# Curbs **Trade:** Landscaping · **Languages:** English **Rating: 3.8/5** (medium confidence) — from 36 reviews across 3 sources. 97% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 2 reviews, 0 negative. ## The honest read Curbs (also listed as Curbs Studio and Curbs Inc.) is a family-owned landscape design-build company based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, led by owner Nilton Machado. HomeAdvisor states the business has 25 years of experience, and its work centers on hardscaping — stone walls, patios, walkways, and retaining-wall construction — alongside planting, drainage, and outdoor lighting. Customers are overwhelmingly satisfied. Across 36 reviews from 2016 through mid-2026 spanning Houzz and HomeAdvisor, the company holds a 5.0-star average from 42 Houzz ratings and a 4.9-star average from 75 HomeAdvisor ratings. Reviewers consistently praise specific, larger hardscape projects: a 2020 review describes a 100-foot retaining wall built "within budget and within the agreed timeframe," a 2025 review credits the team with reinventing a backyard around new garage foundation work and a rebuilt stone wall with granite seating, and a 2025 client called Curbs Studio "the clear winner among several highly rated landscape designers and builders" after a detailed site evaluation for drainage and erosion issues. Several reviewers mention repeat business or referrals — one hired the company for ongoing yard maintenance after "many no-shows of others," and a 2025 review notes the company was found through a friend's referral. One detailed complaint stands out: in an August 2017 review, a homeowner described paver-sealing work that used the wrong sand color, was applied without following manufacturer instructions, and left the customer with limited follow-up communication when problems appeared. It's an isolated account within an otherwise consistent record of positive, detailed reviews. Worth noting: the company's licence number is listed differently on the two directories — CS-224594 on Houzz and CS-114594 on HomeAdvisor — likely one is a typo, but it's worth confirming the correct number and its current status directly. Homeowners in the Wellesley area and nearby towns — including Dover, where the company has shown project photos — considering hardscaping, patio, retaining-wall, or landscape-design work are the clearest fit for Curbs; get a written scope, timeline, and current licence confirmation before booking. **Strengths:** - Hardscaping mastery — repeated stone walls, patios, retaining walls across platforms - High ratings — 5.0 stars (Houzz, 42) and 4.9 stars (HomeAdvisor, 75) - Repeat and referral business — reviewers hired again or via friend referrals - Detailed project work — 100-foot retaining walls, full backyard rebuilds **Concerns:** - One quality complaint — a 2017 review cited paver-sealing errors and slow follow-up - Licence number conflict — CS-224594 on Houzz versus CS-114594 on HomeAdvisor **Where sources disagree:** - Licence number differs between directories: CS-224594 (Houzz) vs CS-114594 (HomeAdvisor). ## Claims & citations Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication. - Curbs is a family-owned landscape construction firm based in Wellesley, MA, led by owner Nilton Machado. _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “Stated ownership (HomeAdvisor): Family-owned” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “Legitimate profile: Curbs Inc., a Wellesley, MA landscape construction firm led by Nilton Machado (25 years, family-owned) — 4.9/75 reviews …” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “Stated ownership (Houzz): Family-owned” - States 25 years of experience. _(confidence: medium)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “Legitimate profile: Curbs Inc., a Wellesley, MA landscape construction firm led by Nilton Machado (25 years, family-owned) — 4.9/75 reviews …” - Rated 5.0 stars from 42 Houzz ratings and 4.9 stars from 75 HomeAdvisor ratings. _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “HomeAdvisor: 4.9★ from 75 ratings” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “Houzz: 5.0★ from 42 ratings” - A 2020 review describes a 100-foot retaining wall completed within budget and on schedule. _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “5★ Nilton and his team did a fantastic job building a 100-foot retaining wall in my garden. They communicated well throughout the project, d…” - A 2025 review describes reinventing a backyard with new garage foundation work and a rebuilt stone wall with granite seating. _(confidence: high)_ - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “5★ The Curbs team did a fantastic job reinventing our backyard and helping with the digging/foundation work for our new garage. Our backyard…” - A 2025 client called the company the clear winner among several landscape designers after a detailed erosion and drainage site evaluation. _(confidence: high)_ - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “5★ Curbs Studio was the clear winner among several highly rated landscape designers and builders we consulted. Lucas and Nilton carefully li…” - Reviewers describe repeat business and referrals, including one client hired for ongoing yard maintenance. _(confidence: medium)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “5★ I was looking for someone to clean my parents yard after many no-shows of others. Nilton showed up exactly when he said he would to look …” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “5★ We were referred to Curbs Studio from a friend after having trouble finding a landscaper to take on our project and couldn't be happier w…” - An August 2017 review described paver-sealing errors — wrong sand color and improper technique — and slow follow-up communication. _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “1★ I hired this company to seal a paver walkway and re-sand and seal a pool patio. This was an extremely frustrating experience, I would not…” - The licence number differs between directories: CS-224594 on Houzz versus CS-114594 on HomeAdvisor. _(confidence: medium)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “Licence listed on HomeAdvisor: