If Stones Could Talk

A Baltimore Brick Tale, By John Houlihan

Kim — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 15:41:16 +0000

Baltimore Brick Up Close & Personal

As you may have heard, our newest blend of reclaimed thin brick from Baltimore has quite the story behind it, and at the same time supports a great cause that involves, both repurposing old materials as well as providing employment opportunities for its local residents. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel down to Baltimore to have an up close and personal look for myself and at the same time discuss a unique project that is currently underway.

Upon my arrival, I met with Max Pollock, the Materials Manager at Details Deconstruction. They are a social enterprise of Humanim, a 501 (c) (3) based in Baltimore that uses deconstruction as a means towards creating employment, reducing waste sent to landfills, and salvaging the materials for reuse.

The deconstruction process begins! The Baltimore Brick row houses were built between 1905-1915.

On the day of my visit, the unit they were working on had been built back in 1905. The construction methods used at that time called for the brick to be used both structurally as well as aesthetically. Brick was used not only used on the outside walls but was also used on the inner and fire walls as well. The overall color of this brick trends towards the orange spectrum as opposed to the darker reds found in our New England blends. This is due to the natural clay colors found in the regions. Soot stained blacks, as well as elements of lime-washed pieces, are also present, ultimately giving this blend its unique overall character.

Workers sort the brick on site.

One or many piles to be sorted.

Along with endless pieces of brick being sorted for reuse, I was able to look over piles of beautiful wood beams, and stacks of wood flooring. All of this reclaimed material was on its way to the warehouse for further prepping. The majority of the wood had already been sold. Max also pointed out some interesting palletized marble steps. The marble was cut from the same quarry as the stone cut for the Washington Monument!

The final step in the process was stacking and palletizing for transport. Many of them being shipped to Stone Farm in New England, then of course cut into the product we know and love– thin brick veneer!

Baltimore brick is palletized and ready to roll!

The story of the historic San Domingo Farm, c. 1805 in St Michaels, MD circles us back to our current project topic. The homeowner wanted to tie in the garage/carriage house with the existing historic home. This was made possible by changing the architecture of the building from a saltbox style to a Cape Cod and then enhancing the exterior with a full veneer application of Baltimore Brick. The end result was continuity in both structures.

Baltimore Brick makes a historic statement on the exterior of this carriage house.

Contact Stone Farm should this story and product line peak your interest! The project possibilities are endless with this unique repurposed material, from accent walls and kitchen backsplashes to instant ambience for a man-cave or a wine bar.

If you are in the mid-Atlantic region, Stone Farm also keeps palletized product in our Maryland yard for a quicker turnaround.

Follow Stone Farm on Instagram & Pinterest!

And….be sure to follow Baltimore Brick By Brick–a great blog written by Max Pollock, updated with the latest finds from the streets of Baltimore–always a good read!

Cheers!

John Houlihan, Stone Farm Rep.

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Creating a Reclaimed Stone Veneer Landscape Wall

Kim — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 14:20:22 +0000

We love to tell a good story with photos and this one fits the bill perfectly! Reclaimed Stone Veneer is a versatile product that can allow for some varied project applications, always with a unique end result.

Step 1: The granite is prepared for splitting and trimming the material.

A drill is used to start the process of shaping the veneer into squares and rectangles.

A perfect initial break is created. From this stage, two more pieces will be created.

Stone Farm’s stone veneer is harvested from a variety of sources such as curbing, cobblestones, reclaimed foundation blocks and parts of old buildings. It is then sorted by color, texture, and shape. The next stage is to split it and trim it down to squares and rectangles with dimensions being from 4-7″ thick. This blend then comes together to create a unique combination of weathered and worn stone. Taking it one step further, this stone can be sawn into a thin veneer, that then becomes a cool application for the side of a house or an interior accent wall. It’s not just for the landscape any more!

Packaged on pallets for easy distribution, this is one versatile product!

A unique landscape wall is completed!

Stone Farm would love to hear from you to discuss the customizable uses of reclaimed stone veneer. The project possibilities are both endless and out of the box!

