Before the 1950s, Brandywine Quarry was already in operation, with a single quarry and one product. Today, the company connects with numerous quarries throughout the U.S. in order to source a wide variety of stones, thus offering an expansive range of products.

"My father was one of the first quarriers to invest in the new age of thin veneer options. He saw the future of providing the same, beautiful stone used in building facades while cutting down on cost and waste, and improving installation efficiency. We started sawing our own Chester County stone into a thin veneer product and grew to sawing 50-plus different varieties," says Jen Taggart, owner of Brandywine Quarry. "We have grown up in this industry. It is not just a job, but a way of life. The younger generation brings fresh ideas along with new innovations that are beneficial to today's world."

Entrusting a family-owned and -operated business makes a noticeable difference. The Brandywine Quarry team delivers cohesive results and customer service due to their decades-long collaboration, and their passion for the artistry is not only genuine, but inherent. Brandywine Quarry's stone is directly sourced, ensuring the team is well-educated on the different types of materials and their effects. Plus, Taggart says the biggest benefit of direct sourcing for customers is the cost-savings.

"We directly control the availability and quality of the materials sold, and customize almost any unique project. Not all stone is suitable for certain outdoor areas of the U.S. For example, some of the stones taken from a warmer climate like Texas would not be suitable for some of the northern regions due to the freeze and thaw," explains Taggart. "We know exactly how stones will behave and directly handle securing the material while producing a green product and protecting the environment. We don't just sell stones; we inspect and study them. We know exactly how to cut them to give you the most beneficial product for the usage you are seeking. There is nothing more humbling than to see the beauty of nature and what God has created."

That natural beauty can be designed to fit personal aesthetic and utility needs. Some examples include: building and natural veneer stones for the exterior; decorative boulders; steppers and slabs; bluestone and treads for walkways and patios; flagging stone for patios, walkways and pool areas; wallstone; and crushed stones and decorative gravel. Each option has a unique texture and color—many of which can be customized—but all are designed to maintain longevity.

"We offer these materials not just to commercial projects and builders but also to the do-it-yourself homeowners. We want to help them appreciate the beauty in natural stone. It will be here for a lifetime," affirms Taggart. "We welcome landscapers, builders, architects and homeowners to visit and to ask any questions. We have a showcase area where the majority of stone areas are displayed and labeled to make selections and to get ideas."

The sky's the limit when it comes to utilizing Brandywine Quarry products. They can provide decorative appeal that adds color and interest to pools, walkways and other outdoor living space features. Options like boulders and wallstone can also have structural functionality, such as retaining walls and stopping erosion.

"Structural stone will also take slanted yards and make them level to extend usable areas. Garden edging is another structural use to provide a separation line to hold back materials such as mulch, gravel and plantings while providing a decorative usage," says Taggart.

She recommends allowing creativity to flow—after all, the materials call for it. In recent years, ponds, outdoor kitchens and firepits have been trending most in outdoor areas. Adding stone to any of these features will enhance their natural beauty and diminish upkeep. Due to their nature, different types of stone benefit the environment in unique ways, and speaking with an expert at Brandywine Quarry will ease the decision-making process.

"Not all stones are suitable for some water applications as they can react to pH levels as well as water freezing and thawing in this region. Adding gravel such as river rock to a pond's floor will help clean the water, and protect the liner from UV light and animals while making it look more natural. Filtration components can be hidden by strategically placing stones to block unsightly systems. Both the right type of stone and the size will be a factor in your project," says Taggart. "[Working with] the rocks is both an art and a science."

Brandywine Quarry
Parkesburg, Pa. | (610) 857-4200
BrandywineQuarry.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 4 (May/June 2025)
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