Mountainside is a quiet borough on the slope of the First Watchung Mountain, between Westfield and Springfield, with the wooded Watchung Reservation along its edge. Homes are mostly ranches, split-levels and colonials from the middle of the twentieth century, set on larger, tree-covered lots. The ground rises and falls from street to street, and rock is never far below the surface.
Retaining walls built to last
On many Mountainside properties, the yard only works because a wall holds it in place. Old dry-laid stone walls and railroad tie walls from decades past are now leaning or rotting. We rebuild them as segmental block or natural stone retaining walls with a compacted footing, clean stone backfill and drainage pipe. Walls over a certain height can need an engineer, and we flag that early.
Steps on a hillside
When the house sits above the street, the walk to the front door often includes several flights of steps. We build them in concrete faced with stone or brick, or in solid bluestone and natural stone, with landings to break up a long climb and railings that make winter footing safer.
Stone that fits the setting
Natural stone looks right against the woods here. Our stone masonry and brickwork includes stone veneer on foundations and entries, stone garden walls, piers at the end of the driveway and stone faces on steps. A patio with a stone fire pit or outdoor fireplace makes good use of a level spot carved out of a slope.
Things the terrain changes
- Water. Runoff from uphill lots needs a path around your patio and walls.
- Rock. Shallow ledge can change footing depth and layout.
- Trees. Big roots and shade affect where a patio goes.
- Permits. The borough building department may review walls, steps and grading changes.
Mountainside borders Springfield, Westfield and Scotch Plains, and we serve all of Union County. For a wall, steps or a patio on a slope, schedule a free estimate.