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How to Create an Outdoor Kitchen Design in 5 Easy Steps!

Kim — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 20:22:41 +0000

Summer is fast approaching and many of you may be thinking about upgrading your backyard living space by adding an outdoor kitchen. What’s not to love about expanding your home’s entertaining space and enjoying more time outdoors with family and friends. It may seem like a daunting task, but Stone Farm can make this a simple and enjoyable process.

Here is how it works:

The process starts with a simple sketch…nothing fancy. Provide us with a quick hand drawn sketch, including the dimensions. Our kitchen specialist will then transform your sketch into a 3D rendering.
Decide between 2 cabinet options–1)cabinets custom made from perma-base or 2) a Stone Age cabinet system is made with concrete panels that require custom cutting on site.
Choose a cabinet layout and fill it with your favorite stainless options such as a commercial grill, refrigeration, trash drawer, and storage.
The grill of choice either a Sizzler, TRL or Alturi will then be decided upon and inserted into the layout.
Work with your contractor or dealer to decide on the final veneering option as well as final installation details.

Lead time for cabinets is approximately 2-14 days based on seasonality.

Example of a finished 3D rendering.

We hope this easy step by step has sparked your interest and imagination on how you can transform your own backyard this upcoming season! Additionally, we have our own in-house outdoor kitchen designer, Lauren DiMartino, who can help get you started and put your dreams on paper!

If you’re looking for a Stone Farm dealer or contractor near you –give us a call!

Tel: 203-270-2900

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8 Reasons Why You Should Invest In An Outdoor Pizza Oven Kit!

Kim — Mon, 18 May 2015 15:54:45 +0000

If you ask someone what their favorite food is, what do most people answer? PIZZA! It’s definitely on the top of many lists out there! If you are a true foodie and you crave quality ingredients and authentic cooking experiences, our easily installed outdoor pizza oven kit could be for you.

Here are some reasons we here at Stone Farm love them!

Two guys=4 Hours! This is the approximate amount of time it takes to assemble our outdoor pizza oven kit.
Instant gratification! Our outdoor pizza oven kits cooks a pizza in under five minutes, quickly reaching 500-700 degrees.
Bring on the party! Our Stone Age pizza oven kits cook multiple pizzas at the same time. The Amerigo, featured here, holds 2 x 18″ pizzas & 1 x 12″.
It’s all about the crust! A better-tasting pizza due to even heat distribution.
Flavor boost! Hickory, pecan, mesquite and other woods chips can be added based on flavor preference to kick it up a notch!
From garden to oven! A wood-fired oven cooks vegetables & fruits very quickly, retaining nutrients and antioxidants.
Going Green! An outdoor pizza oven is a great way to save energy consumption–no electricity or gas required!
Bonus Baking! You can bake bread, roast meats, veggies and more!
Amerigo pizza oven kit installed and veneered with a natural Pennsylvania Thin Fieldstone. This unique stone adds an authentic look to this oven.

Shown above, is a stand out project featuring an installation of our Amerigo pizza oven kit from our friends at All Island Landscape in Portsmouth, RI. With basic masonry skills, these pizza ovens can be built in 3-4 hours–so easy! Once the install is complete, simply finish with the exterior product of choice (natural stone veneer, stucco ect). Our pizza ovens are easily customizable and compliment any outdoor kitchen design you may currently have in place or are planning to add.

Rear view of pizza oven–this section wraps around into the outdoor grill. A great use of space!

Contact Stone Farm if you are ready to take your outdoor grilling to a new culinary level with a pizza oven or more! Lots of options, lots of designs available to fit the needs of your backyard!

203-270-2900

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Who Doesn’t Love a Smart Reclaimed Brick Paver?

Kim — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 19:12:11 +0000

At Stone Farm, we love a fresh find with an interesting story behind it! Our recent reclamation of paving bricks has just that! We are currently in possession of about 10,000 square feet of very intelligent, well-educated reclaimed brick pavers complete with old school charm. That charm features a varied range of colors that include black tones, reds, and maroons along with the rough, textured surfaces that only old school bricks could possess.

