Create one-of-a-kind spaces with beautiful natural stone that adds timeless character and lasting value to your property.
Natural stone has been used in construction for thousands of years, and for good reason. Each piece is unique, with colors, patterns, and textures that manufactured materials simply cannot replicate. When you choose natural stone for your home or business, you are investing in something that looks better with age and adds character that mass-produced materials never achieve.
At FMA Fontana Masonry, we specialize in custom natural stone projects that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. Whether you want a stunning stone fireplace, an elegant patio, a distinctive accent wall, or a complete outdoor kitchen, we source and install natural stone that matches your vision. Our masons have the skills to work with all types of stone, from rough fieldstone to polished granite, creating installations that will be admired for generations.
Natural stone is more than just beautiful. It is incredibly durable, requires minimal maintenance, and actually increases in value as it ages. While cheaper materials fade, crack, and need replacement, properly installed natural stone lasts for decades. In Fontana's climate, where sun, heat, and occasional weather changes affect outdoor materials, natural stone stands up to everything without losing its beauty.
Different types of natural stone have different characteristics, appearances, and best uses. Understanding your options helps you choose the stone that fits your project, budget, and style. Here are the most popular types we work with in Fontana.
Flagstone is a broad term for flat stones used in walkways, patios, and outdoor living areas. It comes in various colors including gray, tan, red, and brown. Flagstone has a natural, slightly irregular surface that provides excellent traction even when wet. We love using flagstone for patios and pathways because each piece fits together like a puzzle, creating organic patterns that look like they have always been part of the landscape.
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, making it perfect for high-traffic areas and surfaces that take abuse. It is available in countless colors and can be finished with polished, honed, or rough textures. We use granite for outdoor kitchen countertops, steps, and anywhere you need extreme durability combined with upscale appearance. Granite resists stains, heat, and weather damage better than almost any other material.
Limestone offers a softer, more refined look than granite or flagstone. It typically comes in shades of white, cream, tan, and gray. Limestone is popular for elegant outdoor spaces, pool decks, and interior accent walls. While not quite as hard as granite, it is still plenty durable for most applications. Limestone develops a beautiful patina over time, adding to its character and charm.
Slate splits naturally into flat, smooth layers, making it ideal for flooring, wall cladding, and roofing. It comes in rich colors like deep gray, black, green, and purple. Slate has a distinctive appearance with subtle color variations throughout each piece. We use slate for patio surfaces, indoor floors, and decorative wall installations where you want sophisticated style.
Fieldstone is rounded, irregular stone collected from fields and riverbeds. It creates a rustic, natural appearance perfect for retaining walls, fire pits, and casual outdoor features. Each fieldstone piece is completely unique in size and shape, giving installations a handcrafted, organic feel. We often use fieldstone when clients want a more relaxed, countryside aesthetic rather than formal elegance.
Natural stone works in countless applications, both indoors and out. Here are some of the most popular projects we create for homeowners and businesses throughout Fontana.
Stone patios and outdoor rooms become the heart of your backyard. We design and build complete outdoor living areas with stone flooring, built-in seating, fire features, and cooking areas. Natural stone stands up to weather and heavy use while creating spaces that feel like natural extensions of your home. These areas work perfectly for entertaining, family gatherings, or quiet evenings relaxing outdoors.
Stone accent walls, columns, and architectural details add visual interest and distinguish your property from every other house on the block. We create custom stone features that complement your home's style, whether traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. Interior stone walls become focal points in living rooms, dining areas, and entryways, while exterior stone elements enhance curb appeal and property value.
A stone fireplace commands attention like nothing else. We build custom stone fireplaces, both indoor and outdoor, using materials that range from rustic fieldstone to elegant limestone. Each fireplace is unique, designed to match your space and preferences. We also create fire pits, fire tables, and other stone fire features that extend your outdoor season and create gathering spots everyone loves.
Natural stone and water create magical combinations. We build stone fountains, pond surrounds, waterfall features, and pool decks that look like they have been part of the landscape forever. The combination of flowing water and textured stone adds sound, movement, and tranquility to your outdoor space. Stone water features become destination spots in your yard, places where you naturally gravitate to relax and unwind.
