When you want to turn your outdoor area into both a functional and beautiful extension of your home, you need a partner who excels in both design and construction. Exclusive Stoneworks, based in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, has built a reputation for crafting bespoke outdoor living spaces centered on stonework and hardscapes. Their service area covers a wide region of Northern New Jersey and they offer everything from full outdoor kitchens to patios, driveways, retaining walls and lighting. Their mission emphasises high quality, craftsmanship and client‑focused service. In this article we’ll explore how they operate, what services they offer, why their work matters and what you should keep in mind if you’re considering engaging them.
Who They Are
Exclusive Stoneworks was founded in 2006 by Rich Andreu with the intention of creating unique outdoor living spaces. They describe themselves as an award‑winning design/build firm dedicated to “creating outdoor spaces and landscapes for enjoyable living”. Based in Lyndhurst, NJ, they have almost two decades of experience and serve a large portion of Northern New Jersey across many towns. Their team consists of skilled craftsmen, designers and installers who follow a systematic process from design through build to ensure durability and aesthetics.
What They Offer: Service Framework
Exclusive Stoneworks structures its service offerings into key segments each contributing to creating an outdoor environment that works and looks great.
Outdoor Kitchens
One major service is the design and build of custom outdoor kitchens. On their website they note the ability to incorporate built‑in grills, brick ovens, prep areas, sinks, refrigerators, TV cabinets, pergolas and more. If you like to entertain outdoors or want a functional al fresco cooking zone, this is their forte.
Fireplaces & Fire Pits
They also specialise in custom fireplaces and fire pits. These stone features serve as gathering focal points, adding warmth, ambiance and usable outdoor time across seasons. Whether for marshmallow roasting, outdoor dining or simply relaxing by firelight, these features elevate a yard.
Patios, Walkways & Driveways
The hardscape foundation of any outdoor living space often lies in the patio, walkway and driveway. Exclusive Stoneworks emphasizes proper installation with high‑quality materials and craftsmanship: natural stone, pavers, custom layouts. These features not only anchor the design visually but serve practical roles: circulation, entry, lounging, entertaining.
Retaining Walls & Custom Stonework
For properties with changes in grade, slopes or desire for visual elevation, retaining walls and custom stonework are vital. Exclusive Stoneworks offers segmental walls, natural stone walls, stone veneer, stone columns, decorative stonework and more all designed to last. They merge artistry and structure: the wall must hold the earth but also look inviting.
Plantings & Landscape Lighting
Beyond the hardscape, they incorporate plantings to soften stonework, create color and texture, and develop the softscapes around the features. Likewise, landscape lighting is used to accent stone elements, highlight plants, improve safety and extend use after dark.
Complete Transformations
Their full service covers front yards, backyards, raised patios, pool surrounds, walkways, driveways and overall site‑wide transformations. They emphasise the outdoor space becoming an extension of the home designed for how you live and entertain.
Why Their Work Matters
When you choose a firm like Exclusive Stoneworks, you’re looking for more than just a contractor you’re looking for a designer‑builder who understands how outdoor spaces live.
Functionality
Outdoor areas must be usable. Whether you’re cooking outdoors, hosting friends, relaxing with your family, or admiring the landscaping, the space must serve those roles. Exclusive Stoneworks emphasises that their designs are tailored to the client’s vision and lifestyle. They ask what you want to do in that space and build accordingly.
Aesthetics
Looks matter. Quality stonework, well‑laid patios, custom kitchens, cohesive material choices all contribute to a yard that elevates the home. Exclusive Stoneworks markets “elegantly crafted outdoor living” and “transforming spaces with custom stonework”. When done well, the outdoor space becomes a statement rather than an after‑thought.
Durability & Value
A landscape is an investment. The materials, installation quality, drainage, structure all affect long‑term performance. Exclusive Stoneworks points out their installations are built to last and highlight their craftsmanship and industry recognition. When quality is high, you avoid early repairs, replacements, and you increase property value.
Local Knowledge & Specialized Craft
Based in New Jersey, with many local projects, Exclusive Stoneworks knows the regional climate, soil, codes, and materials that succeed in the area. Their stone masons bring traditional techniques plus modern standards. That means fewer surprises, smoother build, and an outcome that fits the place and style.
Single Source Design‑Build
They offer integrated design + build rather than separate architect and contractor. This streamlines communication, improves accountability and often leads to better coordination between design intent and construction execution. Their process stresses this systematic approach.
