Pictured is John Swenson and family, circa early 1900’s. For the rare business fortunate to make it so far, a 90th year in operation is known as a Granite Anniversary. Swenson Stone Works surpassed that milestone 50 years ago this year and is still going as strong as its first quarry in Concord, New Hampshire’s Rattlesnake…
We are thrilled to announce that Swenson Stone Works’ Grand Opening at our East Wareham, MA store was a tremendous success! We celebrated the timeless beauty of granite and natural stone with our valued customers. The event occurred at our new store at 3120 Cranberry Highway on Cape Cod, solidifying its position as the ultimate…
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the South Hadley store, located at 489 Granby Road, welcomes the community to stop by and celebrate the beauty of granite and stone – take a tour, meet the team, see product demonstrations, grab a bite with lunch provided by BB’s Hot Spot, and…
When you drive along the coast of New England, you can’t help but see rows of beautiful coastal homes. With their clean, crisp elegance, and some located in historical districts that tell the story of the area, they represent a certain lifestyle and the people who love it. Matt Teague, President of Reef Builders, says…
The front of your home is more than just paint, trim and steps. You can create a stunning New England look with aesthetic details around your property that bring beauty and value to your curb appeal. You may have noticed that neighborhoods across the northeast have certain features that are quintessential hallmarks of New England…
If you drive around New England, one thing you’ll notice is the use of granite and natural stone on structures from state buildings to countryside homes. “Look around. All the old houses and barns have slabs of granite stacked to make the foundation. It’s just something that’s been used since we were founded here,” says…
If you’re thinking of updating your fireplace but are holding back because of the potential cost, time and mess of removing what you currently have, thin stone veneers may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Thin stone veneers are cut natural stones that are mortared onto a fireplace to cover the existing material, such…
Your mailbox is not only a gateway to communication with the outside world; it’s also part of the overall curb appeal of your home. If you currently have an existing mailbox on a wooden, plastic, metal or concrete post, chances are, at some point, you will need to replace it due to environmental erosion to…
After a year of spending more time than ever indoors, homeowners are upgrading their outdoor living spaces and making them the center of activity and a focal point for families and friends. One common backyard improvement is the addition of a granite fire pit. Whether you’re looking to entertain guests or enjoy down time at…
In 2020, backyards around the world suddenly became so much more: gyms, offices, bars and restaurants. As the new hot spots for social gatherings, outdoor living spaces took on new importance—and popularity. As an expert in consumer research and a leader in the outdoor living industry, Fernanda Pedroso, Polycor Inc.’s Global Vice President, Marketing, has…
Narragansett, Rhode Island was first surging in popularity as a summer resort town in 1887 when a Queen Anne Victorian home was built at the corner of Narragansett Avenue and Robinson Street. With stained-glass windows, ornate bargeboards, and a charming assortment of shingle styles, it was a turn-of-the-century dream home. Flash forward 130+ years and…
Virginia-based interiors stylist Sarah Raak of SKG Designs had been planning a project to redo her backyard patio for a while. But if ever there was an impetus to finally get it going it was this thing called 2020. Although this year brought challenges, it taught us to learn to appreciate the nature, air and…
Simply put, damp proofing works as a long term prevention method to ward off moisture decay in walls and foundations. The process prevents moisture and water from passing into interior spaces by creating a durable barrier.This process can also act as a barrier between the Earth’s elements and the surface of limestone. Do you really…
Nestled in the historic area of Norfolk County, Massachusetts sits the Swenson Granite Works Medway store. All four men on the team have a love and appreciation for natural stone, and all things New England.Bill Haddad has risen from Assistant Manager to Store Manager, a role he had been in for 3 years. Haddad is…
There are many sustainable practices that manufacturers of building materials can adopt, but there is only one building material that is inherently good for the earth and good for your health — natural stone. Natural stone takes less water to process, doesn’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — harmful gases emitted into the air —…
Swenson Granite Works’ Westbrook, Maine Store Manager Jeremy Walbridge has been working with the company for 27 years — over half his life. He has had family members and friends work at the company, and credits the family oriented nature of the business to his tenure. “The first thing that comes to mind when I…
