About Stone Forge LLC

Built from Stone, Shaped by Experience

At Stone Forge LLC, we believe a structure is only as beautiful as it is durable. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in masonry, landscape design, and outdoor construction, we have built a reputation across Duluth and the Twin Ports for craftsmanship that survives the elements.


From fireplaces that warm the heart of a home to patios and custom landscape designs that bring a yard to life, every space we create is shaped with precision, craftsmanship, and care. Our goal is not only to build solid structures but to elevate how our clients live and interact with their surroundings.

The Stone Forge Story: Evolution of an Expert

What began as a specialized, home-based operation has grown into a cornerstone of the Duluth construction community. To better serve our clients, Founder Dean Johnston moved Stone Forge to our current commercial hub on Rice Lake Road.


Today, we operate alongside Compass Co., creating a unique, full-service environment where stone, landscape, and structural expertise live under one roof. This collaboration allows us to provide a "big picture" approach to every property—ensuring that your masonry looks stunning while your land’s drainage and grading function perfectly.

More Than Builders: We are Problem Solvers

Most contractors can lay a brick, but few understand the geology of Northern Minnesota. At Stone Forge, we specialize in high-stakes masonry—projects where water management and frost protection are non-negotiable.


Our Core Competencies Include:

  • Technical Masonry: Expert tuckpointing, chimney restoration, and veneer work designed to prevent moisture intrusion.
  • Structural Hardscaping: Retaining walls (stone and block) and steps engineered with proper backfill and drainage to resist hydrostatic pressure.
  • Advanced Water Management: Custom grading, French drains, and landscape solutions that stop erosion and protect foundations.
  • Specialized Concrete: Stamped and traditional flatwork poured to local specifications for maximum longevity in sub-zero temperatures.
  • Outdoor Living: Custom-designed kitchens, fire pits, and patios built as seamless extensions of your home.

Our Mission: Integrity Beneath the Surface

Our mission is simple: To build environments that last a lifetime. We don’t cut corners on the "invisible" parts of a project—the footings, the gravel base, and the drainage pipes. We believe in:

  • Engineering over Aesthetics: A beautiful patio is a failure if it settles after one winter. We build the foundation first.
  • Local Accountability: We live where we work. We understand the local codes, the local soil, and the local weather.
  • Transparent Partnership: You’ll know exactly why we are choosing a specific material or drainage route for your property.
Driveway leading to a yellow house with a garage, surrounded by trees under a blue sky.
Fire pit with flames on a stone patio overlooking a lake and grassy lawn.

Why Clients Choose Stone Forge

Homeowners and property managers across Northern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin turn to us because we offer more than just construction—we deliver comprehensive landscaping and masonry solutions. Our process is hands-on, transparent, and focused on your goals from start to finish.


Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Over 20 years of masonry and landscaping experience
  • Licensed and insured for all types of residential and light commercial projects
  • A full-service approach—from landscape design to final installation
  • Deep local knowledge of materials, climate, and code requirements
  • Strong project management and clear communication
  • An established record of client satisfaction
  • Extensive service area, covering Duluth, Superior, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, Rice Lake, and Two Harbors


Our clients know they can trust us to show up, follow through, and leave them with a space they’ll enjoy for years to come.

Why the Northland Trusts Stone Forge

Homeowners from Superior to Two Harbors choose us because we offer a Drainage-First approach. We recognize that in an 80-mile radius of Duluth, water is the primary cause of masonry failure. By choosing Stone Forge, you are investing in a team that:

  • Boasts over two decades of local site-specific knowledge.
  • Is fully licensed and insured for residential and light commercial work.
  • Provides a 80-mile service reach, covering Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, and beyond.

Let’s Solve Your Property’s Challenges

Whether you’re restoring a piece of Duluth history or engineering a new backyard retreat, work with a team that understands the "why" behind the build.