Livingston, NJ
Landscape
Design & Installation by:
Sponzilli Landscape Group
Landscape Designers:
Andrew Lastella
Peter Kikot
Project Manager:
Scott Santers
Project Description:
This landscape installation in Livingston, NJ features a grill station, a brick paver patio, masonry landings and steps, seat walls, a new planting scheme, landscape lighting, and an irrigation system.
To create a clean slate to begin our work, we had to remove a large wooden deck, a concrete pool and a variety of overgrown shrubs and trees.
We designed and installed a new brick paver patio and new masonry landings with thermal finish true blue bluestone flagstone and treads. The built in grill included a refrigerator, storage, a trash drawer, and granite countertop.
The demolished pool was backfilled, and the entire lawn was regraded with some 400 yards of imported materials. The planting scheme included a large number of trees to replace the ones that had to be removed.
General contractors retained by Sponzilli included All Pool Demolition, Morris & Bergen, Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting, PDS Contracting, Taylo Plumbing, Traditional Electric, and Rock Tops Granite.
Custom Outdoor Living Space & Backyard Renovation in Livingston, NJ
This outdoor living renovation in Livingston, NJ, transformed an aging and overgrown property into a clean, functional, and beautifully integrated backyard retreat. Originally featuring a deteriorating wooden deck, an outdated concrete pool, and decades of unmanaged landscape growth, the project required extensive demolition, grading, and site redevelopment before construction could begin.
The result is a thoughtfully designed outdoor environment centered around entertaining, upgraded hardscaping, custom masonry, and enhanced landscape functionality — all carefully designed to improve the connection between the home and backyard living spaces.
Site Demolition & Property Transformation
The project began with the removal of a large wooden deck, an existing concrete swimming pool, overgrown shrubs, and extensive tree removals throughout the property. Much of the original landscape had remained untouched for nearly 40 years, creating both visual and functional challenges across the site.
Once demolition was completed, the entire property was reshaped and regraded to improve circulation and usable lawn space. Approximately 120 yards of imported material were used to properly backfill the demolished pool, while nearly 400 yards of material were brought onsite to comprehensively regrade the landscape.
Natural boulders uncovered during excavation were repurposed into a custom boulder retaining wall, helping stabilize grade transitions while maintaining a natural appearance throughout the property.
Brick Paver Patio & Masonry Installation
At the center of this Livingston, NJ backyard renovation is a custom brick paver patio constructed using Cambridge Sherwood Collection pavers in a three-piece ledgestone pattern with contrasting RoundTable borders in Onyx tones.
Custom masonry landings and steps were installed using thermal finish true blue bluestone flagstone and treads, creating clean transitions between the home and patio spaces. Large-format thermal bluestone stepping stones were also incorporated throughout the design to improve circulation and reinforce the project’s cohesive material palette.
Ornamental seat walls were integrated throughout the hardscape to provide additional seating, structure, and architectural definition.
Grill Station & Outdoor Entertaining Features
A custom-built-in grill station serves as a central feature of the patio. The installation includes storage components, a trash drawer, a refrigerator, a granite countertop, and custom stone veneer finishes in R-Stone Seaside Ledge in a grey, black, and tan blend.
The entertaining layout was designed to maximize usability while maintaining a seamless visual connection between the masonry, planting, and gathering spaces throughout the property.
Future phases of the project are planned to include a pavilion and a full-size tennis court with a formal retaining wall system to support the expanded recreational area.
Landscape Design, Lighting & Irrigation
Following the extensive site clearing and demolition work, a completely new planting scheme was designed and installed throughout the property. The landscape plan included a significant number of new trees to replace those removed during construction while restoring structure and seasonal interest across the site.
A professionally designed landscape lighting system was integrated throughout the property to enhance nighttime visibility and outdoor usability. A new irrigation system was also installed to support the long-term health and establishment of the lawn and planting areas.
Engineering, Grading & Site Challenges
One of the most technically challenging aspects of this outdoor living installation in Livingston, NJ, involved managing the multiple rear door elevations at the home. Careful planning and precise masonry construction were required to create smooth and functional transitions from the interior living spaces to the new patio and entertainment areas.
Extensive grading and site preparation improved the overall functionality and usability of the property while supporting the newly developed outdoor spaces.
Let’s create an outdoor living space designed around the way you gather, entertain, and enjoy your home outdoors.
We have used them for a backyard refresh and to creating a short stacked stone retaining wall to create a bed along the driveway. Their crew is knowledgable and hard working and we had three great projects. Their design drawings sealed the deal for me, so wonderful to visually see what it would look like!
