The Beauty of Natural Stone

If you know Thunderbird, you know that we have a special place in our hearts for natural stone. There is something timeless about how each piece has its own shape, texture, color, and character. When thoughtfully installed, natural stone can make a landscape feel as though it has always been there.

What made this project even more unique is that we got to incorporate different types of sandstone into retaining walls, step installations, a porch installation, and a custom planter. Another bonus is that all of this sandstone is locally sourced from a local quarry in Butler County, right outside of Pittsburgh, PA.

The result is a landscape that combines function, durability, and beauty that blends naturally.

Starting with Natural Sandstone

Using locally sourced stone gives the project a sense of place while also allowing us to work with a material that has natural variation throughout. Rather than every stone looking identical, the different shapes, textures, and tones create a more finished project.

We typically go to the quarry ourselves and take a look at the sandstone before we take it to the job site. For this project, we took a special guest to the quarry- Aaron's dad! Together, they took a look at the different machines used for cutting the stone as well as the stone itself.

Before installation, each piece has to be considered for its individual characteristics. Natural stone isn't simply placed wherever it fits. Our team takes a look at the size, shape, thickness, and face of each piece to determine where it will work best within the overall design. The real skill comes in when we have to chisel different pieces that will be corners, or if we think a specific shape would look better with a little extra work. We would be lying if we didn't say that we hold our breath a little every time, but it is always worth it.

That process of selecting and fitting the stone is a large part of what gives natural stone its handcrafted and natural finish. Now, let's check out each element of this project!

Building the Retaining Walls

Sandstone retaining walls are more than just a visual showstopper. They are designed to last 100+ years, far longer than other materials, giving you peace of mind for your lifetime.

A successful retaining wall starts well below the surface. Proper base preparation and drainage are essential to creating a wall that can withstand soil pressure and the changing conditions of the Pittsburgh environment.

Once the aggregate is compacted and prepared, the stones are carefully placed and fitted together. Each one is hand-picked for its stability and placed to create a natural and cohesive appearance.

With natural stone, the goal isn't necessarily to make every line perfectly uniform. Instead, we work with the natural characteristics of the material while maintaining a structurally sound installation.

Creating Natural Stone Steps

This project also included multiple step installations. Stone steps require more than simply placing large pieces of stone on a slope. Each step is carefully positioned and leveled so that the finished staircase is comfortable to walk on and properly integrated into the surrounding grade.

The stones were selected and installed to create a natural transition between different areas of the property. The result is a series of functional pathways that feel like part of the landscape rather than something added afterward.

A Complete Porch and Entryway

Another major element of the project was the construction of a full porch with accompanying steps. The porch creates a natural transition space providing a more defined connection between home and the landscape.

We used Techo Blu60 HD2 Pavers that blend in perfectly with the natural sandstone while the steps tie it all together. So much careful consideration went into each detail and cut that was made.

Finishing with a Custom Planter

Small details make a big impact. Along with retaining walls, we incorporated a custom planter, which is a perfect addition to add a soft touch with different types of plants. It's a simple feature, but details like this turn a functional hardscape project into a complete and beautiful project with a unique feature.

Why Material Selection Matters

Natural stone is one of those materials that can completely change the character of a landscape.

Sandstone brings warmth and variation that can be difficult to replicate with manufactured projects. Because each piece is naturally different, the finished installation has depth and character that develops even further as the landscape matures.

If you're looking for professional landscape design, natural stone retaining walls, custom stone steps, or hardscaping in Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding areas, our team delivers quality craftsmanship and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces built to complement your property for years to come.