Oxford Township in Warren County has an industrial past. The village grew around an iron furnace in the colonial era, and the remains of Oxford Furnace still stand in town. Many homes in the village are older houses built close together on streets that climb the hillside, with brick and stone construction, porches and front doors set well above the street. Around the village, the township turns rural, with newer homes and farmland on the hills.
Tall steps on hillside streets
On a sloped street, front steps can run six, eight or more risers before reaching the porch. Over decades they crack, settle and pull away from the house, and the railings work loose. We rebuild them on footings below frost with a block or concrete core, then face them in brick or stone with bluestone treads. Breaking a long run with a landing and adding solid railings on both sides makes the climb much safer in winter. Our concrete steps work covers the whole entry, including the walk to the street.
Old brick and stone in the village
Brick fronts, chimneys and porch piers in the village have seen many winters. Joints wash out, bricks loosen and water gets behind the face. Tuckpointing and repointing restores the joints with a mortar suited to older brick. Where a pier or wall section has moved, we take it down and rebuild it with masonry repair that matches the original.
Foundations and small walls
Older village houses often sit on stone or early block foundations, and sloped lots usually have a small wall along the sidewalk or driveway. Both can lean or crack as water pushes from behind. We repair or rebuild them with drainage so the problem does not return.
A short list for Oxford homeowners
- Count the steps and note any that rock or have pulled from the house.
- Check porch piers for loose brick or leaning.
- Look at the foundation for damp spots and open joints.
- Ask the township about permits before any structural rebuild.
Oxford is one of the towns we serve across Warren County, along with nearby White Township and Liberty. To plan new steps or masonry repairs, ask for a free estimate.
