Hardyston Township covers mountain ridges and valleys in northeastern Sussex County, bordering the borough of Hamburg. Its housing falls into two broad groups. Older lake neighborhoods hold cottages and modest year-round homes on small, sloped lots. Newer planned communities, many of them built on steep hillsides, have larger homes with stucco or stone exteriors and community rules about how the outside can change. Both groups deal with rock and grade.
Patios for hillside homes
On steep ground, the area behind the house is often the only flat spot, and it is rarely big enough. We extend it with paver patios that sit on a properly built base, sometimes with a low wall along the downhill edge to hold the fill. Curved borders soften the layout and follow the shape of the slope. On newer homes with French doors at grade, we build a landing and wide steps so the patio flows straight out of the house.
Steps faced to match the house
Stucco and stone homes look best when the steps and walls share their materials. We build concrete steps on frost-depth footings and finish them with stone faces and paver or bluestone treads. Wraparound steps along a wall can serve two doors at once and help on a narrow lot.
Stucco that sheds water
Stucco exteriors are common in the newer neighborhoods, and mountain weather is hard on them. Cracks around windows, stains under trim and soft spots near the ground can mean water is getting behind the finish. Pro One offers stucco services including repair and refinishing, and we address the detail that let water in, not just the crack.
Hardyston planning notes
- Association approval. Many planned communities require it for patios, walls and color changes.
- Rock. Ledge is common. We probe before setting final heights.
- Runoff. Water moves fast down steep driveways and yards, so drains and swales are part of the plan.
- Lake rules. Older lake neighborhoods may have their own requirements.
We also work in Franklin, Vernon and throughout Sussex County. To plan your patio or steps, request a free estimate.
