Serving Bridgewater & Somerset County
Stoops, steps, retaining walls, brick and stone work, Belgian block and masonry repairs for Bridgewater, NJ homes and businesses.
Three decades paving NJ properties
Fully licensed NJ contractor
Owner-led, hands-on projects
Written, no-obligation quotes
Bridgewater, NJ
Quick answer
Old Irish Paving & Masonry provides masonry services in Bridgewater, NJ: front stoops and steps, retaining walls, brick and stone walls, pillars, Belgian block curbing, stucco and parging, and repointing and repairs. We build on proper footings with drainage behind walls, and we match existing materials on repairs.
On Bridgewater’s older ranches and splits we rebuild a lot of front stoops and brick steps that have pulled away from the house. On newer colonials, homeowners usually want stone-veneer stoops, retaining walls for sloped back yards and seat walls around patios.
Bridgewater has everything from 1950s and ’60s ranches and split-levels in Finderne and Bradley Gardens to large colonials on wooded lots in the hills north of Route 22. Masonry in New Jersey has to survive freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salt, so we focus on footings below frost depth, the right mortar for the brick or stone, and details that shed water.
Key facts
Problems we solve
These are the issues we’re called about most in Bridgewater and nearby Somerset County: some are specific to local soils, terrain and housing, others are common across New Jersey.
What you seeOn sloped lots toward the Watchung ridge, storm water runs the length of the driveway and pools at the garage door.
Why it happensSteep grades with no interception point. Shale-and-clay soils don’t absorb runoff quickly.
How we fix itA trench drain across the driveway at the garage, piped to a swale or dry well, plus a regraded base so water is carried to the sides.
How to prevent itKeep the trench drain grate clear of leaves each fall.
What you seeThin asphalt or cracked concrete that has been patched for decades, often too narrow for two cars.
Why it happensDriveways from that era were often laid with minimal base, for one car.
How we fix itFull tear-out, new compacted base, and widening to a two-car layout within township limits.
How to prevent itBuild for today’s vehicles and add Belgian block edges to stop lawn creep.
What you seeA widening gap where the concrete stoop meets the house.
Why it happensStoops poured without frost footings settle independently of the foundation.
How we fix itDemolish and rebuild on a proper footing, often finished in brick with bluestone treads.
How to prevent itSeal the joint at the house and keep downspouts away from the stoop.
What you seeBluestone or brick treads rock when stepped on, and caps have popped off.
Why it happensFailed mortar bed, water freezing beneath the tread, and salt damage.
How we fix itWe lift the treads, clean and rebuild the mortar bed, reset them level with a slight forward pitch, and repoint the joints.
How to prevent itRepoint failing joints early and pitch treads so water runs off.
What you seeWhite powdery deposits on brick, block or stone.
Why it happensWater moving through masonry and carrying salts to the surface. It’s a sign of moisture.
How we fix itWe clean it properly and, more importantly, find and stop the water source.
How to prevent itGood caps, flashing and drainage.
What you seeMud stains and soil pouring through the joints after rain.
Why it happensNo filter fabric or drainage aggregate behind the wall.
How we fix itWe rebuild with clean drainage stone wrapped in filter fabric so water passes through and soil stays put.
How to prevent itNever backfill a wall with clay.
Loose caps, a few cracked bricks and worn mortar joints can usually be repaired by repointing and resetting. If a stoop is pulling away from the house, a wall is leaning, or water has gotten inside the structure and is freezing, a rebuild on a proper footing is the lasting fix. We’ll show you what we see and quote both options when it’s close.
Our process
Tom or a family member walks the property, measures, checks drainage and talks through materials and budget.
You get a clear, itemised quote covering excavation, base depth, materials, finish and clean-up. No pressure.
Our own crew excavates, builds the compacted base and installs the surface using quality materials.
We clean up, walk the finished job with you, explain aftercare and stand behind the work.
Land near the Raritan River is flat and can stay wet, while the northern neighborhoods climb toward the Watchung ridge with steeper driveways and shale-and-clay soils that need careful base work. Retaining walls fail from water pressure behind them, so every wall we build gets a compacted base, a level first course, clean drainage stone behind the wall, a perforated drain at the base and geogrid reinforcement on taller walls. Read why quality wall construction matters.
Plan with confidence
Reviews
★★★★★
Last month they did my backyard stoop, patio and walkway, and added a french drain to a sump pit in the yard. They did an amazing job! I highly recommend them for any paving and masonry work. Tom and crew are a pleasure to deal with.
— Bill P., Google review
★★★★★
Tom, his son, and their crew replaced our front walkway and steps and repaired a foundation wall on our home. They were here on time every morning and cleaned up before they left for the day. The quality of their work is outstanding.
— Kate L., Google review
★★★★★
I couldn't be happier with the work Old Irish Paving did on my driveway! The team was professional, efficient, and the quality of their work is outstanding. They made the whole process stress-free from start to finish.
— Angel G., Google review
FAQ
Yes. We repoint mortar joints, replace damaged brick, reset loose caps and stones, and match materials and mortar color as closely as possible.
Many towns, including in Somerset County, require permits for stoop replacement, railings and retaining walls over a certain height. We’ll check Bridgewater’s requirements during your estimate.
Yes. We work throughout Bridgewater Township, including Finderne, Bradley Gardens, Green Knoll and Martinsville, as well as neighboring Somerville, Raritan and Branchburg.
Typically 3–6 working days including demolition, footing, masonry and finishing.
Usually not permanently. The separation means the stoop has no proper footing. Rebuilding on a footing below frost depth is the lasting fix.
Water gets under the tread, freezes and breaks the mortar bed. Resetting on a fresh bed with a slight forward pitch and good joints solves it.
Free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your driveway, patio, steps or masonry project. Tom or a member of the family will call you back promptly to book a free on-site visit and a written quote.
Prefer to talk? (908) 992-2345
