Top Hardscaping Contractors in Cherry Hill, New Jersey Ranked

Transforming your outdoor space with stone, concrete, and other permanent structures requires specialized skill and local knowledge. Hardscaping-the installation of non-living elements like patios, walkways, retaining walls, and driveways-is a critical investment that enhances your property's beauty, functionality, and value. In Cherry Hill, this work demands careful consideration of the local climate, soil conditions, and municipal guidelines to ensure a durable and lasting result. This guide will help you understand the key considerations for your project and how to connect with qualified local professionals who specialize in outdoor masonry and site construction.

Michael's Landscape Design

750 Maple Ave, Southampton Township, NJ 08088

Michael's Landscape Design is a landscaping and hardscaping company serving the Philadelphia, PA area and South Jersey, including Burlington, Mercer, and Camden counties. Founded in 1997, the company offers a range of services such as landscape design, patio and paver installation, grading, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, and sod installation. They specialize in hand-laid brick and interlocking paver work and handle projects from small garden pathways to large property makeovers with an owner-operated approach ensuring attention to detail throughout the process.

5.0

127 Reviews

Beerman and Sons Landscaping

230 Bells Lake Rd, Turnersville, NJ 08012

Beerman and Sons Landscaping is based in Turnersville, NJ, serving Philadelphia, PA, and surrounding counties. Founded by Bill Beerman, a Penn State graduate with over 20 years of experience, the company offers comprehensive landscaping services including landscape design, hardscaping with durable pavers and natural stone, sod installation, grading, drainage solutions, lawn establishment, and landscape lighting. Their approach combines formal horticultural education with practical expertise to create outdoor spaces that thrive year-round and enhance residential properties.

5.0

111 Reviews

E&J Landscaping LLC

31 Upland Rd, Brookhaven, PA 19015

E&J Landscaping LLC provides comprehensive lawn care, landscaping, drainage, and outdoor improvement services in Philadelphia, PA. They offer routine property maintenance such as mowing, bush trimming, garden care, and seasonal cleanups, along with custom landscape design and installation of paver and flagstone patios. Their expertise includes yard grading and stormwater management solutions like French drains and catch basins to protect home foundations. Serving Delaware County communities, E&J Landscaping LLC is licensed and insured, focusing on quality materials and construction to maintain healthy, attractive outdoor spaces.

5.0

103 Reviews

AG Construction

philadelphia

AG Construction is a fencing, landscaping, and hardscaping contractor serving Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding Tri-state area. They specialize in fence installation and repair, concrete work, paving, retaining walls, deck building, and outdoor steps. Their retaining walls are designed with proper drainage to ensure durability and curb appeal. AG Construction is a licensed contractor known for treating each project with care and attention to detail, focusing on quality work completed on schedule.

5.0

101 Reviews

Greenstone Gardens

philadelphia

Greenstone Gardens is a family-owned landscaping and hardscaping company serving Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding areas. With 44 years of experience, they offer a wide range of services including landscape design, hardscaping, drainage solutions, tree planting, and outdoor kitchen installation. Their expertise includes building patios, retaining walls, and effective water management systems to enhance both the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces. As a second-generation company, Greenstone Gardens combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques to create personalized outdoor environments.

5.0

101 Reviews

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Understanding Cherry Hill's Hardscape Environment

Successful outdoor construction in Cherry Hill begins with an understanding of the local environment. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes that directly impact the longevity of installed features. The most significant factor is the freeze-thaw cycle common to New Jersey winters, where fluctuating temperatures cause the ground to expand and contract ^{1 2}. This phenomenon, known as frost heave, can crack solid slabs of poured concrete and cause improperly installed pavers to shift and become uneven. Furthermore, Cherry Hill's prevalent dense clay soil presents a dual challenge: it compacts easily, preventing proper water drainage, and expands when wet, putting pressure on foundations ^{1 3}. These conditions make expert site preparation and material selection not just a matter of aesthetics, but of essential engineering.

Key Materials for Durability and Style

Choosing the right materials is the first step toward a hardscape that withstands Cherry Hill's climate while matching your home's style. Local contractors frequently recommend products designed for durability and resilience in this specific environment ^{1 4}.