CS-114594” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “Licence listed on Houzz: CS-224594” - Hardscaping, stone wall and retaining wall construction, patio construction, and landscape design. _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Deck or Porch, Brick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps Installation, Brick, Stone or Block Wall Installatio…” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “Services offered (Houzz): Landscape Design, Garden Design, Hardscaping, Landscape Plans, Patio Design, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Site Pl…” - Specializes in Landscaping _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “Services offered (HomeAdvisor): Deck or Porch, Brick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps Installation, Brick, Stone or Block Wall Installatio…” - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “Legitimate profile: Curbs Inc., a Wellesley, MA landscape construction firm led by Nilton Machado (25 years, family-owned) — 4.9/75 reviews …” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “Services offered (Houzz): Landscape Design, Garden Design, Hardscaping, Landscape Plans, Patio Design, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Site Pl…” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “Legitimate profile: Curbs Studio, a family-owned Wellesley Hills, MA landscape design-build firm (curbsinc.net) specializing in hardscaping/…” - Also offers Masonry _(confidence: high)_ - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html) — “5★ Nilton and his team did a fantastic job building a 100-foot retaining wall in my garden. They communicated well throughout the project, d…” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “5★ The Curbs team did a fantastic job reinventing our backyard and helping with the digging/foundation work for our new garage. Our backyard…” - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381) — “Services offered (Houzz): Landscape Design, Garden Design, Hardscaping, Landscape Plans, Patio Design, Drought Tolerant Landscaping, Site Pl…” ## Ownership - Identifies as family-owned — the business's own statement, not independently verified. ## License No license record has been checked yet for this contractor. ## Sources - [Houzz](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/curbs-studio-pfvwus-pf~632370381): 5.0★ from 42 ratings - [Exa](https://www.bestprosintown.com/ma/wellesley/curbs-studio-/): 0 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source) - [HomeAdvisor](https://www.homeadvisor.com/rated.Curbs.120452573.html): 4.9★ from 75 ratings ## Recent reviews - **5/5 · Houzz · Andrew · 2026-06-12**: We engaged Curbs Studio in the fall of 2025 for a rather extensive landscape makeover of our property. Central to the project are several hardscape items. These include a beautiful stone walkway alongside the house from front-to-back, multiple new planting areas with rock borders, window boxes, full… - **5/5 · Houzz · Melissa Mahoney · 2026-04-17**: The Curbs team did a fantastic job reinventing our backyard and helping with the digging/foundation work for our new garage. Our backyard was half asphalt and included an old stone wall that was falling down. We now have a beautiful stone wall with granite seating, a stone patio, and two stone/grani… - **5/5 · Houzz · HU-17837681 · 2025-12-18**: Curbs Studio was the clear winner among several highly rated landscape designers and builders we consulted. Lucas and Nilton carefully listened to our needs, walked the property in detail, and thoughtfully evaluated site challenges, including erosion on a steep backyard slope and drainage concerns a… - **5/5 · Houzz · Susie Piotrkowski · 2025-11-20**: Our side yard was whimsical but largely unusable, especially with young kids. CURBS transplanted shrubs and perennials to other parts of the property, keeping the perimeter intact, and then put down sod to extend the grass area. They repurposed the bluestone to create a mosaic patio and used the bou… - **5/5 · Houzz · Ben T. · 2025-09-17**: We were referred to Curbs Studio from a friend after having trouble finding a landscaper to take on our project and couldn't be happier with the outcome. Lucas, Mason and the entire team maintained strong communication through the design, planning and build phases. The construction crew was skilled,… - **5/5 · Houzz · Cara McGrath · 2025-07-09**: After nearly 10 years without a functional backyard, Curbs Studio completely transformed our outdoor space. Our project included full hardscaping with bluestone patios, a custom outdoor kitchen with granite countertops, pool coordination, stormwater management, detailed grading, and extensive custom… - **5/5 · Houzz · christine1620 · 2025-07-02**: We recently had a new patio, new stairs, and pool coping installed, and I couldn't be happier with the results. Curbs did an outstanding job — every detail was handled with care, the design was perfect. Nilton, Garrett and the entire team were professional, reliable, and incredibly patient as I made… - **5/5 · Houzz · Hillary Tipping · 2023-12-13**: We had an amazing experience with the entire CURBS team! Our project was very difficult, but Lucas handled everything with the town from start to finish. Our patio came out beautiful and we couldn't be happier. It was also on time and within our budget. - **5/5 · Houzz · Caroline Simons · 2022-10-14**: Curbs was a joy to work with on a complete rehaul and redesign of our home's outdoor space, transforming our brick-and-mulch front and side yards into a beautifully modern deck, outdoor kitchen, and a separate dining area, complete with new landscaping and hardscaping. Their use of sustainable, dura… - **5/5 · HomeAdvisor · Heather M. · 2022-03-01**: Nilton and his crew installed a trench drain around my wet garage. They are really nice, honest people. They did a beautiful installation job and cleaned up, took away the debris, and left everything looking good. I am very happy I used Nilton's company. Such a pleasure! --- Data freshness: last scanned 2026-09-01T12:13:23.868Z. Cite as: Curbs — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/curbs) Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/curbs