Scotch Plains is a large township with a lot of variety packed inside its borders. The southern side, near Fanwood and the rail line, has older colonials, Cape Cods and bungalows on modest, flat lots. Moving north, the land rises toward the Watchung ridge and the Watchung Reservation, and homes grow into split-levels, ranches and larger colonials on bigger, wooded and often sloping lots. The right hardscape plan depends heavily on which part of town you are in.
Backyards built for entertaining
Larger Scotch Plains yards leave room for a full outdoor living area. A paver patio with curved edges, a border course and space for both dining and lounging is a common starting point. Low lighting in steps and walls extends the evenings, and a stone fire pit or outdoor fireplace gives the space a focal point.
Pools and pool decks
In-ground pools are common on the bigger lots here, and the original concrete decks often crack and lift around the coping. We rebuild decks in pavers or stamped concrete and replace coping with stone, setting everything with a careful pitch so water drains away from the pool.
Steps and stonework
Grade changes between the house, patio and lawn call for steps that look like part of the design. We build them in stacked stone, stone veneer or pavers with natural stone treads. Stone veneer also works on foundations, garage walls and entries, tying new hardscape back to the house.
Hillside lots
North of town, retaining walls do much of the heavy lifting. We build segmental block and natural stone walls with proper drainage behind them, and plan for shallow rock where it shows up.
Questions to settle first
- How much of the yard do you want paved, and how much lawn should stay?
- Where does water enter and leave the yard in a storm?
- Will you add a pool, kitchen or fire feature later?
- What does the township building department require for your walls and steps?
Scotch Plains borders Fanwood, Mountainside and Westfield, and we cover all of Union County. To plan your backyard, request a free estimate.
