Frequently asked questions.

Where is your stone from?

Our stone is mined locally here in Sanders County, Montana, ensuring authenticity and consistent quality. A small portion of our inventory, about 2%, consists of consignment items. The remaining 98% of our selection comes directly from our own quarries or from quarries where we hold mining permissions. All of our stone materials are 100% natural, maintaining the genuine character and durability that define premium stone products.

What is a Patio stone?

Patio stone is available in a variety of sizes to suit different design needs: smaller pieces are commonly known as patio flagstone, while larger pieces are referred to as stand-up select flagstone. Both types of stone are highly versatile and work exceptionally well for creating walkways, outdoor patios, and even for use as distinctive wall siding in various landscaping projects.

We have 3 grades or thickness’s available in patio 1-2”, 2- 2 1/2”, 2-3”
There are 4 grades for Stand up Select; 1” Minus, 1-2”, 2-2 1/2”, 2-3”

Please be advised 1” minus is not recommended for outside patios, or walk ways.

What is a Landscaping stone? What are its uses?

Landscaping stone can be used in a variety of ways; retaining walls, feature accents, or stunning entryway stones. Each stone grade from mossy boulders, blocky/random boulders, 6-12” dry stack, and oversized dry stack to achieve the look you want.

We keep a large selection of Mossy Boulders, mainly for accent pieces.

Blocky/random boulders are excellent for driveway markers, large retaining walls, accent pieces, adding to parking areas to ensure vehicles stay where you want them parked, and much more.

6-12” Dry stack has been used for garden bed edging, small retaining walls, and staircase walls.

Oversized dry stacks main use is for small accent boulders and retaining walls.

What is full bed stone and its uses?

Full bed stone can be one of three grades 3-5” Ledge, 3-5” Squares and recs,3-5” random.

3-5” Ledge is a versatile stone, with random lengths. It can be used for garden bed walls, patio or walkway edging, building circle pits for fires or plants, cobblestone walkways, walls, and so much more! Get a unique look that fits your style or mix with squares and rec for a castle look!

3-5” Squares and Recs are a more uniform material than Ledge. Its uses are similar to ledge but create a more uniform look.

3-5” Random are excellent for garden accents.

What is the difference between specialty stone and special order stone?

Specialty stone is our plates, steps/risers, or mantels and hearths we have brought down to the yard, are standard to our size range, and readily available.

Special order stone is when specific measurements, that are different from our standard measurements, specific shapes not readily available are requested, or items that are made to order, i.e. benches, capstones, or columns with specific finishing or size are requested.

What is Veneer?

The Stone Veneer Flats, for Ledge cut, is 3-5” face, 1- 1/4” to 1 1/2” thick, and lengths varying (approximately 5-10”).   The Corners are the same thickness, heights, and the return on the corners is a minimum 3”, and maximum of 6”.

The average weight per Square foot is 13lbs.  This can vary some depending on the thickness of the cut and variance of thickness as stated above.

 This is a stone out of the Pritchard Geologic formation, which is considered the Plains Sill, the common sediments in this area consist of interbedded quartzites and argillites, with laterally continuous layers. Common metamorphic assemblages in both units consist of quartz, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite, ilmenite, garnet, and chlorite. Many layers have been altered to tourmalinite.

This Stone Veneer has a natural face and is cut to a smooth finish on the other face. This Stone Veneer is NOT CUT ON ALL SIDES, and is not an “Ashlar Cut”.  

If you seek additional information regarding the specifics of this stone, please search for and research the many studies that have been done on the Pritchard Geologic formation, Plains Sill, which is unique to this area of Northwestern Montana.

 We keep stock of all colors but Blue Ridge, in Ledge cut. Any color in Square and rec cut is made to order. We require a 50% deposit to start all Veneer orders and 100% payment received to pick up.

Why choose us?

 Block Mountain Stone has provided high quality natural stone since 1997. It is our mission to provide our customers with unique natural stone products that meet and exceed their expectations. We strive to Fulfill the needs of any job specification, and to fill all orders in a timely manner so that your project can proceed on schedule. Today’s market is full of building stone. But nothing will replace the natural beauty of stone. With the imitation of stone, the best it will ever look is the day it comes out of the box. With Natural stone the colors textures, and mosses reveal their true development and testament to time as the years move on. The stone’s look of elegance and stewardship will over time, further blend in with the natural surroundings.  Our one of a kind products can match up to your specific requirements. Hearth and mantle pieces, large entry way slabs water fall stones, basalt columns, mossy boulders and our thin veneer products can help make your master piece stand above all others.

Our prices are Quarry Direct prices, not those of a middle man. Block Mountain Stone carries thousands of tons in material in a variety of grades to choose from. Our on-hand inventory guarantees your order will be filled honestly and dependably. We encourage tours of our yard to see our stone products first hand. You will find that with Block Mountain Stone comes with professionalism throughout every project. From finding the right colors and textures to finishing touches our dedicated involvement and commitment to quality will ensure your satisfaction. Add natural flow and movement while blending it to its innate surroundings. Our multitude of colors and textures of flagstone will enhance the function and beauty of an architectural theme.