Located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, Exclusive Stoneworks LLC is a design‑build firm specializing in creating durable, high‑quality outdoor living environments. They focus on blending fine craftsmanship with reliable installation so that the outdoor space you invest in looks great and lasts. With a portfolio of outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, patios, retaining walls and lighting, the company emphasizes longevity, function and style.
Who They Are
Founded in 2006 by Rich Andreu, Exclusive Stoneworks brings together heavy‑construction experience and design sensibility. Rich achieved ICPI and SRW certifications in 2007‑08, signalling a commitment to industry best practices. The firm emphasizes a “systematic approach” to both design and build, ensuring their concepts are not just beautiful on paper but structurally sound and built to last. They serve residential clients across Northern New Jersey with a mission of turning outdoor spaces into “enjoyable living” areas.
What They Offer: Service Framework
Exclusive Stoneworks offers a suite of services oriented around creating full‑fledged outdoor living spaces, not just superficial upgrades.
Outdoor Kitchens
They design and build custom outdoor kitchens with built‑in grills, brick ovens, sinks, refrigeration, prep bars and pergola structures. This service is meant to turn a backyard into a fully functional entertainment zone where cooking, dining and relaxing happen outdoors.
Fireplaces & Fire Pits
Another hallmark is custom stone fire features fireplaces and fire pits that act as gathering points. These are built with masonry craftsmanship and robust materials so they remain focal points season after season.
Patios, Walkways & Driveways
Hardscape elements serve as the foundation of any good outdoor living space. Exclusive Stoneworks offers patios, walkways and driveways crafted from high‑quality stone or pavers, installed with a focus on durability and clarity of design.
Retaining Walls & Custom Stonework
When the site involves slope, soil retention or design elevation changes, solid retaining walls and custom stonework come into play. The firm installs these with materials selected for long‑term performance.
Plantings & Landscape Lighting
To complete the environment, they integrate plantings and lighting softscape and illumination that complement stonework and extend the usability and ambience of the space into evening hours.
Why Their Work Matters
Investing in outdoor living is not just about aesthetics—it’s about how the space performs, how long it lasts, and how much value it adds to your home.
Functionality
Exclusive Stoneworks emphasizes designing based on how you will use the outdoor space—entertaining, dining, relaxing, socializing. Custom outdoor kitchens and fire features cater directly to those usages, not just decorative installations.
Aesthetics
Beyond function, their projects aim for visual harmony and style. Whether the stone blends with your home, or the layout flows from indoor to outdoor, aesthetic decisions matter. The firm’s background in custom hardscape design means material and composition choices are intentional.
Durability & Value
Because they frame their process around “designed to last,” their installations tend to incorporate proper structural base work, good materials, and craftsmanship that mitigate common failures. A well‑built patio or wall will avoid early cracking, settling or drainage issues. This means your investment remains sound over time.
Local & Specialized Expertise
Being based in New Jersey, they know regional climate, typical soil/bedrock conditions, local code/permit issues and common outdoor‑living styles. That local knowledge adds up to fewer surprises, smoother builds and better results.
Design‑Build Integration
Instead of separate designer + builder, Exclusive Stoneworks maintains an integrated approach: they design with buildability in mind and execute the build with design intent intact. This reduces communication gaps and improves outcome consistency.
The Process in Practice
Here’s how a partnership with Exclusive Stoneworks might unfold, from start to finish:
- Initial Consultation
You reach out with project ideas kitchen? fire pit? patio remodel? They discuss your goals, budget range and site particulars. Contact info shows PO Box 487, Lyndhurst NJ and phone (201) 939‑2492. - Design Phase
They translate your vision into a layout: determining placement of structures, materials, circulation, lighting, plantings and hardscape zones. Because their founder has heavy‑construction experience, the plans are buildable. - Build Phase
With design approved, the crew installs structural base, hardscape, kitchens, fireplaces, retaining walls, lighting and plantings. They emphasize proper installation for longevity. - Finishing Touches
After main build, softscape and lighting come in to complete the scene: plants, shrubs, lighting fixtures, final clean‑up and client walkthroughs. - Enjoyment & Longevity
You use the space. Because it is well built and tailored to your lifestyle, you get years of functional outdoor living rather than cosmetic short‑term upgrades. - (Optional) Maintenance
While not always highlighted as a full‑service maintenance firm, recognition of proper installation suggests fewer maintenance surprises down the line.
How to Prepare If You’re Hiring Them
To work effectively with Exclusive Stoneworks or similar firms, here are some good preparation tips:
- Define your objectives: Will this space be for cooking, entertaining, relaxing or a mix? Do you have children or pets? What features matter most?
- Establish budget & timeframe: Know roughly what you can spend and when you want the project done.
- Analyze your site: Look at slopes, existing structures, trees, drainage, utilities. This helps scope the project accurately.
- Think about materials & durability: High‑quality stone, pavers, masonry and lighting often cost more up front but save in long‑term issues. Ask about base preparation, frost protection, drainage.
- Review their portfolio & references: See past projects in similar context, ask about durability, how they handled unexpected issues.
- Be involved in design decisions: Preferences for stone type, layout, kitchen equipment, lighting temperature they matter.
- Ask about warranties or guarantees: What happens if stones shift, drainage fails, lighting wiring has issues?
- Plan for usage: Will the space be used year‑round? Do you need heaters, covers, lighting for winter months?
- Clarify scope: If you’re only looking for a simple patio upgrade, make sure the project size matches your need (they can do both large and complex builds).
Why Exclusive Stoneworks Stands Out
Here are specific attributes that give them a strong market position:
- Established Experience: Founded in 2006, nearly two decades in business.
- Certified Craftsmanship: Founder holds ICPI and SRW certifications.
- Industry Engagement: The founder serves on industry boards and committees, showing a proactive stance toward best practices.
- Integrated Design‑Build Model: One firm manages both design and execution, improving coordination and accountability.
- High‑Quality Materials & Finish: Their portfolio and testimonials highlight clean stone work, precise installation and lasting results.
- Local Knowledge: Located in Bergen County region, they know local conditions and client expectations well.
- Durability Focus: Their messaging emphasizes “designed to last,” meaning structural base, materials and installation standards matter.
Fit & Considerations
While the firm offers exceptional service, here are factors to keep in mind:
- Budget: High‑end build, custom stonework and full outdoor kitchens can come with significant cost. Make sure budget aligns with scope.
- Timeline: Custom builds can take longer than simple landscaping. Site prep, permits, materials lead times all affect schedule.
- Maintenance: Even well‑built hardscapes and outdoor kitchens need some maintenance (cleaning, sealing, lighting checks, winterizing). Plan for it.
- Scope Awareness: If you only need a simple patio or small upgrade, confirm if the build model and pricing fit your need.
- Site Complexity: Slopes, drainage issues, existing obstacles (trees, buried utilities) may add cost and time.
- Communication: Custom projects require your input and decisions be ready to engage thoughtfully in design and materials selection.
- Long‑Term Use: Think about how you’ll use the space year‑round or if seasonal use is acceptable. Features like weather protection or lighting for dusk may matter.
Choosing a firm like Exclusive Stoneworks means opting for more than a simple backyard upgrade. You’re investing in a well‑crafted outdoor space built to serve your lifestyle, designed to integrate with your home and created to stand the test of time. Well‑selected materials, proper construction practices, thoughtful design and attention to usage and durability all combine to deliver value now and over the years.
If you like, I can pull together sample project photos, cost ranges for typical builds, and questions you should ask during your consultation.