Key Service Features to Note
When you’re evaluating a company like Exclusive Stoneworks, these are features you should look for and they deliver:
- Custom Outdoor Kitchen Build — They provide turnkey outdoor kitchens with everything from grills to refrigeration and pergolas.
- Custom Fire Features — Outdoor fireplaces and fire‑pits built with stonework become anchors for gathering.
- High‑Quality Hardscapes — Patios, walkways and driveways crafted from stone or pavers, installed with care.
- Retaining Walls & Stone Masonry — More than functional, these walls become design features.
- Softscape & Lighting — Plantings around hardscape and thoughtfully placed lighting extend usability into dusk and night.
- Broad Service Area — They cover many towns across Northern New Jersey, ensuring local familiarity.
- Craftsmanship & Awards — Their website mentions “multi‑award‑winning” status and emphasis on professionalism.
The Process in Practice
Here’s how working with Exclusive Stoneworks typically goes:
- Consultation – Reach out via website or phone. They discuss your goals, vision, site conditions, timeframe and budget.
- Design Stage – They develop the plan: layout of kitchen/fire area, patio, walkways, walls, lighting and plantings. They tailor materials, style and function to your lifestyle.
- Build Stage – With design approved, their team installs: stone patios, custom kitchens, fire features, walls, lighting. Their developers and masons execute the build.
- Integration & Finishing Touches – Once main structures are installed, they add lighting, plantings, finishes to blend all elements together and create the complete look.
- Maintenance & Use – While they may not promise ongoing maintenance in every case, a well‑built outdoor space requires routine upkeep. A good design ensures less hassle later.
- Client Feedback & Enjoyment – Their past clients note quality, communication and lasting value. They emphasise the outcome as a transformed space.
How to Prepare If You’re Hiring Them
To get the most out of working with Exclusive Stoneworks (or any top‑tier design/build firm), here are some tips:
- Be clear about your goals: what do you want the space to do? (Cooking, entertaining, relaxing, play area?)
- Establish your budget and timeline: what you are willing to invest and when you want it done.
- Consider your site conditions: slope, existing structures, soil, drainage, sun/shade. These affect cost and design.
- Ask about material choices and installation quality: what stone/pavers, what kitchen appliances, what lighting and wiring.
- Review their portfolio and ask for references: check similar jobs they’ve done.
- Expect design decisions such as style and materials: How will the hardscape look next to your home exterior? What plantings will soften it?
- Check about warranty or installation guarantee: A good firm stands behind their work.
- Plan for maintenance: Even high‑quality installations require some upkeep (cleaning, sealing stone, maintaining lighting).
- Be engaged during the design phase: Your input on layout, materials and features ensures the result aligns with your vision.
Why Exclusive Stoneworks Stands Out
Here are specifics that make Exclusive Stoneworks a strong choice for home‑owners seeking high‑end outdoor living solutions:
- Experience: Founded 2006, nearly two decades of operation.
- Specialization: They focus on custom outdoor living with stonework, kitchens and hardscapes (not just simple landscaping).
- Design‑Build Approach: Their integrated process from design to build ensures continuity.
- Craftsmanship: Emphasis on stone masonry, proper installation, high‑quality materials and lasting results.
- Local Knowledge: Serving Northern New Jersey – they know climate, regulations, aesthetics of the region.
- Recognition: They describe themselves as “multi‑award‑winning” and have been featured in articles.
Fit & Considerations
While Exclusive Stoneworks offers top‑tier service, there are points to keep in mind:
- Because they work in custom design and build, pricing will reflect high craftsmanship this may be higher than simple backyard landscaping.
- Timelines may be longer: custom kitchens, stonework, lighting and plantings require planning and build time.
- Maintenance: Even well‑built outdoor spaces need upkeep. Be clear who will maintain plantings, lighting and surfaces.
- Scope: If you only need a minor upgrade rather than a full outdoor living solution, ensure the project scope fits your need (they can do full transformations).
- Communication: Custom projects require your input on materials, style and function. Be ready to engage.
- Site constraints: Slopes, drainage, existing trees or structures may complicate build. They will assess these during consultation.
Choosing a firm like Exclusive Stoneworks means working with a partner who understands how an outdoor space should function not just how it should look. With high craftsmanship, design‑build integration, regional expertise and a full suite of services (outdoor kitchens, fire features, patios, walls, lighting), your outdoor living area can become a true extension of your home. Done right, it will serve your lifestyle, suit your taste and deliver long‑term value.