John Doherty may not have been there when the Swenson Granite Works Newtown store (located just outside Danbury, Connecticut) opened in 2000, but he and his team have basically been there ever since. Deep roots and long standing connections are what you will find at the store—and this scenic small town—as a whole. “We always…
When most people think of granite veneer, they commonly associate it with heavy full bed veneer, but thin veneer is an excellent versatile alternative that can be used a number of ways for both the interior and exterior of your home. On September 22, 2020, Swenson Granite Works debuted WOODBURY GRAY™ granite thin veneer at…
A black and white palette is a classic, with endless design possibilities from subdued to striking. Some may think that monochrome is boring or plain, but black, white and gray—when used the right way—can bring a space to life. A hardscape project in Laconia, New Hampshire shows what can be done with monochrome design—and with…
If you’ve mastered the patio project, it’s time to add thin veneer installation to your skill set. This quick to apply material is an easy upgrade to outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and building exteriors. Learn the quick and easy process to install INDIANA LIMESTONE- FULL COLOR BLEND™ veneer, available at all nine Swenson Granite Works retail…
As pandemic must-haves go, first there were vegetable gardens to keep us busy outside this spring and then in the summer, pools — from the blow up kiddie pool variety to the in-ground sort — helped us stay out of the house while in the safety of our backyard. As we move into fall, fire…
The fall season — with its cooler air and summer-warmed soil — is the perfect time for planting a garden in New England. If you are busy in the planning stages, consider adding elements to increase it’s sustainability by making it a little more earth friendly. We’ve put together a few ideas for creating a…
From helping a homeowner with a first-time project to overseeing a monument honoring veterans constructed in their hometown, the teams at Swenson Granite Works’ two New Hampshire retail locations in Concord and Amherst are deeply connected to their surrounding communities. It makes sense, seeing as they work with a material so closely connected to the…
Long before sheltering-in-place went into effect — before masks, social distancing and hand sanitizer were de rigueur — outdoor living was a thing. Over the last 10 years, homeowners have embraced the concept and created refuges that feature outdoor kitchens, patios, DIY fire pits and fireplace features. But in the time of coronavirus, that urge…
As most New Englanders are spending more time right at home these days, those projects that seemed to loom off in the future are getting checked off the list this summer. Adding a new walkway, patio or front steps are among some of the top requested curb appeal projects. “Business has skyrocketed,” said Tom Kraus,…
For the complete renovation of her mid-19th Century home in Westport, Connecticut, actress, entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger Eva Amurri wanted to stay true to its simple New England roots — both inside and out. So, just as the mom of three retained mostof the original doors and hardware inside the home to blend old and…
It’s a rivalry that goes back to colonial days pitting Pilgrims vs. Puritans, but hundreds of years later, denizens of Boston’s North and South shores remain two distinctly separate areas. Residents rarely cross borders to travel to the opposite Massachusetts shore, although some dispute just what towns make up each territory. But regardless of whether…
From its uppermost reaches in Maine down to Connecticut’s southern shores, New England’s coastline features a topography ranging from rugged cliff faces, rocky shorelines and sandy beaches. While varied, the length of the northeast seaboard shares one common variable: the occasional wrath of Mother Nature. Year after year, the coastline takes batterings from seasonal hurricanes…
High above New Hampshire’s Merrimack River, deep in the core of Rattlesnake Hill, Swenson Granite Works has been quarrying historic CONCORD GRAY™ granite since 1883. Also known as Swenson Gray, the iconic stone has brought timeless style to buildings across the country for over a century and has been a part of the company’s heritage…
Crisscrossing the landscape long before the Revolutionary War, stone walls are as classic to New England as church steeples and lighthouses, with a legacy that continues to this day. Hundreds of years after the nation gained its independence, walls crafted from native stone are still a traditional element in hardscape design not only in a…
Friendly. Family and community oriented. Up and coming. Those are just a few of the things that come to mind for John Proulx when he thinks of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where he manages one of Swenson Granite Works’ newest retail stores. “I didn’t realize how up-and-coming the area was until we opened the store here a…