Stone steps and walkways do more than just get you from one place to another. They guide movement through your property while adding beauty and character. We design and install stone pathways that meander through gardens, formal walkways that lead to front entries, and steps that handle elevation changes gracefully. Each installation considers drainage, safety, and aesthetics to create functional art.
Working with natural stone requires skill, experience, and artistic vision. Each stone is different, and fitting them together in ways that look natural while providing structural integrity is both art and science. Here is how we approach every custom stone project.
We start by understanding your vision and the space where stone will be installed. What style are you going for? How will the space be used? What is your budget? We discuss different stone options and show you samples so you can see colors and textures in person. Natural stone varies significantly from quarry to quarry, so selecting the right material is crucial to achieving the look you want.
Proper preparation makes the difference between stone work that lasts decades and stone work that fails in a few years. We excavate to proper depths, install drainage systems, and create stable bases using compacted gravel and reinforced concrete. For vertical installations like walls and fireplaces, we ensure solid foundations that can support the weight of stone. This prep work is not glamorous, but it is absolutely essential.
Our masons carefully select and fit each stone. Unlike manufactured materials that are uniform, natural stone requires evaluating each piece for size, shape, color, and texture. We lay out stones, try different arrangements, and cut or shape pieces as needed to create tight fits and pleasing patterns. This process cannot be rushed. Quality stone work comes from taking time to get each piece right.
We set stones using appropriate mortars and techniques for the specific stone type and application. Different stones require different installation methods, and we have the experience to know what works best. After installation, we clean the stone, apply sealers if appropriate, and add finishing touches. The result is custom stone work that looks beautiful immediately and will continue looking great for years to come.
Custom natural stone projects typically take longer than standard masonry work because of the artistic nature and individual attention each stone requires. A small stone patio might take a week, while an elaborate outdoor living space with multiple stone features could take several weeks. We provide realistic timelines and keep you informed throughout the process.
The investment in custom natural stone pays dividends for decades. Unlike manufactured materials that look dated after a few years, natural stone remains timeless. It requires minimal maintenance, holds up to Fontana's climate beautifully, and actually increases in value as it develops a natural patina. When you choose natural stone with FMA Fontana Masonry, you are creating something that lasts.
Let us help you design and build custom natural stone features that enhance your property and stand the test of time. Call FMA Fontana Masonry at 909-587-5725 for a consultation.
Start Your Custom ProjectNatural stone projects vary widely in cost depending on the stone type, project size, complexity, and installation requirements. As a general guide, flagstone patios typically cost $15 to $30 per square foot installed. Higher-end stones like polished granite or limestone can run $30 to $60 per square foot or more.
Vertical installations like stone veneer walls or fireplaces typically range from $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on the stone and design complexity. Custom features like outdoor kitchens, water features, or elaborate fire pits require individual estimates based on the specific design and materials.
While natural stone costs more upfront than manufactured alternatives, it lasts much longer and requires less maintenance over its lifetime. When you factor in longevity and the added property value, natural stone often proves to be the better investment. We provide detailed estimates so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
Natural stone is surprisingly low maintenance, especially when properly sealed during installation. For outdoor stone patios and walkways, regular sweeping and occasional washing with mild soap and water is usually all you need. We recommend resealing stone surfaces every two to five years depending on the stone type and exposure to weather.
Indoor stone requires even less maintenance. Sweep or vacuum regularly and clean spills promptly to prevent staining. Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners that can damage the stone or sealer. Most homeowners find that natural stone is easier to maintain than many manufactured alternatives.
We provide detailed care instructions for your specific stone type when we complete your project. If you ever notice any issues or have questions about maintenance, we are just a phone call away. Proper care ensures your natural stone looks beautiful for decades with minimal effort.
Absolutely. Natural stone is one of the best materials for our climate. It handles intense sun without fading, stays cool enough to walk on even in summer heat, and is not affected by occasional rain or temperature changes. Stone has been used in hot climates around the world for thousands of years precisely because it performs so well.
In Fontana, we do not deal with freeze-thaw cycles that cause problems for stone in colder regions. This means you do not have to worry about stone cracking or spalling from temperature extremes. The main considerations are proper drainage to prevent water pooling and occasional resealing to maintain stain resistance.
Natural stone actually looks better as it weathers. It develops character and patina over time, unlike manufactured materials that simply look worn out. When we install natural stone in Fontana, we are confident it will look great and perform well for decades, regardless of what weather comes its way.
