Bluestone & Natural Stone Patios and Walkways in Raleigh, NC
Total Masonry builds custom bluestone and natural stone patios and walkways for homeowners in Raleigh, North Raleigh, Wake Forest and nearby Triangle communities. A stone patio should fit the way you use your yard: meals outside, a quiet seating area or a path connecting your home to a garden. We plan the layout, stone selection and installation around your property rather than treating every backyard the same.
Selecting your stone and style
Bluestone brings natural blue-gray tones and variations that give each installation its own character. Cut rectangular pieces suit an orderly pattern, while irregular stone creates a more informal look. Other natural stones offer different colors, textures and edge details. Look at actual material samples alongside your home's brick, siding and landscaping. Surface texture, the amount of sun and shade, and comfortable footing matter as much as color. We help you compare the options for your patio or walkway.
Designing patios for everyday living
Allow room to pull chairs away from a table and leave clear routes between doors, seating and cooking areas. A walkway should meet existing entrances neatly and feel comfortable to use. Consider where rainwater travels, nearby tree roots and changes in grade before settling on the footprint. Drainage and finished elevations need attention from the beginning; the stone surface alone cannot solve a site problem.
Quality starting at the foundation
The finished result depends on preparation as well as careful stone placement. The supporting base, bedding method and joint treatment should suit the selected stone, site conditions and intended use. Mortared and other installation approaches have different requirements. We discuss the appropriate assembly for the project, plan transitions at steps and thresholds, and pay attention to consistent joints and intentional cuts. A well-considered layout avoids awkward slivers at prominent edges.
Stone maintenance and care
Sweep away leaves and dirt, keep nearby drainage paths clear and use cleaning products suitable for the particular stone and joints. Avoid aggressive acids or high-pressure cleaning that can damage the finish or mortar. If joints open or stones move, have the cause assessed before simply filling the gaps.