How do you prove just who is the world’s strongest man? Some of the strongest men from around the world hoisted massive granite stones weighing hundreds of pounds at this year’s Arnold Strongman Classic, in a “Trial By Stone” medley that pitted the strongmen against the strongest stone in the world. The five round lifting…
We understand that responsibly hunkering down at home can be difficult. Why not give yourself a mental boost by envisioning all the improvements you’d like to make to turn your outside area into a place you never want to leave? There is no time like the present to get in touch with your area contractor…
Please note: The Original Western Mass Home and Garden Show slated for March 26-29, 2020 has been postponed due to COVID-19. Show organizers are currently working to establish new dates for the show.We are working with the facility, local and state officials to establish a new date for the show. We will keep you all…
Swenson Granite Works truck drivers are as hardworking as the natural stone products they deliver throughout the Northeast. Whether they’re installing classic granite steps, mailbox or lamp posts, these guys excel at getting the job done, and getting it done right. Synonymous with unmatched quality and customer service, Swenson Granite Works has been hand selecting…
From the moment she saw the historic Greek Revival home, built in the mid-1800s and set on an acre of property in charming Westport, Connecticut, actress, entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger Eva Amurri could see the potential. “We loved it from the second we saw it,” explained the mom of two young children with a third on the…
South Hadley native Dan Richard has come full circle. He grew up in this small town, not far from Springfield, and after working at the Medway Swenson Granite Works store in eastern Massachusetts, found his way back home in 2018 to manage the newest retail store. The Swenson Granite Works South Hadley store, located on…
Photo credit: U.S. Army In a continued sign that those who lost their lives on 9/11 will never be forgotten, a memorial to those who were killed during the attack on the Pentagon was recently unveiled at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The memorial is in front of the new headquarters and reads, “PENTAGON ……
All across the country, small towns are honoring their veterans with memorials crafted from a natural stone as American as apple pie. Within the last five years, residents in two small towns in Massachusetts have spearheaded the funding and construction of memorials that honor veterans and both feature WOODBURY GRAY™ granite, quarried in nearby Vermont….
In the same way a unique painting or statement chair can transform an entire room, ornamental features of all sizes can elevate an outdoor space. From handcrafted benches to custom-engraved millstones, Swenson Granite Works offers a range of granite ornamental products for every backyard style. Opt for Durable Natural Stone When it comes to choosing…
Indiana Limestone is an American classic, bringing a look of timelessness wherever it’s used — whether on the soaring Empire State Building or cathedrals and monuments across the North American continent. With Swenson Granite Works’ newest addition of Indiana limestone thin veneers, the durability and versatility of the stone can now be easily added to…
As the end of the summer neared, Robbin Mangano, the lifestyle blogger behind The New England Life, and her husband, Jeff, were eager to spend the last few days of the season outside. A DIY granite fire pit from Swenson Granite Works was the perfect end-of-the-summer project and a great way to extend the livability…
Quarried in the town of Woodbury, Vermont, Woodbury Gray granite, one of several granite types offered at Swenson Granite Works, has brought timeless style to buildings across the country for over a century. Woodbury Gray is recognizable by its distinct light gray, salt and pepper color. John Patoine began working at the Woodbury quarry in…
Like all stone, granite contains trace amounts of radium, which decays over time into a naturally-occurring gas called radon, emitting low levels of radiation. Stone quarry workers are surrounded by massive amounts of granite on a daily basis. Should they be concerned about their health? Should homeowners be concerned about the granite inside their homes?…
Amber leaves, golden blooms, scarlet shrubs — nothing says ‘fall’ like an abundance of nature’s most brilliant colors. “Fall is a great time to plant and relax outside while working in the garden,” says Andy Grondalski, Nursery Manager at Sixteen Acres Garden Center in Springfield, MA. While it’s a common misconception that you can’t plant…
At Swenson Granite Works, customer service is just as important as the quality of the natural stone products we produce. As a family business for over 135 years, each of our employees plays a unique role in fulfilling our commitment to unmatched craftsmanship and dedication. Our truck drivers deliver exceptional service through every step of…
