Flagstone/Bluestone Patio – Lincoln, MA

December 29, 2015 by admin with 0 Comments

Rebuilding a Flagstone Patio in Lincoln, MA

At this home in Lincoln, MA the existing flagstone patio was badly overgrown and out of level. The original flagstone patio had apparently been laid directly on the soil with wide joints. Being it a sunny area, weeds grew rampant and the patio had deteriorated considerably.

Original Flagstone Patio – Lincoln, MA

Original Flagstone Patio – Lincoln, MA

Original Flagstone Patio – Lincoln, MA

To solve this problem the plan was to take up the existing flagstone, excavate the soil, lay weed block fabric, base material, and re-lay the patio with 1/2″ joints.

In order to achieve tight joints the stones must be cut and pieced together. It is a labor intensive process but the results are attractive and potentially make it harder for weeds to take root. To make up the difference in area that we lose with tighter joints and cutting waste, we purchased a couple additional pallet of Irregular Bluestone to match the existing patio flagstones. The larger section of the patio is made up of the existing flagstones, the smaller portion of patio beneath the Japanese Maple is made up of the new flagstone that we would usually use.

Assembling the Flagstone Patio – Lincoln, MA

Assembling the Flagstone Patio – Lincoln, MA

The base material consists of ~4″ gravel and ~2″ of stone dust. The gravel base is sturdy and drains well, the stone dust (fine crushed up stone) is workable and lets us level each stone. Gravity holds everything in place while the patio remains flexible to minor movements in the ground. This method is more cost effective than cementing the patio stones and there is no risk of visual cracks in the cement if things eventually shift.

The flagstone patio is complete in time to enjoy a lovely autumn in New England:

Flagstone Patio – Lincoln, MA

Flagstone Patio – Lincoln ,MA

Flagstone Patio – Lincoln, MA

Stone Stairway and Walls – Maynard, MA

November 2, 2015 by admin with 0 Comments

At this charming home in Maynard, MA the front entry way and retaining walls were in disrepair and unsightly. With an appreciation for stonework, the homeowner desired to replace the wooden stairway with a natural stone stairway and to sure up the existing retaining walls.

Maynard, MA – before

Maynard, MA – Before

After considering the site and deciding on materials, we draw a simple plan so that the homeowner can better visualize how the stairs will be situated. Granite steps will be used for the stairs, bluestone pavers for the landings, and Pennsylvania Fieldstone for the walls.

Maynard, MA – Landscape Plan

Next we break ground and excavate for the new stairways. Any good sized stones are saved to aid in the rebuilding of the walls.

Maynard, MA – Excavated Site

Next the stairs and walls start going in. We set the step, and then build the walls up to meet the level, and so on. The stairway walls are mortared with cement but are meant to look like they aren’t. The side walls and retaining walls are dry laid without the use of mortar.

Maynard, MA – Stone Steps

The walls grow higher. The #3 is salvaged from the original wall and set at eye level in the new stairway.

Maynard, MA – Stone Steps and Fieldstone Walls

The stairs and walls reach finish height. The upper retaining wall is built higher than the original was to help flatten out the steep grade of the gardens. The side retaining walls are built with the existing stone and supplemented by the larger pieces of the PA wallstone that were purchased for the stairway. Cobble stones and clay brick make up the bottom landing while bluestone is used for the upper landings and to cap the stairway wall.

Maynard, MA – Stone Steps and Stone Walls

After the railings go in the project is complete and some nice fall decorations bring it all together. Take a look at the before and after.

before

Maynard, MA – Stone Stairway and Fieldstone Walls

Maynard, MA – Completed Granite Steps and Stone Walls

Maynard, MA – Completed Granite Steps and Fieldstone Walls

Maynard, MA – Completed Stone Stairway with Bluestone Landing

Bluestone Patio and Landscape Design – JP

August 23, 2015 by admin with 0 Comments

At this home in Jamaica Plain, MA the existing concrete paver patio was unsightly and too small for the homeowner’s needs. There existed a number of nice plantings, but, some were overgrown and others in not so great locations.

Original Patio

After discussing material options, we proposed a design that maximized the patio area while leaving room for planting beds. We proposed relocating the nicer of the shrubs and bringing in a small variety of perennials and ground cover for an attractive but low maintenance garden.

The design called for a slightly sunken bluestone patio in a random pattern with cobble stone edging. Cobble stones were also used to retain the hillside beds. The corners of the patio are jogged to leave room or the shrubs and the style is mirrored where it connects to the walkway.

After digging out the old patio and relocating the plantings, the new bluestone patio is dry laid in a bed of stone dust.

Dry Laid Bluestone

After the bluestone patio is installed, we amend the existing soil with compost and bring in a small array of new plantings. The plantings are picked to be low maintenance perennial plants that create a plush, green, garden. All larger trees + shrubs were existing. Take a look at the before and after photos: