Rebuilding an Entryway with Natural Stone in Media, PA
Some projects start with a clear goal: remove what no longer works and rebuild it properly.
In this case, the existing entryway—pavers, walls, steps, and flatwork dating back to the early 2000s—had reached the end of its useful life. Materials were outdated, the layout felt heavy, and the structure no longer matched the home or the landscape around it.
We removed everything, hauled it off-site, and rebuilt the entire approach using natural stone—designed to sit comfortably with the property rather than fight it.
Clearing the Old to Make Room for the Right Materials
The first step was demolition. All existing pavers, retaining walls, steps, and landings were removed completely. That cleared the way for a fresh build that could be designed as a cohesive system instead of a patchwork of fixes.
Once the site was opened up, we could address grades, transitions, and how the entry should actually function—both visually and structurally.
Working with Large-Format Natural Stone
The new entryway was built using large-format boulders sourced from Rolling Rock Quarry. These stones weren’t pre-sized for steps—they were full pieces that we fabricated on-site to create consistent risers, treads, and landings.
That process takes time and precision. Each stone is shaped to fit its location, taking into account rise, run, and how the weight of the stone locks into the structure below it.
Building Steps That Feel Anchored
Rather than relying on uniform manufactured units, we built the steps as a series of solid stone elements, each seated on a compacted base and tied into the surrounding walls.
The goal wasn’t symmetry for its own sake—it was balance. The steps needed to feel grounded, comfortable to walk, and visually calm as they move up the slope.
Letting the Landscape Be Part of the Design
This entryway sits among mature trees and established plantings, so the stonework needed to work with that setting—not overpower it.
The retaining walls were kept low and horizontal, using the natural variation in the stone to soften transitions. The result is an approach that feels settled into the property rather than imposed on it.
A Finished Entry That Will Age Well
Once completed, the new entryway feels quieter and more intentional. The stone will weather naturally, the structure is built to last, and the overall look fits the home and site without drawing unnecessary attention to itself.
That’s the goal with work like this—build it once, build it right, and let it belong there.
