Courtyard Stone Patio and Deck Stairs
A narrow back yard with a problematic old deck and junky patio was the problem – our services were requested to re-work the whole area and to create a more level space. This was the result. – - The site, as it previously existed, was a mishmash of odds and ends – a combination of [...]
Stone Fireplace Surrounds around Seattle
Please have a look at some of our past fireplace surrounds in the Greater Seattle Area…
Europa Blocks – Seating Wall and Firepit
We built this a couple of winters ago. It sounded simple enough when I suggested the shape and the material, but there were a lot of challenges in making these structures because of the design of these particular blocks and the way they go together. Nevertheless, we pulled it off. Oh, and did I mention [...]
Landscaping With Stone – How plants accentuate stone and vice versa
The elements of your landscape should work together in harmony. If everything is jam-packed with plants and there are no structures or features to bring shape to the design and to act as visual focal points then the design will lack balance. By the same token, if it’s nothing but paving and hardscaping with little [...]
Stone Walls For Your Landscape
A natural stone retaining wall can be a true work of art and can add value to your home. It’s a satisfying addition to a well-designed landscape but it also functions well over time, resisting the damage caused by groundwater in lesser walls. Our dry-stacked stone walls are built with the proper construction technique often [...]
Stone Steps – Slab Stone vs. Tread & Riser
Stone stairs can basically be built one of two ways: either by using solid stone slabs stacked one after the next or by assembling some combination of treads & risers. There are a number of variations within these categories, of course. The tread & riser style, for instance, can be done completely without mortar, but [...]
Mark Shepherd
With over 15 years of experience crafting beautiful stonework & amazing landscape designs, Mark Shepherd invites you to share in articles on stone materials, building practices, history, and documenting his projects as they happen.
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Courtyard Stone Patio and Deck Stairs
A narrow back yard with a problematic old deck and junky patio was the problem – our services were requested to re-work the whole area and to create a more level space. This was the result. - - The site, as it previously existed, was a mishmash of odds and ends – a combination of [...]
Stone Fireplace Surrounds around Seattle
Please have a look at some of our past fireplace surrounds in the Greater Seattle Area…
Europa Blocks – Seating Wall and Firepit
We built this a couple of winters ago. It sounded simple enough when I suggested the shape and the material, but there were a lot of challenges in making these structures because of the design of these particular blocks and the way they go together. Nevertheless, we pulled it off. Oh, and did I mention [...]
Landscaping With Stone – How plants accentuate stone and vice versa
The elements of your landscape should work together in harmony. If everything is jam-packed with plants and there are no structures or features to bring shape to the design and to act as visual focal points then the design will lack balance. By the same token, if it’s nothing but paving and hardscaping with little [...]
Stone Walls For Your Landscape
A natural stone retaining wall can be a true work of art and can add value to your home. It’s a satisfying addition to a well-designed landscape but it also functions well over time, resisting the damage caused by groundwater in lesser walls. Our dry-stacked stone walls are built with the proper construction technique often [...]
Stone Steps – Slab Stone vs. Tread & Riser
Stone stairs can basically be built one of two ways: either by using solid stone slabs stacked one after the next or by assembling some combination of treads & risers. There are a number of variations within these categories, of course. The tread & riser style, for instance, can be done completely without mortar, but [...]