Functional elements are often the most important factors to consider when selecting curbing for commercial, residential and public properties. While the visual appeal of granite curbing speaks for itself, this versatile option offers a range of technical benefits for property owners to consider when planning their next project. Granite curbing can be used for the…
Whether you’re interested in increasing the value of your home or simply refreshing the look and feel of its exterior, granite and natural stone are the most versatile ways to add curb appeal. These materials are unrivaled in terms of aesthetics and durability, adding timeless style and dimension that will last a lifetime. All nine…
From brilliant blue hydrangeas to vivid geraniums, summer flowers are an excellent way to add vibrant pops of color and texture to any backyard. With thousands of unique varieties available, the options are nearly limitless when creating your ideal landscape with summer blooms. Whether lining the side of a granite pathway or sitting in a…
Whether grilling by the pool at a bustling family barbecue or savoring a quick meal on the patio on a quiet evening, the simple joy of eating outside is a pleasure in and of itself. However, cooking outdoors with all the amenities of a fully-furnished kitchen can transform outdoor dining into an experience that will…
There is no better place to spend a hot summer day than poolside. By combining reinvented summer essentials with timeless granite and stone features from Swenson Granite Works, a backyard pool can become a favorite hangout spot for parties all summer long. Even the easiest additions, from colorful dinnerware to plush towels, can make a…
Updated on August 31, 2021Like a handshake with a new acquaintance, the curb appeal of your home gives a lasting first impression. It can tell people if your home is well cared for, provide a hint into its charm and style, and bring you a higher return on investment when it’s time to sell. South…
Swenson Granite Works is proud to announce that Indiana limestone products are now available at our nine retail locations throughout New England. Indiana limestone can guarantee durable and long-lasting landscaping products for your next residential project. Visit your closest Swenson Granite Works retail location to see our newest product offerings. Indiana limestone has a uniform…
When it comes to designing the perfect outdoor retreat, few factors are more important than livability. A balance of comfort, warmth and functionality can make a step into your backyard feel like the start of a vacation. With a bit of inspiration and planning, you can enjoy the outdoors from spring through fall in your…
Attendees and exhibitors from across the Northeast will be attending the Boston Flower and Garden Show, one of the largest horticultural events in New England, from March 13-17, 2019 at Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center. The show will feature brilliant indoor garden displays and vibrant floral designs from dozens of the region’s leading nurseries, landscapers,…
Whether rustic or contemporary, minimal or intricate, all beautiful landscape designs have one thing in common: a well-balanced combination of hardscape and softscape. Hardscape consists of the solid, heavy, unchanging parts of a landscape, such as stone paths, retaining walls, gravel and patios, while softscape describes the living, botanical elements of a landscape, including plants,…
From stunning architecture to lush grounds, New Hampshire boasts some of the most undeniably scenic campuses in the country. For most New England schools, quality and durability are just as important as appearance when it comes to designing long-lasting, inspiring spaces for students and visitors alike. For years, schools and universities across New Hampshire have…
From elegant seaside estates to charming beach bungalows, coastal homes celebrate the natural beauty of their surroundings. Drawing inspiration from rocky coastlines, fresh ocean air, and the rich blues and grays of the water, these captivating homes can be designed to reflect the very best of the landscape around them. Coastal homeowners know that durability…
An updated stone fireplace can transform any space, adding rustic warmth and coziness to a living room or turning a backyard patio into a glowing gathering place for year-round enjoyment. While heavy brick or thick stone veneer can be labor-intensive and difficult to install, thin stone veneer from Swenson Granite Works provides an excellent alternative…
If you’ve ever seen a set of granite steps, you know their natural beauty enhances the home’s appearance. If you own a set of granite steps, you’ve experienced their durability, low-maintenance and long-lasting quality. If you’ve ever installed a set of granite steps, you know they’re heavy. So heavy that in order to install them,…
