Hammering large pieces of native granite into building blocks has been a part of New England’s history for hundreds of years. These blocks were used for railroad trestles, bridge piers, foundations and the walls of iconic buildings across America. As these structures are retired from service, Stone Farm reclaims their beautiful stone wall blocks so new chapters may be added to their remarkable stories.
• To help match our stone wall blocks to our customers’ needs, we sort our material into three distinct grades: Dimensional, Semi-dimensional, and Bench.
• While we occasionally reclaim other types of blocks such as brownstone and sandstone, it’s most often granite that requires grading.
• Each grade tends to be most appropriate for particular projects, but there are grey areas. Think of these grades as guidelines more than absolutes…
• Blocks which have 6 consistently-shaped sides.
• One side usually displays a nice pillowed wall face.
• Common uses: walls and landscape features where front and back are visible, or where conditions can’t accommodate irregular shapes, even if hidden.
Dimensions | Approx. 18-24″H x 18-24″D x 2-8’L |
Colors | Shades of grey, blended with earth tones; unique patinas |
Texture | Sides range from slightly rough to weathered and naturally-worn to finished faces worked by masons. |
• Blocks with at least 3 square or rectangular, flat faces.
• One side usually displays a nice pillowed wall face.
• Common uses: Accent stones, retaining and landscape walls where an irregular-shaped side can be buried below grade (sloped terrain) or otherwise be hidden from view.
Dimensions | Approx. 18-24″H x 18-24″D x 2-6’L, with at least 1 irregular shaped side. |
Colors | Shades of grey, blended with earth tones; unique patinas |
Texture | Sides range from slightly rough to weathered and naturally-worn to finished faces worked by masons. |
• Blocks with ideal seating heights and worn, flat tops make perfect benches.
• Finished wall faces and rich patinas add character to these formidable, functional stone blocks.
• Common uses: amphitheaters, outdoor classrooms, firepit seating, park benches.
Dimensions | Approx. 15-20″H x 18-24″D x 2-6’L |
Colors | Various shades of grey, blended with earth tones; unique patinas |
Texture | Flat, worn tops, finished faces. |
In 2019, 1 million lbs. of Beantown history, in the form of majestic stone wall blocks, became Stone Farm’s greatest find. Here’s how it happened.
Large format blocks cut from granite, brownstone and sandstone salvaged from old structures provide benefits newly quarried stones simply can’t match.
• Patinas and color variations develop over time, adding unique character to each block.
• Softened, worn edges, corners and faces make for more comfortable and inviting seating areas.
• The emissions produced by quarrying new stone, pulverizing old stone, and hauling both are eliminated by repurposing stone wall bocks.
• Many of these blocks are salvaged from historic buildings, bridges, and trestles. Reusing them not only preserves history, it incorporates history into your home.
Cut from dense stones such as granite and sandstone, these blocks were made for structural applications. They’ve already survived many decades in their original settings, and can continue to when properly installed.
There are few factors to consider when choosing to dry-stack or use mortar:
Our team can help you select the perfect blocks for retaining walls, seating areas and more. Whether you’re restoring historic character or creating something truly unique, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