• Concrete or Brick Pavers: A top choice for patios, walkways, and driveways. Unlike solid poured concrete, individual pavers have joints that allow for slight movement during freeze-thaw cycles, reducing the risk of major cracking. They come in a vast array of colors, shapes, and textures, offering great design flexibility ^{1 2 5}.
• Natural Stone/Flagstone: Prized for its unique, high-end aesthetic, natural stone like bluestone or flagstone is exceptionally durable. However, it is typically more expensive and requires expert installation to ensure a level surface and proper setting ^{4 6}.
• Segmental Retaining Wall Blocks: For building retaining walls, garden walls, or built-in seating, modular block systems from leading manufacturers like Techo-Bloc or Cambridge Pavingstones are engineered for strength and stability. They interlock to create robust structures that manage soil and water pressure effectively ^{7 8}.
• Quality Base Materials: The longevity of any hardscape is built from the ground up. A robust foundation of premium crushed stone, gravel, and sand is non-negotiable. This base provides stability, promotes proper drainage away from the surface, and prevents settling over time ^{1 2}.

Navigating Site-Specific Challenges: Drainage and Grading

Perhaps the most critical aspect of hardscaping in Cherry Hill is managing water. Poor drainage is the leading cause of hardscape failure, leading to cracked surfaces, undermined foundations, and soggy, unusable yards ^{9 10}.

The Clay Soil and Stormwater Dilemma

The area's dense clay soil acts like a sponge, holding water instead of allowing it to percolate down. This leads to surface pooling, soggy areas, and potential damage to your home's foundation ^{3 11}. Effective stormwater management is therefore not just a landscaping concern but a property protection necessity.

Solutions and Regulations

Professional hardscape contractors integrate drainage solutions directly into their project plans. Common methods include:

• French Drains: Perforated pipes surrounded by gravel that collect and redirect subsurface water.
• Surface Drainage Channels: Grate-covered drains that capture runoff from patios or driveways.
• Dry Wells: Underground chambers that collect and slowly disperse excess water into the surrounding soil ^{9 11}.

It's important to note that the Township of Cherry Hill requires a Grading Permit for any earthwork that disturbs 500 square feet or more of land ¹². This regulation ensures that stormwater is managed according to local ordinances, preventing erosion and runoff issues for your property and your neighbors. A reputable contractor will handle this permitting process as part of their service.

Engineering for Stability: Foundations and Slopes

Beyond drainage, the physical installation must account for frost depth and topography. Hardscape foundations must extend below the frost line to prevent heaving; in New Jersey, this often means footings or base material no shallower than 12 inches below grade, though local codes should always be verified ^{13 14}.

For properties with elevation changes, slope management becomes a key design element. Unaddressed slopes lead to erosion and limit usable space. Solutions include:

• Retaining Walls: The most effective way to create level terraces on a sloped yard. Modern segmental blocks make building strong, attractive walls a standard part of many hardscape projects ².
• Terracing: Creating multiple leveled areas connected by steps or gentle slopes, which can be beautifully integrated with patio spaces and planting beds.
• Permeable Pathways: Using materials like pea gravel in channels or walkways can help manage water flow on gentle slopes while adding texture and interest to the landscape ³.

Planning Your Project: Design and Investment

A well-executed hardscape project blends seamlessly with your home's architecture and your lifestyle needs. Start by considering function: Do you need a large patio for entertaining, a safe and attractive walkway to your front door, or a retaining wall to solve an erosion problem? From there, material choices will define the style and budget.

Understanding Cost Ranges

Investment in hardscaping varies widely based on material selection, project scale, site complexity, and labor. The following table provides average cost ranges per square foot for common installations in the Cherry Hill area, based on regional data ^{15 16 17}. These are estimates; a detailed, on-site consultation with a contractor is essential for an accurate quote.

Note: Significant site preparation for drainage, grading, or tree root removal can substantially impact the final project cost ^{9 18}.

The Value of Professional Installation

While DIY hardscaping might seem cost-effective, the risks in Cherry Hill's challenging environment are high. Professional installers bring expertise in:

• Site Evaluation: Accurately assessing soil conditions, slope, and drainage needs.
• Engineering: Designing and building foundations that resist frost heave and soil pressure.
• Permitting: Navigating local Cherry Hill township requirements for grading and construction.
• Material Knowledge: Sourcing quality materials and installing them with correct techniques for longevity.
• Problem-Solving: Integrating necessary drainage and structural solutions seamlessly into the design.

Investing in professional installation protects your larger property investment and ensures your outdoor living space is built to last for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

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