A Guide to Historic Stone Restoration (Featuring the Edgewood Project)

Central Virginia is rich with history. Many of our most beautiful properties have vintage stone walkways, walls, and features that give them their unique character.

The tragedy is that many "contractors" see this irreplaceable stonework as a "problem" to be torn out and replaced with modern pavers. We see it as an asset to be saved.

This guide explains the art of restoration—a process of care and craftsmanship that preserves your home's historic charm. This is a core part of our philosophy, which we detail in our Ultimate Hardscape Planning Guide.

Featured Project: The Gardens at Edgewood (c. 1818)

We were honored to be selected to restore a piece of Amherst history. The gardens at the historic Edgewood property (c. 1818) had a beautiful flagstone path that had been completely buried under years of soil and weeds.

This was not a job for a standard "patio installer." This was a careful archaeological and restoration project.

  • The Challenge: To reclaim the original path without damaging the 200-year-old stones or the garden's historic structure.

  • Our Process: Our team meticulously uncovered and hand-excavated the entire walkway. We carefully numbered, lifted, and cleaned each original flagstone.

  • The Restoration: After excavating, we built a new, modern, structural base underneath the path—the same kind of base we build for our new patios. This ensures the path will now be stable, level, and drain properly for the next 200 years.

  • The Result: We re-set the original, reclaimed stones in their historic pattern on top of the new, stable base. The garden’s original structure and beauty were restored.

The overgrown grassy slope at the Gardens at Edgewood before the historic flagstone path was uncovered and restored.
A restored historic flagstone path at the Gardens at Edgewood, winding through a green lawn after being reclaimed by Mr. B's Lawn & Garden Care.
The historic plaque at Edgewood in Amherst, VA, showing its place on the National Register of Historic Places, circa 1818.
A section of the reclaimed historic flagstone walkway at Edgewood, running alongside a green-paneled building.

Restoration vs. Replacement

Why save old stone? Because you can't buy history.

  • Restoration: The process of lifting, cleaning, and re-setting existing stones. We repair what's broken and build a new, proper foundation underneath. The goal is to preserve the original materials and character.

  • Replacement: Tearing out the old stone and hauling it to a landfill, then installing a brand-new paver patio. This is often "easier" for a contractor, but the home's unique character is lost forever.

Do You Have a Historic Stone Feature?

If your property has an old stone walkway, a family heirloom wall, or a historic feature that has become uneven, overgrown, or unstable, don't let it be torn out.

In most cases, the original stone is still in perfect condition and can be saved. The failure is almost always in the base underneath. We have the expertise to:

  • Carefully lift and catalogue your existing stones.

  • Excavate the old, failed base.

  • Install a new, professional-grade base.

  • Re-install your beautiful, original stones so they are level, safe, and secure.

We Are Craftsmen, Not Just Installers

This is the level of care and detail we bring to every project, whether it's a new installation or a historic restoration. We are a fully insured team that respects the properties we work on.

If you have a historic walkway, a family wall, or any stone feature that needs expert care, contact us to see how we can save it.

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