Where have they come from? None other than the Massachusetts Institue of Technology in Cambridge, MA. Millions of educated feet have enjoyed creating a smooth, worn surface on these bricks over many years dating back to the mid to late 1800’s. That is a LOT of feet.

These brick pavers possess both strength and durability, with an authentic vintage appearance, making them perfect for a myriad of different projects.

Here is a great reference for paving patterns!

We would love to hear from you when you are ready to discuss your next project. Lots of possibilities with this reclaimed material and we have a healthy supply of these bricks on hand!

203-270-2900

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Building a More Unique Granite Block Retaining Wall

Kim — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 18:48:14 +0000

Pictured here is one COOL reclaimed stone wall! What’s the secret? The use of semi-dimensional granite blocks!

Retaining walls are truly a staple of landscape construction and design, serving as both a design element as well as a structure that retains soil and unnatural slopes. We see these walls all around us in the environment. What is it that makes one wall more beautiful or unique over another? It comes down to the shape, texture and color of the stone and how it all comes together as a finished product. The use of semi-dimensional granite blocks can certainly aid in achieving this look!

Larger blocks mean less labor is needed! This is a good thing!

Semi-dimensional granite blocks traditionally come from a variety of resources that range from old railroad trestle supports to vintage mill foundations. The end result is NOT a uniform look. A mix of rough and smooth faces and textures in various sizes combined with a variety of patinas allow for a wall to take shape that will always be a one of a kind stand out.

A unique outdoor patio and sitting area constructed using the BIG blocks.

The thickness of these walls will be approximately 18-20″ giving a strength and durability that will stand the test of time. As these walls are being constructed, small cobblestones and other reclaimed granite pieces are used to fill in open spaces adding yet another layer of character.

Why does this wall stand out? Patina!

Stone Farm currently has great stock on these granite blocks. Please contact us to discuss project possibilities from a unique stone wall to an accent piece or even something out of the box!

203-270-2900

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Outdoor Kitchen and Fireplace Rock Avon, CT Backyard!

Kim — Fri, 27 Mar 2015 15:03:02 +0000

Spring has finally sprung and Stone Farm would like to showcase an inspirational Outdoor Living project that took place last year in Avon, CT. Working in conjunction with one of our dealers, New England Silica, our outdoor living products enabled this project to come together seamlessly for popular local contractor, Starr Contracting.

The centerpiece of this project is a 48″ Contractor Fireplace. This customizable fireplace kit contains the essential elements of fireplace and chimney with additional items left optional. The clients own choice of mantel, firebrick and hearth options were added, along with a large build out by using a beautiful natural stone veneer. Starr modified the fireplace to give its walls a thicker appearance, with a more robust top.

At the heart of the Outdoor Kitchen is our highest selling grill, the Summerset TRL 32″ grill. The TRL is a fully loaded workhorse with many high-end luxury features. From interior lighting, flame thrower valves and an infrared sear zone to exterior LED’s that give this grill a very cool night time aura, this grill is truly a perfect commercial-grade option. We love the small bar area built at the end of the grill island, so the chef can still be social while working the grill.

Here is some feedback from owner, Peter Starr, from Starr Contracting; “We found the products extremely easy to use, with installation being much easier than expected. The products provided a greater structural strength and shape compared to traditional full depth stone.” We always love to hear this–basically, Stone Farm likes to make the ‘guts of your project easy’ so the contractors skills can shine.

We hope this example of an amazing outdoor living space has sparked your interest and imagination on how you can transform your own backyard this upcoming season! Additionally, we have our own in-house outdoor kitchen designer, Lauren DiMartino, who can help get you started and put your dreams on paper!

If you’re looking for a Stone Farm dealer or contractor near you –give us a call!

