Featured Contractor: Steve from Behan Stone Masonry

As a manufacturer and distributor of natural stone, we get to see a variety of amazing home improvement projects, and get to know the teams behind the craftsmanship! This month, we got to talk with Steve Behan, president and mason at Behan Stone Masonry about his business, industry experience, and a unique project he’s been working on with one of our Authorized Dealers.

Montauk Blend Full Bed Roughly Square & Rectangle supplied by Capital Stoneworks 

Steve first delved into the home improvement industry in high school, working alongside a cousin who built custom homes. He discovered his love for stonework working for a mason during summers in college. When his mentor retired, Steve started a business of his own, which he has been leading now for 31 years. 

One of the jobs Steve is most excited about is a contemporary new home-build in Bay Harbor, Michigan, featuring more than 6,000 square feet of natural stone veneer. It's a high-end custom home on Lake Michigan by well-known builders, DesRosiers Arch. & Falcon Custom Homes. Steve explained about the project, “It’s probably something most people have never seen." The architect went through ten different stone samples before deciding on Montauk Blend Full Bed Veneer in the Square and Rectangle pattern. When we talked with Steve, his team was getting started on the project. 

Winter slows things down a bit, Steve said, but they keep heaters onsite around the clock, and have temporary furnaces running on job sites to prevent grout and mortar from freezing. Regulating the temperature preserves the color and quality, which can be compromised by the cold. As most of Steve's jobs are higher-end, he said clients understand the expense. With a focus on quality and getting the job done to the client’s expectations, Steve explained, “It’s the right way to do it.” 

It also keeps the team working throughout the year. In fact, Steve shared, during the only time they were laid off in 2020, he got to enjoy a quick (but welcome) fishing trip before boating was temporarily halted during the height of the pandemic. 

When asked what his favorite part of his position is, Steve, who enjoys working on large-scale projects, said the final product is the most rewarding. "People are excited when you're doing the work, and seeing them happy with the final result is what keeps you coming back," he said. As for what challenges he faces in his business, he said, "...trying to get people to work in the trades. It seems like it’s dying out a bit." He explained that where he lives is a "huge resort area, where the town doubles in size in summers from tourism. It's a high-end area, and it's hard for young people to stay here," he said.

Stone supplied by Capital Stoneworks 

Steve also shared his thoughts on current trends: "Most of the projects now are thin veneers,  and most architects specify it that way. [Thin Veneer helps...] you save money on footings, and it’s easier and less expensive to work with, which translates to a cost difference for both inside and outside projects." While Steve appreciates the value added, he prefers full veneer because it's what he grew up with. "Full is still what I'd rather do every day," he admitted, which is part of why the project featured here was so enjoyable.

As for keeping projects running smoothly, Steve said the key is having good employees who are patient and willing to learn. "It's a lot of chisel work, but it comes down to knowing the product you're working with: how the rocks break, which you learn over time, and how to read the rocks and the grain." When asked what advice he'd give someone learning masonry, he'd tell them, "Have patience! This isn’t 'This Old House,' where a whole house comes together in an hour. There's a lot of work and time on these projects, and when you finish, you want everyone to be happy with it, so take your time." 

It sounds like Steve is leading by example, and we appreciate him taking the time to talk with us about Behan Stone Masonry and his experience in the natural stone industry! We look forward to seeing this Lake Michigan project progress through completion, and look forward to seeing future work from Steve and his team. To reach Behan Stone Masonry, email behanstone@gmail.com, or call (231) 347-9028. For more product inspiration, download our catalog.