and landings. Long side yards can become a usable patio strip with a walkway to the front.
Soils in parts of the township stay wet after heavy rain. A deeper compacted base, edge restraint and steady pitch keep patios flat and water moving away from the foundation.
Pool decks and coping
In-ground pools are common in the newer neighborhoods, and the deck around them sees heavy use and lots of water. Our pool masonry work covers new coping, paver pool decks and stamped concrete decks in flagstone or slate patterns. We pay attention to slip resistance, drainage away from the pool and how hot the surface gets in summer, since a light colored finish stays cooler underfoot. Coping that has loosened or cracked can be reset or replaced on its own when the rest of the deck is still in good shape.
Driveways and front entries
Original asphalt driveways in older subdivisions are often cracked and sunken by now. We replace them in concrete, asphalt or pavers, and add paver borders or aprons for a cleaner look. Front walks and steps follow the same pattern: we rebuild cracked concrete steps on proper footings and finish them in stone veneer, brick or concrete with bluestone treads. Hairline cracks in otherwise sound slabs can often be sealed instead of replaced. On sunken sidewalk sections or walk slabs that have tipped toward the house, replacement with proper pitch usually solves both the trip hazard and the water problem.
Know before you build
- Associations. Townhouse and planned communities usually require approval for patios, decks and walkways.
- Township permits. Larger patios, pool decks, walls and driveway changes may need approval.
- Pool safety. Barriers and gates around pools must stay in place during work.
- Drainage easements. Some lots have easements or swales that limit where hardscape can go.
Franklin Township is one of the major towns we cover in Somerset County, along with Bridgewater to the north. If you are planning a patio, pool deck or driveway, schedule a free estimate and we will bring samples.
