The Wicked Yard

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 Robert Howard of Stone Solutions Maine. He’s been using Swenson granite in the majority of his projects, many of which are rebuilding steps that have rotted or succumbed to the harsh weather conditions that the East Coast can dole out.  

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.

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.

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 in the fall, the cooler climate is ideal for a wide array of flowers and foliage.

This fall planting guide will show you a variety of flowers, trees and plants that will add festive hues and textures to your landscape, while complementing natural stone hardscape features.

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.

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 turned to Swenson Granite Works to elevate their campuses with granite masterpieces. When carefully designed and crafted, stonework can transform ordinary spaces into long-standing campus landmarks.

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, a 55,000 pound truck with an 18-foot bed and crane bolted to the back needs to deliver them to the site. That crane can reach 28 feet with about 4,000 pounds (phew!) In order to get these beautiful, durable, long-lasting (and heavy) steps to look the way they do, Swenson Granite Works personnel are trained to install them using certain tools, including straps, clamps, shims, and chisels.

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, base preparation for your set of Swenson Granite Works steps is essential.

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 unique residence surrounded by traditional Cape and Colonial homes.