Custom Stonework

We had to replace about 40 linear feet of stone steps that lead to porches around our house. The original job (before we owned the house) was done very poorly and was an excellent example of how not to build stone steps.
It was a big job, and for stairs its very important to get the rise and run correct and to have proper slope to shed water.
Scott Bonniwell came up with a beautiful, creative way to do the job, and keep our costs down. There were several changes along the way that were no problem what so ever. He was always thinking of ways to save us money, or when we needed it, come up with smart, creative solutions.
Maybe the best thing about Scott is that he is just a wonderful guy to have around. A smart, friendly, gentle person. My wife isn’t very comfortable having workers on the property, but she instantly loved Scott and was very comfortable with him.

Custom Stonework just completed our expansion to our flagstone patio and built an outdoor fireplace. Scott and his crew did an outstanding job and we are thrilled. Had our first fire in it last night! They were on time and very tidy through the whole process. I would totally recommend his company and I would absolutely use him again.

following some interior remodeling we had a stone fireplace that needed to be repaired. scott bonniwell came out, explained what could and could not be done, gave a reasonable bid and his crew did a fantastic job. the end result looks as if the repaired area is original. great work and scott is as friendly and easy to work with as they come. we will be using him again for some stonework in a bathroom remodel soon.

My wife and I spent months searching for the right landscaper/​landscape designer and ran into so many obstacles it became a drudge!!! Nightmare is a better adjective. But after a few recommendations from neighbors and our neighborhood association’s «ListServe» we connected with a great designer (more on her later) who sent us to Daniel Stone and Landscaping Supplies on Hwy. 290 West (see separate review). Whew… what a fantastic stoneyard. So big that they to drove us around in a golf cart to see the various selections of quarry stone for our project. After selecting the stone we had to find a contractor that could install what we wanted, and who would work with us and our designer.
Custom Stonework & Scott Boniwell came highly recommended by the yard manager and after seeing his website (amazing examples of his work) I contacted Scott and arranged for a time to meet me at my home in Barton Hills. Surprisingly, it was very quick and Scott showed up right on time and surveyed the various areas slated for «hardscape». Not having a final plan we took some general measurements and discussed the removal of the sidewalk, irrigation changes (more on that later, too), the slope and grade of the yard and of course timing and cost. Having worked for a bricklayer/​stonemason in my younger years I was very familiar with the process of planning, site preparation and execution. He was confident that he could give us exactly what we envisioned and has really performed as promised. We even made a few changes «on the fly» after finding irrigation runs and drainage structure once excavation began. Not a problem. Scott took the extra day it took to reroute all of that stuff to cut large stone pieces into the pattern we chose to incorporate into our new walkway. He’s had some great ideas, and unlike many «git ‘er done» masons he’s been more interested in building something that is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional and unique.
Pictures to follow of the before and after when this is complete.
Don’t hesitate to call or email Custom Stonework if you have any rock, brick, block or stucco projects coming up. Check out their website. Scott even emailed me some photos of work that was similar to ours but not yet online.
See my upcoming reviews for Daniel’s Stone, Dirty Hands Landscape Design and of course Go With the Flow Irrigation.