Ember & Stone Outdoor Living

07/30/2025

Every family deserves an outdoor space they’ll actually use.

But here’s what most contractors don’t understand: your backyard isn’t separate from your home - it’s an extension of your architecture.

When Sarah and Mike called me after spending $45K on a “dream backyard” they never used, I realized the problem wasn’t the work quality. It was the approach.

Most contractors show up with a tape measure and a vision. I show up with a luxury home builder’s mindset and a process.

The difference? Sarah and Mike’s kids now bring friends over constantly. They spend every evening outside. The space works for their family - not against it.

Your outdoor living space should create memories, not regrets.

If you’re in Monmouth or Mercer County and ready to do this right the first time, I’m opening 4 spots for my Fall Build Accelerator. Complete design package normally $7,500, now $3,500 (fully credited toward construction).

Professional plans. 3D renderings. Guaranteed fall build slot.

DM “FALL” to claim your spot. Payment required to reserve.

Because your family deserves better than a beautiful space that sits empty.
—

05/16/2025

05/12/2025

The Ember & Stone Difference: It's More Than Just Hardscaping

Let's be real—you've got a ton of options when it comes to hiring an outdoor living company.

They'll all promise "high quality." They'll all tell you they "show up on time." They'll throw around words like professional, reliable, and experienced.

So… why Ember & Stone?

Because we believe what happens around your outdoor project matters just as much as the craftsmanship itself.

It's how we answer your first inquiry, whether by phone, email, or social media—promptly and attentively.

It's how we respect your vision by designing spaces where your family will create memories for generations.

It's the daily updates you get so you're never left wondering about your project's progress.

It's the clean jobsite at the end of each day—no debris, no hazards, no worries.

It's how we treat your home like it's our own, not just another address on our schedule.

Yes, we build stunning patios, outdoor kitchens, and living spaces with premium materials. That's the baseline. Our team combines decades of specialized experience—master masons who understand every nuance of proper paver installation, skilled carpenters who craft architectural-grade pergolas and decks, and landscape experts who select native plants that thrive in our local climate.

But at Ember & Stone Outdoor Living, you get peace of mind knowing your project is built to last with proper techniques and no cut corners—backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty.

That's the Ember & Stone Difference.

As John and Sarah M. told us after their project, "We didn't just get a beautiful patio—we got our evenings back as a family."

And if you've ever dealt with an unlicensed contractor who disappeared after issues arose, left your yard a mess, or built something that failed prematurely—you know how much that difference matters.

We're not just building patios and retaining walls. We're creating the backdrop for your family's most cherished moments—from backyard birthdays to summer barbecues, from morning coffees to starlit evenings.

Imagine the crackling fire, the laughter of friends, and the satisfaction of hosting in a space designed specifically for your family's lifestyle.

The perfect time to start creating these spaces for your family is now—not after another summer passes without the outdoor living area you deserve.

Ready for an outdoor living experience that transforms not just your yard, but how your family connects?

We'd be honored to help your family create connections that last a lifetime.

—The Ember & Stone Team

05/02/2025

🚨How Much Does It Cost to Install Hardscaping in New Jersey? 🚨

Sticker shock from hardscaping quotes? You're not alone. Let's clear up the confusion about what quality hardscaping ACTUALLY costs in New Jersey.

We get asked this every single week here at Ember & Stone Outdoor Living, so let's give you the straight answer. Because when you're thinking about transforming your outdoor space, you deserve more than vague guesses or shady ballpark numbers. You deserve clarity. Let's break it down.

💵 Average Price Range 💵

For most homes in New Jersey, the price to install pavers typically runs between $23-37 per square foot installed. Here's what that looks like by project type:

👉Basic Patio (400-600 sq ft) – $9,200 to $22,200
👉Mid-Size Patio with Retaining Wall – $18,000 to $30,000
👉Complete Outdoor Living Space (patio, walls, firepit) – $30,000 to $55,000+

Example: For a 500 sq ft patio using mid-range pavers ($28/sq ft), you're looking at approximately $14,000. That includes proper excavation, 6" of base material, edge restraints, and professional installation that won't shift or sink after the first winter.

What Affects the Price?

Several things impact your quote:

👉Material Selection – Standard concrete pavers ($23-28/sq ft installed) vs. premium pavers or natural stone ($30-37/sq ft installed)
👉Size & Complexity – More square footage and features = more materials, time, and labor
👉Site Conditions – Slope, drainage issues, and difficult access = more prep work
👉Additional Features – Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and water features add cost
👉Soil Type – Jersey clay, rocky soil, or poor drainage can require additional excavation
👉Site Preparation: The Hidden Hero of Great Hardscaping

This is where a lot of contractors cut corners. We don't.

👉Proper excavation and grading
👉Compaction and base installation
👉Drainage solutions where needed

With New Jersey's freeze-thaw cycles and varied soil conditions from the Shore to the Highlands, proper installation isn't just recommended—it's essential. Proper preparation ensures your hardscape lasts decades longer—it's what separates a quick installation from a professional one that won't shift, crack, or sink during harsh Jersey winters.

What You Get with Ember & Stone Outdoor Living

We're not the cheapest. We're not trying to be.

We are the company you call when you want zero surprises, quality that lasts, and real pros that do what they say they'll do. With every project, we aim to deliver exceptional value while maintaining our quality standards that allow us to stand behind our work with our 10 years craftsmanship guarantee.

We're obsessed with making your outdoor space look amazing and function perfectly through all four Jersey seasons.

Got questions? Want a detailed quote?

Planning tip: Book your consultation now for spring installation. Our calendar typically fills 2-3 months in advance for premium projects.

Comment "QUOTE" below for a no-obligation site evaluation, or DM us your project size for a rough estimate within 24 hours. No pressure, no BS. Just real answers from real landscape professionals who care.