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5 Pennsylvania Stones And Which Is The Best Fit For You

Used as one of the oldest construction materials, stone houses continue to be a top choice for homeowners, architects, and builders due to their unique benefits and renowned cozy, traditional farmhouse feel.

Originating in eastern Pennsylvania with German, Quaker and Scotch-Irish colonists, stone homes were built by settlers as this was the material used to build the homes and structures they were most familiar with.

Keeping with that tradition, today, Griffiths Construction utilizes the technique to create beautiful homes. Typically built using 6”-10” thick quarried stone –– the use of natural stone provides the authentic look and feel of the aforementioned historic homes.

We combine our stone work with deep window sills to keep with the style of the house. In addition, the Griffiths Construction team is able to point stone to match existing parts of the home as well as make new stone appear older.

When building stone homes, we offer our clients multiple varieties of stone from the state of Pennsylvania. Check out the varieties below to see more on their benefits, appearance, and projects from our portfolio. Find out which variety could be the best choice when building your next home or addition.

Pennsylvania Stones

1. Mica Schist
   This durable metamorphic rock is made mostly of mica minerals and has large grains that can be seen with the naked eye. The stone is known for its “glittery” appearance and can be found in multiple styles and shapes.Not only does it sparkle, but also depending on the type of schist, the variety of minerals can result in beautiful colors and patterns. Although Mica Schist may be a lesser-known option for dry stone construction, it’s definitely something you’ll want to consider for your next project.
2. Limestone from Western PA
   Limestone is strong and incredibly durable (it’s the material used to build the pyramids!). This particular stone also resists corrosion and can be highly polished. Limestone comes in a wide range of shades and colors and gives off a beautiful earthy feel.Limestone delivers a sophisticated appearance yet is affordable compared to other types of natural stone –– a perfect way to level up the exterior, or interior, of your home.
3. Northern PA Bluestone (Flagstone)
   This is a dense, strong, fine-grained sandstone that can be found in the northeast. The stone withstands cracking and won’t discolor, making it perfect for exterior.Besides it’s attractive look and feel, another benefit to using flagstone is that it’s slip resistant, –– making it perfect for walkways or pathways in high-traffic areas.
4. French Creek Granite
   Often used for buildings and monuments, this is a fine-grain, nearly black granite found near French Creek, Pennsylvania area. This material is known for its use in high end, luxurious projects.French Creek Granite’s strength and beauty make it a building material of choice for many looking to give their home a richer appearance.

Looking for your next home or addition to be built using dry stone construction? With over thirty years of experience, the Griffiths Construction team of craftsmen work to provide the highest quality of stone work for your project.

It’s in our mission –– we pride ourselves on executing the designs of the architects while honoring the traditions of architecture and craftsmanship that reflect our country’s history.

Let’s get the conversation started. Connect with us today to discuss the varieties of stone we can use to cultivate the home you’ve dreamt of.