Masonry & hardscape contractorin Billerica, MA
Got a pool yard in Billerica where the ground drops off on one side? Here is what building a raised paver deck with a block-faced edge involves, with photos from the Billerica deck we built in 2025.
A new paver deck, raised on one side.
In 2025 we removed an old worn pool deck in Billerica and laid a new paver deck with a border. Where the yard falls away, that side of the deck is raised and finished with a block face, and the pavers run along the fence line. The project page follows it from the before shot to the finished deck.
Billerica is northwest of our Woburn yard, up Route 3, bordering Burlington and Wilmington. Estimates are free.
We have been a family-owned company in Woburn for over 30 years. We carry full insurance, we guarantee our work, and 41 Google reviewers give us an average of 4.6.
The Billerica deck, step by step
What a raised deck on a grade change involves
General know-how for Billerica homeowners whose pool yard isn't flat: the parts of the job that decide whether a raised deck stays level.
The block-faced side is a retaining wall
When one side of a deck sits higher than the yard, the block face along that edge is holding back the gravel and soil under the pavers. It is built like any segmental retaining wall: a trench, a compacted gravel pad, a first course set partly below grade and checked for level, and each course stepped back slightly so the wall leans into what it holds. A cap finishes the top. Our retaining walls page covers block and stone choices.
Base and compaction behind the wall
A raised deck needs more fill than a flat one, and fill settles unless it is compacted properly. Crushed gravel goes in thin layers, each one compacted before the next, all the way up to the bedding layer under the pavers. Skipping that, or dumping it in deep layers, is how a deck ends up with a dip along the high side a winter or two later.
Drainage
Water that collects behind a wall pushes on it and freezes in it. Clean stone right behind the block lets water move down and out, and on taller walls a perforated drain pipe at the base carries it off. On top, the deck still needs a gentle pitch away from the pool so splash-out and rain don't run back into the water.
Steps between levels
If people walk from the raised deck down to the lawn, steps get built into the wall line. Even, comfortable risers matter more than looks here, especially for wet feet. Block steps, natural stone and granite treads are all options; see our steps projects for examples.
Fence lines and the pool barrier
Pool fences often run along the edge of the deck, and the barrier around a pool is a safety requirement, so plan how the posts and gates meet the new pavers and how the yard stays closed off while the work is going on. In Billerica the new pavers finish right at the fence.
Estimates are free; request one here and tell us where the ground drops.
Services for Billerica yards and homes
Worn decks removed down to the base and rebuilt in pavers around the pool you already have.
Learn moreBlock-faced edges and low retaining walls that keep a deck or patio level where the ground drops.
Learn morePaver patios, front walks, entry steps and paver driveways for Billerica homes.
Learn moreCrumbling brick steps, loose stone, cracked veneer and joints that need repointing.
Learn moreLeaky bulkhead entries replaced, and stone or block foundations repaired and sealed against water.
Learn moreRaised decks and walls: Billerica questions
01How far is Billerica from you?
Not far. Our yard is in Woburn, and Billerica is a short run up Route 3 past Burlington. Estimates in Billerica are free.
02Do I need a permit for a raised deck edge or retaining wall in Billerica?
A low edge usually doesn't, but taller walls, or walls holding up a load like a driveway or a structure, can need a building permit and an engineer. Check with the Billerica building department before you settle the design.
03Can the pool fence stay up while the deck is replaced?
Often parts of it have to come down so posts can be reset in the new deck. Talk through at the estimate how the pool will stay closed off during the work, especially with children or neighbors' kids around.
04Do you handle foundation or bulkhead work in Billerica too?
Yes. Besides decks and patios we replace bulkhead doors and repair stone and block foundations. See foundation and bulkhead repair and masonry services.
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Planning a similar project? Start with a free estimate.
- Office
- 245 Salem St, Woburn, MA
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 7am–5pm
- Family-owned
- Over 30 years
- Coverage
- Fully insured