In many ways, a home is your foundation. Having a safe and soundly-built structure brings peace of mind for every design that follows. When it comes to the entryway, a properly constructed base ensures that the steps leading into your home will remain solid for decades. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional,…
Today, more than ever, natural stone is a favorite choice of material for designers, architects and homeowners — not only for exterior projects, but for interior design as well. Whether it’s thin stone veneer walls, granite kitchen shelves or bluestone floors, incorporating natural stone into your home’s interior design means a detailed and customized appearance…
Over the past several years, outdoor living has become a top priority for homeowners. Backyards are turning into entertaining spaces, outdoor eating spaces and outdoor living rooms. To make this possible, homeowners are incorporating features like patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces into their yard designs. For evening entertaining, more and more homeowners…
Adding a fire pit to your backyard is one of the simplest ways to transform it into a four-season outdoor living space. For Jen Migonis, home design blogger, real estate investor and mother of four, a DIY Woodbury Gray granite fire pit from Swenson Granite Works was the perfect addition to the Nantucket style backyard…
Accent pieces handcrafted from granite best suit outdoor spaces, as they seamlessly align with natural surroundings and add an element of lasting elegance that will never go out of style. Rather than give into fads and trends involving mass-produced products, consider the timeless, handcrafted granite ornamental treasures from Swenson Granite Works — chess tables, compasses,…
The inspiration for the re-imagining of Dartmouth College’s treasured Moosilauke Ravine Lodge in Warren, New Hampshire was all about bridging the past and present. Think: A new look with the same old soul. To keep in line with its North Country heritage, the historic lodge was outfitted with the same kind of rustic charm as…
Every successful home project by Swenson Granite Works is a true testament to the power of teamwork. From the contractors to the skilled stonemasons to the homeowners themselves, no one part of the process is less important than the other. To create these masterful home designs, we are proud to work with professionals who create…
For most of us – and more often when the weather cooperates – a meal outside on the patio in the fresh air can be an enjoyable experience. Backyard chefs are packing up their old rolling barbecue cart, paper plates, and plastic utensils to make their outdoor dining spaces a bigger priority when planning home…
A luxe pool and spa in your backyard can take relaxation and recreation to another level. There are so many designs to choose from – infinity edge, perimeter overflow, freeform, geometric, kidney shaped or classic rectangular. But only certain hardscape materials will give a resort-style poolscape that high-end look and unsurpassed quality. With granite and…
Located just a couple miles off the southeastern coast of Connecticut lies Fishers Island, New York— a remote island with one operating ferry. With such rich history and natural beauty, it’s no wonder summer resident Ralph Carbone decided to renovate his oceanfront property with granite and bluestone from Swenson Granite Works. Not only do these…
Cobblestones have been used all over cities and towns as building material and road surfaces since the 19th century. Due to their rich history, old world charm, durability and traction, we still find use of this versatile building material for our homes. Interestingly enough, true cobblestone roads were actually constructed of round stones, designed for…
Bringing the outside in and the inside out has been a key home trend in recent years. Greenery, neutral colors and natural stone featured inside the home bring about calmness, serenity and a sense of connection to the beauty beyond its doors.. And, at the same time, outdoor structures, such as fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and…
For a few Massachusetts homeowners, it had finally gotten to the point where old deteriorating steps, unsightly walkways, and unkempt lawns needed to go — it was time for a makeover. That’s when they called Swenson Granite Works and the pros for help. While Tom Kraus of Natural Path Landscaping worked on these projects, he…
When warm weather approaches, it’s time to leave the living room couch behind and get out to your favorite backyard spot. Whether it’s to kick back under the sun, entertain guests or dine alfresco, the patio is where it all should happen, so why not make it perfect in every way? The right look, feel,…
Since Swenson is involved every step of the way, from quarry to completion, you are guaranteed the best quality products. John Nardozza, Managing Director of Andover Landscape, regularly works with our Concord, New Hampshire office to get the products he needs so that his projects stand out. “Swenson’s ability to custom manufacture to our specs…
