Keeping Your New England Coastal Home Low Maintenance With Granite

Keeping Your New England Coastal Home Low Maintenance With Granite

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…

Thin Stone Veneers Make a Fireplace Update Easy

Thin Stone Veneers Make a Fireplace Update Easy

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…

What is Damp Proofing, and Is It Necessary When Working with Indiana Limestone?

What is Damp Proofing, and Is It Necessary When Working with Indiana Limestone?

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…

Making The Case For Monochrome: An Artful Outdoor Hardscape Design with Granite

Making The Case For Monochrome: An Artful Outdoor Hardscape Design with Granite

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…

6 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Garden in New England

6 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Garden in New England

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…

Swenson’s Granite State Stores Connect With Their Communities

Swenson’s Granite State Stores Connect With Their Communities

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…

Pull Up a Chair and Light Up the Night: 15 Natural Stone Fireplaces & Fire Pits

Pull Up a Chair and Light Up the Night: 15 Natural Stone Fireplaces & Fire Pits

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…

Granite is the Stone of Choice for Seaside Projects Along the New England Seaboard

Granite is the Stone of Choice for Seaside Projects Along the New England Seaboard

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…

New Hampshire: There’s a Reason Why They Call it the ‘Granite State’

New Hampshire: There’s a Reason Why They Call it the ‘Granite State’

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…

Massachusetts Landscape Architect Takes Pride in Sustainable Design and Construction with New England’s Natural Stone

Massachusetts Landscape Architect Takes Pride in Sustainable Design and Construction with New England’s Natural Stone

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…

Arnold Strongman Classic Pits Man vs. Stone

Arnold Strongman Classic Pits Man vs. Stone

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…

Since Our Spring Vacations Turned Into Staycations, How About Some Backyard Inspiration?

Since Our Spring Vacations Turned Into Staycations, How About Some Backyard Inspiration?

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…

Original Western Mass Home Show Features Something for Everyone

Original Western Mass Home Show Features Something for Everyone

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…

On the Road with the Truck Drivers of Swenson Granite Works: Part Two

On the Road with the Truck Drivers of Swenson Granite Works: Part Two

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…

New Pentagon Memorial Unveiled at Aberdeen Proving Ground

New Pentagon Memorial Unveiled at Aberdeen Proving Ground

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 ……

Small Towns Honor Veterans in a Big Way With Granite Monuments

Small Towns Honor Veterans in a Big Way With Granite Monuments

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….

How to Install Thin Veneer from Indiana Limestone

How to Install Thin Veneer from Indiana Limestone

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…

The Rich History of Woodbury Gray Granite

The Rich History of Woodbury Gray Granite

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…

Radon Exposure from Granite: Debunking Health Concerns

Radon Exposure from Granite: Debunking Health Concerns

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?…

From Flowers to Foliage: Your Ultimate Fall Planting Guide

From Flowers to Foliage: Your Ultimate Fall Planting Guide

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…

8 Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home with Granite and Natural Stone

8 Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home with Granite and Natural Stone

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…

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Summer Blooms

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Summer Blooms

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…

What’s Cooking Outdoors: Trends in Outdoor Kitchen Design

What’s Cooking Outdoors: Trends in Outdoor Kitchen Design

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…

Real Estate Market Trends and Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home Through Curb Appeal

Real Estate Market Trends and Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home Through Curb Appeal

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 Now Carries Indiana Limestone at Our 9 Retail Locations

Swenson Granite Works Now Carries Indiana Limestone at Our 9 Retail Locations

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…

Outside is the New Inside: Top Outdoor Living Trends

Outside is the New Inside: Top Outdoor Living Trends

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…

Reconstructed Moosilauke Ravine Lodge Bridges Past and Present with Natural Stone and Locally Sourced Wood

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…

Why Skilled Stoneworkers Prefer Handmade Masonry Tools for Splitting, Shaping and Trimming Granite

Why Skilled Stoneworkers Prefer Handmade Masonry Tools for Splitting, Shaping and Trimming Granite

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…

How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen with Natural Stone Veneer and Countertops

How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen with Natural Stone Veneer and Countertops

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…

6 Uses for Granite Cobblestones, the Versatile Building Material with Old World Charm, Traction and Durability

6 Uses for Granite Cobblestones, the Versatile Building Material with Old World Charm, Traction and Durability

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…

The Backyard Retreat: Expand Your Living Space Outdoors with Granite and Natural Stone

The Backyard Retreat: Expand Your Living Space Outdoors with Granite and Natural Stone

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…

Classic Colonial Homes and The New England Stone That Give Them Curb Appeal

Classic Colonial Homes and The New England Stone That Give Them Curb Appeal

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…

6 Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior with Stone Veneer and Granite

6 Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior with Stone Veneer and Granite

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…

11 Rustic Fence Designs with Granite Posts For Country Charm and City Style

11 Rustic Fence Designs with Granite Posts For Country Charm and City Style

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…

9 Indoor Fireplaces That Will Bring Warmth and Charm to Your Home

9 Indoor Fireplaces That Will Bring Warmth and Charm to Your Home

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…

9 Ways to Light Up Your Landscape with Granite Lamp Posts

9 Ways to Light Up Your Landscape with Granite Lamp Posts

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…

Beyond the Grill: Create a Year Round Outdoor Living Space

Beyond the Grill: Create a Year Round Outdoor Living Space

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…

What Are The Benefits of Thin Stone Veneer Siding?

What Are The Benefits of Thin Stone Veneer Siding?

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…

Indiana Limestone vs Concrete: A Faceoff

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…