SandersScaping specializes in the installation of Stone & Paver Steps in South Jersey, creating entryways that are as structurally sound as they are visually striking. When you begin your consultation with our owner and designer, Matt Sanders, we move beyond simple aesthetics to discuss critical topics like functionality, form, traffic flow, budget, and the overall master plan of your property. We want to watch your unique plan transform into reality through the use of precise construction methods and safety precautions. Since SandersScaping prides itself on customer satisfaction and construction workmanship, we include a five-year guarantee on all hardscaping work.
The Importance of Proper Engineering for Steps in South Jersey
Careful planning and adherence to safety codes are extremely critical when constructing anything from a single step to a flight of stairs. Homeowners are legally responsible for any and all elevation changes on their property, which includes exterior landscapes. That having been said, give SandersScaping the honor of demolishing your ugly, unsafe steps and allow us to create functional, yet aesthetically pleasing steps that will keep your loved ones out of harm's way.
One of the most frequent issues we encounter, particularly with newer homes in towns like Swedesboro, is the settling of front entryways due to the "overdig" phenomenon. When a home is built, the foundation is backfilled with loose dirt and debris that is rarely compacted mechanically. If masonry is installed directly over this loose fill, it will inevitably sink as the ground settles over the first 10 to 20 years. We have seen steps separate from foundations, creating negative pitches that direct rainwater into basements and leave dangerous gaps at the front door. We address this by excavating that unstable soil down to the virgin subgrade and rebuilding the foundation using compacted lifts of modified stone, ensuring your installation remains level for decades.
Choosing the Right Materials
While many of our projects feature high-quality interlocking pavers from manufacturers like EP Henry and Techo-Bloc—which offer excellent salt resistance against our freezing winters—we also love the classic appeal of natural stone.
Yes, it's true that steps constructed of block and pavers are beautiful. However, in some applications, it is nice to break away from the monotonous dyed concrete block and pavers and incorporate natural stone into your natural landscape. Additionally, natural stone applications are a little less labor-intensive in certain configurations, thus reducing material and labor costs. This can provide more "wiggle-room" for landscape upgrades like columns, plants, and lighting, or perhaps that vacation you have been talking about. Whether you choose the rugged elegance of thermal bluestone or the engineered durability of pavers, we ensure the materials are suited to the specific freeze-thaw cycles of our region.
Designing Safe and Functional Steps in South Jersey
Safety is our primary concern when managing elevation changes. Poorly designed steps with inconsistent riser heights are a primary cause of trip-and-fall accidents. By utilizing Pro Landscape Computer Software, we can model the exact rise and run of your project before construction begins, ensuring strict compliance with safety codes.
We also recommend integrating low-voltage lighting into your design. A beautifully elaborate set of steps often includes a welcoming landing and landscape lighting, which not only highlights the texture of the stone but ensures safe navigation at night. With our background in Landscape Horticulture from the University of Delaware and certifications from the NCMA and ICPI, we possess the technical skills to marry the biological and structural elements of your yard seamlessly. We invite you to contact us to discuss how we can upgrade your home's entrance.
(609) 970-0300
