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At this home in Concord, MA the existing back yard has too much slope to enjoy seating, and there is no good access to the house. After determining grades and discussing options with the homeowners we settle on a plan for a raised bluestone patio, edged with granite to hold the grades, and bluestone stepping stone walkway to meet the door.

Thermal Bluestone Patio Preparation

To prep for the bluestone patio installation we excavate the area and use the excavated dirt to raise the grade below the patio in order to further reduce the difference in grades. We also use this opportunity to tie in all downspouts to an underground drainage system which will transport all roof runoff to the far end of the yard.

Next the granite curbing is installed to hold the grades around the edge of the patio. At the top of the patio by the house a row of cobblestone is raised in relation to the patio in order to hold the existing planting bed by the house. The rest of the patio is edged with granite curbing which comes in longer lengths than cobblestone but has the same width and texture for a good match.

The granite curbing is set flush with the surface of the patio, and there will be an 8″ step off down to the yard, and down to the walkway.

Completed Thermal Bluestone Patio and Granite Edge

One the granite is in we finish filling the patio base, and then lay the bluestone. This is thermal bluestone in a random pattern with polymer sand joints. The result is a sharp, classic looking patio that creates much more useable space and access to the house. Great for entertaining and giving the residents somewhere to sit while watching children in the yard.

At this home in Concord, MA the owners would like to update their existing brick fireplace with a new granite stone surround. They are also interested in removing the raised hearth and setting the new hearth flush with the floor to open up more space in the room.

This job is fairly straightforward in that the new stone can be built right over the existing brick. The granite we use is only 1″ thick so fits inside the existing wood frame without needing to re-do any of the carpentry. The existing hearth will need to be removed in order to lower the new hearth to the floor.

First we remove the brick hearth and install the new granite hearth in the old footprint. We are able to remove enough brick to get the new hearth perfectly even with the floor as desired.

Next we install the granite facing for the fireplace. The granite we use is a ~1″ thick stone sold as paving stones, but makes for good veneer as well. We are able to use standard sized stones from the stoneyard which we cut to fit on-site. A high bond mortar adheres it to the wall, and we set the stones very tightly as to hide the joints.

The last few pieces go in and the new stone surround fireplace is complete. The new fireplace has a much cleaner and contemporary look and is a quick and relatively easy way to make a big improvement.