Multi-Level Pool Terrace & Retaining Walls in Cold Spring Harbor

Pool Hardscape in Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Licensed & Insured

15+ Years Experience

Pool HardscapeCold Spring Harbor, NYSuffolk CountyCompleted in 4 weeks

The Challenge

A hillside property in Cold Spring Harbor had a pool set 8 feet below the main house level. The existing concrete pool surround was cracked and settling, with no usable outdoor living space. The steep grade made access difficult and created persistent drainage issues that directed storm water toward the pool. The homeowner wanted a resort-quality pool area with an outdoor kitchen, fire feature, and safe, elegant access from the house.

Our Solution

We engineered a multi-level terrace system with two Nicolock retaining walls (4 feet and 3 feet) to create three distinct living zones. The upper terrace at house level featured a 240 sq ft outdoor kitchen with built-in grill, refrigerator, and bar seating. Natural bluestone steps with integrated LED lighting connected to the mid-level pool deck — 1,200 sq ft of travertine pavers with bullnose coping. A lower fire pit terrace used matching travertine on a reinforced base. French drains behind both retaining walls and channel drains around the pool perimeter solved all drainage issues. The entire system was engineered for the slope and approved by the town.

The Result

The finished project turned an unusable hillside into a three-level outdoor resort. The travertine pool deck stayed cool underfoot all summer, the outdoor kitchen became the center of weekend entertaining, and the fire pit terrace provided a sheltered evening gathering space. The retaining walls created over 400 sq ft of additional usable space that did not exist before. The homeowner called it the best investment they had made in the property.