To see any of these items on display, visit New England Silica in South Windsor, Connecticut. They can be reached at 860-289-7778

Tel: 203-270-2900

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Outdoor Living Madness–Dealer Training Event 2015

Kim — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 20:35:32 +0000

Which would you prefer to sell…this outdoor fire pit hand dug in Boston, or one of our unique, flaming boulders?

After the winter we’ve been through here in the northeast, it was a pleasure to totally focus on the world of outdoor living this week, at our Dealer Training event in nearby Southbury, CT. Outdoor Kitchens, Outdoor Firepits, Outdoor Fireplaces, Pizza Ovens and our new Bioethanol Burners were hot agenda topics.

A few of the highlights of this educational event included:

The latest on Stone Age outdoor fireplace products as well as kitchen cabinets.
Outdoor kitchens including planning & design.
Key selling points of pizza ovens.
Exciting product launch of our new Bioethanol burners.
Update on what’s new with Summerset outdoor kitchen appliances.
Gaining more exposure through the internet and social media.

These photos speak more than words–what an informative day it was for our dealers!

It turned out to be a great crowd!

John Houlihan explains how to build an outdoor fireplace from the ground up with our Stone Age kit.

Bring on the heavy lifters for what was a simple construction process in building this Stone Age outdoor fireplace kit.

Lauren lights our new Bioethanol Burner, which is portable, requires no plumbing and adds instant ambience.

Thanks again everyone! From the Stone Farm team.

We want to thank our dealers for breaking out of their snowbound locales and attending our event. We’re looking forward to a great 2015!

203-270-2900

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HGTV Features Reclaimed Thin Brick

Kim — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:01:04 +0000

In October 2014, Stone Farm’s reclaimed thin brick veneer was featured on an HGTV episode of House Hunters Renovation. The home featured, was in need of a kitchen and mudroom renovation. Working in conjunction with our good friend and Interior Designer, Elizabeth Benedict, these rooms were brought back to life with a modern feel and a splash of color! Thanks to her keen and talented design eye, the needs of this couple were not only met, but surpassed with what turned out to be a stunning renovation! Our reclaimed thin brick was literally at the center of the action, and was used as central design element covering an internal chimney that benefitted greatly from this facelift. The end result is that it has now become a unique focal point that adds a dash of character and old world charm to this eclectic kitchen.

Thin Brick Veneer becomes the focal point of this kitchen during the early phase of the renovation. Let the transformation begin!

We love the touches of red used in this hip renovation along with the attention to detail of many of the design elements….right down to the basketweave pattern created with the use of our brick tile.

What a fresh and stunning finished product!

We hope this reclaimed thin brick project inspires you to transform a space inside your home. Stone Farm would love to hear from you and talk about the endless possibilities of using this versatile interior product in your residential or commercial space.

203-270-2900

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Brick, Brew and Chocolate – Baltimore

Stonelak — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 21:39:00 +0000

If you followed some of my posts from Belgium last year, you know that I love Brick, Brew (beer or coffee!), and chocolate! In essence, 3 simple reasons why I loved Brugges so much. A recent quick trip to Baltimore showed me some of the same!

We are currently working on a project with Details Construction – who have a great ‘deconstruction’ project going on in Baltimore, which is documented nicely in their blog: Baltimorebrickbybrick.com. We are buying brick that they are reclaiming, to cut into thin brick veneer. The night before I got to meet their team and see the project, someone recommended I check out XS.

If you like open space, the warm feel of brick, and of course chocolate and beer, this place nails it (they are really known for Sushi)! I didn’t even want the chocolate, but when I saw they had Chocolate Lasagna on the menu, it had to be ordered! Check this restaurant out if you happen to be in the local area.

This photo says it all! A good brew, my chocolate lasagna and of course reclaimed brick creating a really great ambience!

A great local restaurant find in the heart of Baltimore–the architectural highlight here: reclaimed brick..of course!

Beloved Baltimore brick creates both warmth and ambience at XS.

If you’re inspired to use our Reclaimed Thin Brick Veneer to transform your commercial or residential space–Stone Farm would love to hear from you! And…stay tuned for more on our Baltimore Brick story!

203-270-2900

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