Why We Still Build With Natural Stone When Most Use Pavers
Why We Still Build With Natural Stone When Most Use Pavers
Drive through almost any new development in Connecticut and you'll see the same thing: patios and walkways made from manufactured pavers. They're flat, cut to size, and easy to fit together. Pavers have their place, and we install plenty of them. But if you look closely at General Masonry's work, you'll see something else too: fieldstone and irregular natural stone, set by hand. That choice didn't come from a trend. It came from Italy.
An Eye Shaped by Centuries-Old Streets
Our founder trained as a mason in Italy, surrounded by streets and walls that had been standing for hundreds of years. Working among stonework that old teaches you what lasts and what looks right as it ages. He brought that eye with him when he started General Masonry in Connecticut nearly 20 years ago, and he still leads our design consultations today. His sons now run the company, but that standard hasn't changed.
Pavers Are Made to Fit. Natural Stone Is Fitted.
Manufactured pavers are designed so every piece matches the next. That consistency is why most landscapers rely on them: they're predictable and quick to lay. Natural stone works the other way. Every piece of fieldstone or irregular flagstone is a different shape, so each one has to be chosen, cut, and placed by someone who can see how it belongs in the whole. It takes more skill and more time, and the result can't be copied from a catalog.
Why Fieldstone Fits the New England Look
New England properties have a character of their own: old stone walls, wooded lots, and homes meant to settle into the land rather than sit on top of it. Fieldstone and irregular natural stone carry that same organic feel. A natural stone patio, walkway, or retaining wall built this way looks like it belongs to the property, not like it was delivered on a pallet.
What This Means for Your Project
Choosing natural stone isn't right for every yard, and we'll tell you when pavers are the better fit. If you want the full side-by-side breakdown, read our guide to natural stone vs. paver patios or our honest look at the disadvantages of stone masonry. But for homeowners building something to live with for decades, natural stone is where our craft shows most.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Stone
What is fieldstone?
Fieldstone is natural stone with irregular shapes and weathered surfaces, the same kind of stone found in the old walls that line so many New England properties. Because no two pieces are alike, fieldstone gives patios, walkways, and walls an organic, hand-built look. It requires a skilled mason to fit each stone, which is a big part of why it stands apart from uniform manufactured pavers.
Why do most landscapers use pavers instead of natural stone?
Most landscapers use manufactured pavers because they're flat, cut to consistent sizes, and easy to fit together. That makes installation faster and more predictable. Natural stone, by contrast, has irregular shapes that must be selected and fitted piece by piece, which takes more time and masonry skill. Both can be built to last, but natural stone requires a craftsman's eye to look right.
Does natural stone look better than pavers?
It depends on your home and the look you want. Natural stone, especially fieldstone and irregular flagstone, suits the organic, traditional style of many New England properties and wooded lots. Pavers offer a clean, uniform appearance that works well with modern designs. General Masonry builds with both and will recommend the material that complements your home and how you plan to use the space.
Is natural stone a good choice in Connecticut's climate?
Yes, when it's installed on a properly excavated, compacted base with good drainage. That preparation is what helps a natural stone patio, walkway, or wall hold up through Connecticut's freeze-thaw cycles without heaving or shifting. The stone itself is durable; how it's built underneath is what determines how well it lasts over the years.
Can natural stone be used for more than patios?
Absolutely. General Masonry uses natural stone for patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens, and applies natural stone veneer to walls and home exteriors. Using natural stone across several parts of an outdoor space creates a cohesive look that ties the whole property together, from the front walk to the backyard.
Want stonework with real character? General Masonry is a second-generation, family-owned masonry contractor serving Western Connecticut for nearly 20 years. Call (203) 757-5590 or request a free estimate to start planning your natural stone project.