Thanks to the rich colonial history of the New England area, it’s no surprise that the folks who live, work and play here have a love for a true colonial style home that runs deep. Though all homes built in the colonial style share certain common elements, it’s the thoughtful use of other, time-honored materials…
Photography by John McCarthy In Andover, Massachusetts overlooking the Fish Brook Wetlands sits a custom-built contemporary home that connects the interior, landscaping and natural environment in the most intriguing ways. Using classic New England materials, including granite steps, pavers and pool coping from Swenson Granite Works, Andover Landscape designed a contemporary minimalist landscape for this…
It’s the little touches that make a house a home, and the same holds true for your yard. A well planned garden will improve the appearance of your landscape and give you a peaceful place to retreat outdoors. Whether in your front yard or backyard, granite ornamental elements can beautifully accent your garden and add…
If you are ready to light your landscape, create a rustic fence line, or upgrade your mailbox with granite, it’s important to know how you’re going to dig those post holes. A post hole is more than just a hole in the ground. It is a narrow, straight, and deep cut into the earth at…
If you’ve revamped your landscaping, but still feel like your house could use more curb appeal, it just might be time to give your exterior a makeover. With stone veneer and granite, you can make a big transformation to the look and value of your home. Installing stone veneer on the exterior will give your…
From country meadows to city streets, granite posts are a durable design element that gives style and definition to homes and businesses, with no maintenance needed. Whether around the pool, along a property line, as a gateway, or for horse paddocks and riding rings, granite posts can enhance your rustic setting. They can also serve…
Nothing compares to the warmth and comfort a glowing fireplace will bring to your home during the colder seasons. Now, add the enduring beauty of natural stone, and you have the most charming gathering place for friends and family right in the heart of your home. The rustic charm of a natural stone fireplace brings…
Granite lamp posts are a great way to light up city parks, along community sidewalks or trails, and they add a touch of elegance to a variety of municipal areas. If you reside out in the country without the added glow from the city, or even in the suburbs, granite lamp posts are essential for…
A natural stone wall will embellish the look of your property while harmoniously connecting your house design with nature. These structures can create charming raised flower beds, natural garden backdrops, boundary markers, driveway ramps, or purely serve as decoration. Stone walls have been used for thousands of years. Farmers and primitive people first constructed them…
Updated on March 29, 2021 For family or friends, fire pits bring people together, and installing one is an almost guaranteed way to draw people to your home. Whether it’s a cozy autumn evening or a balmy summer night, adding a fire pit to your outdoor space not only adds warmth, but an element of…
Updated on March 15, 2021 The entryway to your home starts well before you step foot inside the front door. First impressions are made prior to guests entering your living space, and how you choose to complement your exterior can make a world of difference. Your front steps are quite literally the walkway into your…
Warm weather, a change of scenery, and a few days of relaxation – you’ve waited all year for that summer vacation. However, it’s not always easy to skip town for a getaway. It can be a hassle carving out a block of time and taking off work for a week or two, not to mention…
Vacation time is precious time. You want to maximize every moment at your lakeside retreat, and with a carefully crafted natural stone exterior it starts with the sigh of relief as you pull into the driveway. There are ways to expertly blend with the beauty of nature all around inside and outside your home. While…
When the weather is warm and you’ve got guests to entertain, ditch the dining room table. Conversation is always better around a fire pit while devouring s’mores, or on a patio gazing at the stars while sipping a glass of wine. The outdoor living space is anchored with custom cut Woodbury Gray granite pavers and…
Inherently beautiful, natural stone is a timeless choice for many home building projects. It’s an authentic choice for everything from fireplaces to fences, in beautiful kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. Granite, marble, and limestone from local quarries in North America are durable, sustainable, and virtually maintenance-free. The unmatched beauty of genuine stone makes…
In the battle between whether to choose concrete or Indiana Limestone for a hardscape project, the winner just might surprise you (we’re looking at you, limestone). Let’s get ready to rumble! Despite the common perception that concrete products offer superior durability and that Indiana Limestone is just too weak for many outdoor jobs, the truth…
