Brandywine Designs, LLC

10/22/2026

There are two ways we lay a stone patio.

Dry-laid (photo 1): stone set on compacted aggregate, joints filled with polymeric sand. Lower cost and easy to reset a single stone, but stones can shift and settle through freeze-thaw, as more moisture can pass through the joints.

Wet-laid (photo 2): stone bonded with mortar to a reinforced concrete slab, joints grouted. A costlier and more tedious process of installation. Rigid under furniture and heavy use, with clean, uniform joint lines and the only upkeep is cleaning.

Neither is right for every site. factors such as moisture, water table, usage, and elemental exposure can help determine which installation works best for you.

10/20/2026

This terraced wall and patio are new. The house dates to the early 19th century.

We matched the original work. The walls are parged in a stucco finish that mirrors the original house, and capped in bluestone to match the patio. On an old property the goal is simple: the new work should look like it has always been there. Here it also carries the clean lines of the home's recent renovation, so old and new read as one house.

Paoli, PA. Call to schedule a consultation: 610-203-7803.

10/13/2026

Hard at work in the Brandywine Valley: a new parking court and wall, built entirely from reclaimed materials.

The walls are full-bed masonry laid in reclaimed stone, so each wall is solid stone all the way through rather than a veneer over block. The brick cap is reclaimed brick, laid to shed water and finish the wall line. The Belgian block borders, the apron at the drive and the radial inlay are all reclaimed block. A stone landing with granite treads ties the parking court to the outbuilding door.

Reclaimed material has a century of weather on it already. It looks settled on day one and will keep looking that way.

10/06/2026

In progress: a backyard patio, seat wall, and gas-burning fireplace, built entirely in natural stone.

What's going in:

• Seat wall with rock-face full-stone caps, built to define the patio edge and give extra seating.
• Low-voltage lights set into the wall face, wired during the build so nothing is surface-mounted later.
• Fireplace with an arched stone opening, herringbone firebrick, and a timber mantel.
• Bluestone-capped benches on both sides of the fireplace for additional seating.

The patio base is prepped and the bluestone goes down next. We'll post the finished space once it's complete.

10/01/2026

Unite your outdoor living space! From house to pool, this design flows seamlessly. Bluestone and brick terrace, fieldstone fire pit, and hidden pool equipment create a serene oasis. Matching stonework on the house, the firepit and walls, and the greenhouse foundation tie everything together. Get started on your outdoor haven at the link in our bio!

09/03/2026

Just got to get it clean and hook up the gas!

08/20/2026

Bluestone edging really finishes a walkway

08/14/2026

Reclaimed Belgian Block

07/31/2026

Almost done, a lot went into this.

07/29/2026