Stone and Trowel

Natural stone design inspiration and technical information for architectural and landscape professionals.

The Benefits of Polycor's Authorized Contractor Program

Posted by Steve Schrenk

The Polycor Authorized Contractor program offers tools and resources geared to strengthen your business, give you a competitive advantage, and increase your profitability. All while providing you with access to Polycor’s iconic natural stone. And did we mention it’s free to join?

Curious what

Topics: Natural Materials, Hardscape, Hardscape Tools of the Trade

Elevate Your Concrete and Brick Projects With Natural Stone Accents

Posted by Steven Schrenk

When it comes to hardscape projects, concrete products can wind up being a go-to for many contractors. Those man-made, interlocking concrete pavers that rose in popularity during the 1980's are like the default setting for cookie-cutter outdoor patios, garden walls and steps. But what if you could

Topics: American natural stone, Hardscape, concrete

Make History in Your Backyard With Natural Stone

Posted by Steven Schrenk
Pulled from the Earth, natural stone is the embodiment of strength and durability and has been used over the ages to build some of the most iconic American landmarks which have endured the test of time (think: the National Cathedral, Empire State Building and the Biltmore Estate just to name a

Topics: History and Heritage, American natural stone, Hardscape

Taking the Mystery Out of Natural Stone Hardscapes and Masonry

Posted by Steven Schrenk

While events across the country are put on hold right now to practice social distancing, Polycor rolled out new virtual training and expertise for contractors interested in incorporating the timeless beauty of natural stone into their hardscapes and masonry projects.  

Topics: masonry, Hardscape, Hardscape How To

Tackle a Front Entrance With a Garden Wall in Just 7 Steps

Posted by Steven Schrenk

Nothing dresses up a front entryway like a pretty garden wall and choosing Indiana limestone, part of Polycor’s hardscape lineup, for the project makes it a snap to get done in just one day.

Topics: Hardscape, Hardscape How To, Hardscape Tools of the Trade, Garden wall

The Path to This Lakeside Dream House is Paved with Indiana Limestone

Posted by Steven Schrenk

If location is the key to property value, then landscape design (and strong contractor hands) are the keys to property enjoyment.

Topics: granite steps, steps, veneer, coping, Hardscape, pavers

7 Busted Myths of Natural Stone for Hardscaping Applications

Posted by Steven Schrenk

When choosing materials for your latest hardscape project, do you pass right over natural stone because you think it’s:

  1. Too pricey
  2. Won’t hold up over time
  3. More difficult to maintain than concrete?

What if we told you the answer was D: None of the above?

Topics: Indiana Limestone, Hardscape, pavers

Natural Stone 101: How to Incorporate Limestone and Granite Into Your Hardscape

Posted by Steven Schrenk

Overlooking natural stone in favor of more run-of-the-mill concrete materials when designing your hardscape project is like choosing cold cereal at an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Why choose Tony the Tiger when Eggs Benedict are there for the taking (not to mention bacon and croissants)?

Topics: Hardscape

Set the stage with stone.

Foundational ideas for
hardscape design.

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