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Finding a Recycled Brownstone Slab

RickGreg | Posted in General Discussion on September 29, 2005 03:29am

We are approaching completion of our renovation project… will post before/after pics as soon as the garage doors go on.

I am now looking for an old brownstone/redstone slab to use as a stoop to the front door. These were used often on older colonial homes here in central CT and I like the look. Needs to be at least 8 in x 6 ft x 2 ft. Can go larger in any dimension.

Can anyone suggest where to find a discard like this from an old house?

Thanks as always.

Reply

Replies

  1. Winchester | Sep 29, 2005 07:27pm | #1

    Did you try Stamford Wrecking?

    1. RickGreg | Sep 29, 2005 07:56pm | #2

      Have not.. but I will look up local wrecking cos. Thx.

  2. PeteBradley | Sep 29, 2005 09:09pm | #3

    Probably not as cheap as used, but the original Portland brownstone quarry is cutting again. See: http://www.brownstonequarry.com/

    Pete

  3. WayneL5 | Sep 30, 2005 01:06am | #4

    I tried in upstate NY and couldn't.  It is in such demand that people hoard it or want unreasonable prices.  I hope you can find it because it would look swell.

    In case you can't, colored concrete is an alternative.  Here's a photo of a porch I designed for my house.  The color doesn't come through on the computer well, but you'd get the point.  The color was added as a powdered dye to the mix, not applied to the surface.  I had it ready and had the driver add it to the truck when he arrived.  Follow the manufacturer's recommendation.  Don't skim or it will fade to pink. http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=35025.3

    You could dye the concrete and also color the surface with a slightly different color to give a more stone-like look.

    The slab is 6" thick, but was thinned to 3" at the edge to look better.  There is a special detail so it won't crack which I can explain if you are interested.

  4. notagain | Sep 30, 2005 03:05am | #5

    RickGreg,

    You should try this construction co in Portland, Ct. I cant remember their name, I'll try and find it. They are on Rt66 almost directly across the street from where Rt 17 from Glastonbury T's into it. Across the street from Dairy Queen.

    They are an excavation co who does a lot of work in Portland and saves/salvages a lot of brownstone pieces. Keep in mind this was a few years ago but it's worth a shot. I bought a lot of brownstone pieces from them, nice stuff, some sidewalk sized pieces too!

    Next best place would be Better Stones in East Hartford, CT on Burnside Ave. They might have it, they could certainly get it...........for a price.

    Good Luck. Rod

    1. notagain | Sep 30, 2005 03:21am | #6

      Me again,RickGreg, I'm sure you know that granite was used for front steps also. I work on old houses and barns and I just happen to have a 6" x 30" x 10' granite step in my truck. Had the excavator on the jobsite put it in today so I could bring it home. I bartered for it and a few other stones.If you might be interested....................If I drop it in my yard, it stays put because I don't have a machine to move it.

      1. RickGreg | Sep 30, 2005 03:34am | #7

        Notagain-Thanks for the info and the offer. I want to put a little more effort into my brownstone search, but granite is the fallback position. I'll see if I can track down the excavator you mentioned.I'm sure you want to get that slab off your truck, so I'll have to take a pass for now. By the way, I'm across the river in Farmington.Thx.-Rick

      2. RickGreg | Sep 30, 2005 03:44am | #8

        Rod-Could this be the outfit?
           
        Valli Construction Co Inc
        80 Sand Hill Road, Portland, CT 06480
        (860) 342-3123 They're an excavator and located pretty close the intersection of 17 and 66.Google them and it will show you a map.Thanks again.

        1. notagain | Sep 30, 2005 01:04pm | #9

          That's the one! Good luck to you, there's a good chance he'll have something..............or know where something is.I'm in Colchester, but once spent 2 years in Devonwood doing contemporary work.........had to get back to what I like doing........the old 18th Century stuff. Rod

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