We specialize in traditional dry stone masonry.
Dry stone masonry is a millennia-old craft rooted in precision, patience, and an intimate understanding of stone. Each wall is built entirely without mortar – every stone carefully selected, hand-shaped, and interlocked so the structure is held together by gravity, friction, and masterful placement alone.
The result is a timeless, high-end stone structure that is both structurally resilient and visually striking. Dry stone walls are naturally self-draining, flexible, and engineered to adapt to seasonal ground movement – often lasting hundreds of years with minimal maintenance.
For clients seeking custom stonework that feels intentional, enduring, and deeply integrated into the land, dry stone masonry offers a blend of beauty, durability, and old-world craftsmanship that simply cannot be replicated with modern methods.
Our Stonework Specialties:
Hardscape Design
Stone construction is ecologically friendly and harmonious with the surrounding environment. Let us help you design comfortable, inviting outdoor living spaces that flow together, reflect your aesthetic, and are sure to impress.
Stone Walls
We are certified through the Dry Stone Wall Association of Great Britain - meaning we construct stone walls correctly with a traditional, time tested method. We specialize in all manner of stone retaining walls and freestanding walls. We regularly repair stone walls built incorrectly.
Stone Flat Work
Constructed from natural stone slabs, cobble, flagstone or concrete pavers - there are many colors, shapes, and textures to choose from. We can create anything from single stone stepping paths to driveways to large patios designed to host.
Custom Stone Features
We craft staircases, fire pits, terraces, posts, foot bridges, moon gates, formal entryways, benches, boulder art, and other custom stone designs. We regularly incorporate utilities into our stonework. Add metal or wood for added function and elegance. Let us know what you hope for, and we’ll help make it reality.
About Us
La Plata Stone Design LLC is owned and operated by Samuel Johnson. Sam is a certified Level 2 DSWA-GB dry stone waller, and a certified instructor and professional member of The Stone Trust. In additional to formal training with The Stone Trust, Sam honed his skills through 7 years of stone construction with his father in New England. Sam landed in Durango in 2015, and began La Plata Stone Design LLC in 2019. He is grateful and excited to help beautify Southwest Colorado and beyond for many years to come.
Providing stonework services to La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan, and Archuleta counties in Colorado. Will travel further for the right project.
La Plata Stone Design LLC offers high-end dry stone structures. We are locally owned and insured.
