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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
