Summit sits high on the Watchung ridge in northern Union County. It is known for large older homes, many of them from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, on hilly and heavily wooded lots. Stone walls, long flights of steps, slate and bluestone walks and tall chimneys are part of the landscape, and much of that original masonry is still in place.
Restoring original stone and brick
Older stone and brick work in Summit was often built with lime mortar and natural stone that should be repaired, not replaced. Our historic masonry restoration work matches the original stone and mortar, rakes out failed joints by hand and repoints so the repair blends into the wall. Where sections have collapsed, we rebuild with salvaged or matching stone in the same pattern.
Retaining walls on hillside lots
Many Summit properties step down from the street or rise steeply behind the house. Old dry laid and mortared walls hold back much of that grade, and some are leaning or bulging after decades of frost and water. We rebuild or replace them, and design new retaining walls in natural stone or block with drainage behind them so they stay put.
Chimneys
Large older homes often have more than one chimney, and they are exposed above a tall roofline. Crowns crack, top courses loosen and flashing fails. We repair, repoint or rebuild chimneys and keep the original look.
Entries and outdoor living
A stacked stone entry with a bluestone landing and steps makes a strong first impression on an older house. In back, a stone or paver patio, sometimes with a fire feature or pool surround, completes the yard. Our hardscaping projects here are planned around the slope, mature trees and the architecture of the home.
Walks and steps of natural stone
Slate and bluestone walks and stone steps are common on older Summit properties. Over time pieces crack, shift or lift with frost and roots. We reset loose stones, replace broken ones with matching stone and rebuild the base so the walk stays flat. On long front stairways, we rebuild sections on new footings and add railings where the drop calls for them.
Pool surrounds and outdoor fireplaces on larger lots get the same care, with stone chosen to match walls and steps already on the property.
Before work begins
- City review. Summit may require permits for walls, steps and exterior masonry, and some properties face historic preservation review.
- Engineering. Taller walls often need a design by an engineer.
- Access. Steep driveways and narrow paths can limit equipment, which we plan for at the estimate.
Summit is part of our coverage across Union County, which includes Westfield to the south. When your stonework needs attention, schedule a free estimate and we will walk the property.
