Landscaper/Mason Recommendation for building a wall & patio in backyard

mzterry

Jul 1, 2015 at 6:25am

I have a semi-small backyard that could use (in places) a 3 foot retaining wall to stop dirt run off from a gentle slope. I would also like to put in a small patio area so we could sit/eat outside. If anyone has a rec for either a landscapper or a mason who they've had personal experience with, does nice work and is reasonably priced (not Avelino), please let me know. Thanks.

Sweetsnuggles

Jul 1, 2015 at 3:12pm

I'd call Anthony's Landscaping. They advertise on MOL.

beppolina

Jul 2, 2015 at 2:32am

We did almost exactly the same thing in our small backyard about seven years ago. We used Cardinal Garden Center in Springfield, which has their own masonry/paving service (C. Mellusi). (973)-376-0440, http://www.cardinalgardencenter.net/index.html. Very old-school, careful, detailed workers -- we're delighted with the results & both the landscaping and the paving/masonry has held up beautifully. In the backyard everything had to be regraded, as we're set into a slope. Cardinal & Mellusi installed a retaining wall, a small bluestone terrace and walkway; and a small bluestone and brick stair. At the side of the house, they completely rebuilt a staircase in brick (matching the house) and bluestone and installed a walkway and place to set garbage cans in paving stones. At the front of the house they re-poured the main sidewalk and set a walkway in bluestone up to the front porch. Finally, around the entire perimeter and up the driveway, they replaced the old concrete curbs with granite Belgian block. [This is in addition to the all the plantings & grass -- all of which are native to NJ and deer-resistant.]

We got three bids for the job; Cardinal was right in the middle. We're planning to have them re-pave our driveway and rebuild our brick and concrete porch later this year. Can't recommend them highly enough. PM me if you'd like more info or if you'd like to see our yard.