Timeless Stone Paving with Modern Performance Cobblestones are one of the most enduring and beautiful natural paving options you can choose for your property. Their history goes back centuries — from European streets to stately estate driveways — and today they bring that same classic charm to modern hardscaping without sacrificing performance. Unlike flagstone or larger pavers, cobbles are small, thick pieces of natural stone  — often granite, basalt, or sandstone — that are

How an old and crumbling concrete staircase was replaced with natural stone Someone contacted me about this dilapidated front stairway that was finally becoming too dangerous to traverse. Upon demolishing the steps I noticed that the curb-like cheek walls of the stairs were mostly holding together pretty well. So I started by coating those cheek walls with a fiber-reinforced stucco. The intention was to then replace the steps themselves with drystack pieces of Pennsylvania B

Stone pathways are one of the simplest ways to bring beauty, structure, and flow to an outdoor space,especially in the Seattle and Bellevue area where gardens and landscapes are meant to be enjoyed year-round. A well-designed stone path invites you into the yard, guides foot traffic naturally, and creates a sense of intention in the landscape. Whether it’s a front entry walkway or a meandering garden path, stone pathways add character while blending seamlessly with the Pacifi

Stone walls have become one of the most popular landscape features for homeowners across Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and the greater Eastside. With our region’s mix of forested hillsides, heavy seasonal rainfall, and sloped properties, stone walls offer both beauty and long-term functionality. If you’re looking to create outdoor living space, control erosion, or add natural Northwest character to your yard, a well-crafted stone wall can dramatically elevate your lan

If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor living space in Seattle or Bellevue, a custom stone patio might be exactly what your property needs. Stone patios combine natural beauty, durability, and functionality, making them a top choice for homeowners who want to create an inviting and elegant backyard retreat. Why Choose a Stone Patio? Stone patios offer a timeless appeal that complements any landscape design. Whether you prefer classic flagstone, cobblestones, or smooth pave

Designing a fence and gate to mimic the architectural style A prior customer, for whom we had once built a flagstone patio, called me up and said she had a new challenge for me. She had found this nice custom cedar gate and wanted to replace her failing cedar fence that faces a dirt alley next to a vacant field. Their house is an early-20th century stucco bungalow with very Spanish-style accents, and they had years ago remodeled their garage to a cottage that matches the styl

My latest flagstone paving venture turned out nicely despite a challenging slope situation. I got the request from a repeat customer in...

Here are some of the projects I have taken on in 2025 - some large, some small.

(it's more than just plants) Have you ever wondered how landscaping could improve your property but you don't know where to start? Look...

How we turned 40 tons of igneous rock into a thing of beauty On Mercer Island in 2007, Shepherd Stoneworks was hired to install this (among several other big-ticket items) at a waterfront property at the bottom of a very steep ravine. I now call it The Basalt Forest. The idea was to take columnar basalt spires of varying sizes, transport them down the long driveway and place them in a nice arrangement with some cement poured in and around the base for support. Soil was then l

Looking into making a hardscape using concrete pavers? Here are some of the material options available in the Seattle area. These are some of the paver projects we have done in the past. There are many other products available, of course. The local dealers to check with are Pavingstone Supply in Ballard, Mutual Materials in Bellevue and Terrazzo Stone in Factoria. They will have far more to choose from than what is available through Home Depot or Lowe's. Holland Circle pat

The structural work of a new landscape is the real foundation. When you are having a lot of hardscape installed, it's best to hire a...

Stone paving often requires a gentle and knowledgeable approach for cleaning. And we can provide it!

Revisiting an elaborate hardscape project we designed and built three years ago In 2021 we were contacted by a well-known entertainer in town. His family lives in a historic classically-designed house from the turn of the 20th Century on Capitol Hill, Seattle, and they wanted to enclose their existing antique stone gazebo with a grand raised stone patio. Many pallets of specially selected Pennsylvania Bluestone were ordered, and while the delivery was being shipped we built

Our latest project brought an updated new entryway and fence to this brick bungalow in Admiral, West Seattle. The original front steps of this 1930's house were in a state of disrepair and needed replacing. The owners wanted to replace it with something that matched in a way that would look like part of the original design of the property, so we chose a brick product that was as close of a match as possible to the rather unusual color blend of the house facade. Mutual Materia

Over the past twenty years, Shepherd Stoneworks has remodeled around 20 fireplaces. Often cladding existing brick fireplaces and other...

These pathways not only serve a practical function of guiding your steps but also add a touch of elegance and charm to any outdoor area.

Shape your outdoors, occupy your landscape, make way for the loveliness of summer. If you need help choosing ways to improve your space,...

What can you do with that part of your yard where "the sun never shines"?

Landscaping isn't just plants and lawns. Here are some ideas for expanding your living space in your yard. Entryways - stone makes a...

Landscaping isn't all just plants and soil. A good landscape requires a thoughtful process of assessing needs, strengths, ways to improve. And a lot of that is achieved through structural work - paths, stairs, sculpting a hillside into a terrace, raising a low spot to create more flat space. Walls can help turn an unusable slope into a place of comfort. Shepherd Stoneworks is a well-proven landscape construction company building in the Seattle and Bellevue area. We can look a