Finnegan Project - Auburn Sky Landscaping

From a Run Down Deck to Multiple Levels of Fun

Frankford, Sussex County, NJ
Hardscape Softscape Fire Pit Steps Drainage
4
Weeks
40+
Person Seating
25+
Years in Home

The Before

The Client's Story

25 years in their home, this family had lived with a dilapidated deck that was ready for replacement. They loved their property and wanted to continue enjoying it for years to come, but they faced a critical decision: rebuild the aging deck or explore something different?

The pain point was clear: They needed more space for entertaining friends and family, safer access to their outdoor areas, and a low-maintenance solution that would serve them for decades. The old deck felt confining, separating guests into different areas, and they struggled to envision what was possible.

Their goals were ambitious: Create multiple entertaining spaces, improve safety with better access, minimize ongoing maintenance, and design areas for enjoying evening fires under the stars. Most importantly, they wanted a space where their growing family and friends could gather comfortably.

Why Auburn Sky Landscaping? After reviewing multiple contractors, they chose Auburn Sky for their diverse portfolio, clear communication, and honest approach. "They gave us their real opinion," the homeowners explained, "and helped us see possibilities we never imagined."

Project Details

Project Scope

  • Multi-level patio system
  • Walkways and landing pad
  • Back entry steps
  • Retaining and sitting walls
  • 48" diameter fire pit
  • Dedicated grill pad
  • Lawn installation
  • Drainage and grading

Premium Materials

  • Cambridge Ledgestone pavers in Limestone Quarry Blend
  • Cambridge Maytrx 6" walls and steps
  • Double Sided Split Face accents
  • 24" x 24" Flat Cast Stone caps
  • Cambridge BBQ Fire Pit (48" OD)
  • Premium seed and straw

Timeline

  • Start: May 30, 2025
  • Completion: July 3, 2025
  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Finished before family birthday party and July 4th celebration

Standout Features

  • Stunning views of High Point State Park Monument
  • Constant breeze reduces evening bugs
  • Four-season usability
  • Ultra-low maintenance design
  • Preserved existing dog fence for future pet

The Transformation Process

Before & After

Before

  • Small, aging deck structure
  • Limited grilling area
  • Guests felt separated or confined
  • Poor drainage causing issues
  • Minimal entertaining space
  • Safety concerns with old structure

After

  • Smooth flow with easy transitions
  • 40+ person seating capacity
  • Multiple grilling stations
  • Properly functioning drainage system
  • Expanded lawn for games and activities
  • Safe, user-friendly pathways throughout

The Finished Project

Living the Dream

Morning coffee with a view of the High Point Monument sets the tone for each day. The family now enjoys their outdoor space throughout all four seasons, taking advantage of the multiple distinct areas designed for different activities and times of day.

Multiple grilling stations offer flexibility for every meal: breakfast on the patio, lunch on the seating wall or chaise lounges, or dinner under the pergola with overhead illumination for evening ambiance.

Entertainment central: The wide landing pad has become a stage for kids, friends, and family talent shows. The centrally located fire pit draws everyone together for evening gatherings. The main dining area under the pergola accommodates multiple 8-person tables at once, all with comfortable shade.

The expanded lawn area provides space for games and recreational activities that were impossible before. User-friendly paths connect every area seamlessly, creating a natural flow that encourages guests to explore and enjoy the entire space.

The "wow moment": Stepping out onto the wide landing pad and walking down the steps to discover the massively improved outdoor living area—an accommodating space that exceeded every expectation.

Darren and the team were truly professional and performed an amazing transformation from our basic deck to an outdoor living space. They say it's the little things that count; Darren treats every aspect of his creations as "little things". His level of detail is unmatched, and he took our initial ideas and improved on them in ways we would never have imagined.

We are already looking forward to our next project with Auburn Sky.

— Finnegan Family, Frankford, NJ (Google Review)

Overcoming Challenges

Challenge: Difficult Site Conditions

The project site presented multiple challenges: groundwater issues, soft clay soils requiring extra stabilization, inspector scheduling coordination, very hot and humid weather with full sun exposure, and limited staging areas for materials and equipment.

Solution: Adaptive Construction Methods

The Auburn Sky team worked under large tents with industrial fans and maintained proper hydration protocols during the heat. They installed extra drainage including a catch basin to manage hillside runoff. For the landing pad, they excavated deeper and installed a reinforced stone base with geogrid fabric to ensure long-term stability in the soft clay soils.

Permitting & Compliance

The project required multiple permits and inspections: zoning approval for the pergola, impervious coverage calculations for pavers, walls, and steps, building permits for the pergola footers and piers, and electrical inspections for the buried conduit and pergola electrical service. All work was completed in full compliance with local codes.

Result: A Long-Lasting Investment

Despite the challenges, the project was completed on schedule in just 4 weeks—right before the family's planned celebrations. The comprehensive drainage solution, reinforced base, and attention to proper installation techniques ensure this outdoor living space will serve the family beautifully for decades to come.

Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?

Let Auburn Sky Landscaping bring your vision to life with the same attention to detail, professional craftsmanship, and honest communication that made this project a success.

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