Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA · Essex County
Stone steps, tiered patios and waterfront hardscaping in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Our Manchester-by-the-Sea work has been mostly steps: lit granite down to the water, bluestone linking three patio levels, and granite salvaged from an old estate. We are George Hardscaping, based at 74 Essex Ave in Gloucester, building across the North Shore since 2005.
4.9 on Google from 36 reviews
Recent Manchester-by-the-Sea Work
Granite and bluestone steps, from a waterfront walk to a three-level yard
On a waterfront property we installed granite steps with LED strip lighting along the risers, in soft blue tones that suit both the granite and the ocean views. What had been a treacherous walk to the water at night became safer. The homeowner told us: “The lighted steps have completely transformed how we use our outdoor space in the evenings.”
A family with a sloped yard that felt disconnected and tricky to get around now has three tiered patios: a dining terrace by the house, a mid-level lounge with a fire pit, and a lower garden patio with plantings. Bluestone stairs connect the levels. The homeowner said: “What was once just an awkward slope became the heart of our outdoor entertaining.” Patio work in general is on our patio design and installation page.
For another family we installed granite steps with a gentle flare at the bottom, a small touch that makes the approach to the house more welcoming. On a property that was part of an old estate, we salvaged and repurposed the original granite, gave the walking surfaces a thermal finish and kept the hand-cut marks on the visible edges. A third set of wide, neat stone steps carries thin sheets of water over each riser, with LED lighting built into the water feature. Guests described it as stepping through curtains of water. Materials and finishes are covered on the steps and brick stairs page.
Google shows a 4.9 rating from 36 ratings for George Hardscaping.
- Waterfront granite steps with built-in lighting
- Tiered patios joined by bluestone stairs
- Salvaged estate granite with a thermal finish
- Wide steps with water running over each riser
Also in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Moss between the stones, terraces on a slope, and the water's edge
One Manchester client jokes that her granite and moss steps “look like they’ve been there since the Pilgrims arrived.” Another Manchester client combined granite steps with bluestone pavers for the way from driveway to front door.
A Manchester homeowner described a sloped backyard this way: “We spent years trying to landscape our sloped backyard with plants alone. One rainstorm would wash everything away. Once George installed our terraced retaining walls, not only did the erosion stop, but we gained usable garden space we never thought possible.” Walls like these are covered under retaining walls.
Our coastal seawall job here, anchored with helical tiebacks, is written up on the hardscaping and masonry page. Near the shore, Massachusetts law calls for notice and an order of conditions before anyone alters a bank, coastal wetland, beach or dune (M.G.L. c.131 §40), so tell us early if your lot touches the water.
74 Essex Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930From the Blog
Guides that fit these jobs
- StepsBuild stone steps: the complete guide
- StepsChoosing the best material for entry steps
- WallsHow to install a retaining wall on a slope
Questions
Manchester-by-the-Sea hardscaping questions
Can granite from an old property be reused for new steps?
Sometimes. On a Manchester-by-the-Sea estate property we salvaged and repurposed the original granite, with a thermal finish on the walking surfaces and the hand-cut marks kept on the visible edges. Whether your stone can be reused depends on its condition, so send photos.
Can steps make a sloped Manchester yard usable?
Yes. A sloped yard that felt disconnected became three tiered patios joined by bluestone stairs, one for dining, one for lounging with a fire pit and one for the garden. Tell us the slope and what you want each level to do.
Do you build steps down to the water?
Yes. We installed lit granite steps on a Manchester-by-the-Sea waterfront property, for a walk to the water that had been treacherous at night. If your lot touches a coastal wetland, beach or dune, the state wetlands law applies, so mention the shoreline when you call.
What is a flared granite step?
A flare is a gentle widening at the bottom of the steps. We installed granite steps with a flare for a Manchester family, and the owner said guests feel the steps invite you into the home.
What should I send to get a Manchester-by-the-Sea estimate?
Send photos of the area, a note on the slope and where the water or ledge sits, and what you want the space to do. Use the form below or call (781) 222-0805. We also offer land clearing, excavation and tree services.
Request a Manchester Estimate