Stone and Trowel

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

When Manufactured Stone Isn’t Actually Stone - What's The Difference?

Posted by Steve Schrenk

Natural materials have been gaining popularity in the building materials market. People are growing more interested in how their homes are constructed, and making impactful decisions about how their design choices affect the environment. 

Topics: Thin Stone, Limestone, Outdoor spaces, Outdoor living, outdoor kitchens, Thin Veneer

New Ways To Go Big with Large Pavers for Outdoor Spaces

Posted by Steven Schrenk

You know the saying, “Go big or go home.” Now you can go big AT home! With Polycor's new extra large, natural stone pavers, you can enhance entrances, walkways, and patios, boosting your home’s curb appeal and resale value.

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

Flat Mountain Farm: Enhancing and Embracing the Beauty of Mother Nature with Natural Stone

Posted by Steve Schrenk

Christopher and Margaret Shutze, the husband-and-wife duo of Shutze Studio, had a vision for a luxury haven with character and history, perfect for weddings, events, or retreats. They set off around the country looking for their dream location: Dozens of acres with charming cabins nestled in the

Topics: Granite, American natural stone, Natural Materials, steps, fire pit, Indiana Limestone, Garden wall, DIY Fire Pit, Locally Quarried

​​Step Up Your Hardscape and Masonry Skills With Polycor U

Posted by Steven Schrenk

It comes as no surprise that homeowners and commercial companies are rethinking their yards and campuses. Homeowners are reevaluating outdoor areas as new entertaining spaces and warming up to making major upgrades in their properties.

Topics: Technical Advices, Professionals, Hardscape How To, Hardscape Tools of the Trade

Introducing Modern Rectangle and Square Granite DIY Firepits

Posted by Steven Schrenk

If you’re looking for a new focal point for your outdoor gatherings, Polycor Hardscapes & Masonry has the right angle for you. Beautiful, versatile and easy to install, Polycor’s rectangular and square granite fire pits are poised to be the hottest backyard improvement of the summer.

Topics: saint henry, Saint Henry Black, Outdoor living, fire pit, DIT Fire Pit

Concrete Front Steps Makeover Using Granite Entry Steps

Posted by Steven Schrenk

If you recently stepped up to your home and noticed cracked concrete, wobbly bricks, or sagging wood on your front door steps, it’s likely time for a much needed replacement. Outdoor steps ideas come in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, colors and finishes - from natural to synthetic. But

Topics: granite steps, steps

What Are The Benefits of Thin Stone Veneer Siding?

Posted by Steven Schrenk

Naturally beautiful, natural stone is a timeless choice for many home building projects. It’s an authentic choice for everything from fireplaces to fences in beautiful kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. And granite, marble, and limestone from quarries in North America are

Deb Foglia of Seeking Lavender Lane Reveals Her New Fireplace Featuring Indiana Limestone Thin Veneer

Posted by Steve Schrenk

When Deb Foglia, of Seeking Lavender Lane, purchased her fixer-upper home in Farmingdale, New Jersey, she knew she had a lot of projects ahead of her. Foglia is no stranger to do-it-yourself projects, having worked on her first home alongside her husband.

Topics: Fireplaces, veneer, Indiana Limestone, Thin Veneer

Watch Your Back: How to Prevent a Misstep During Veneer Installation

Posted by Steven Schrenk

Natural, environmentally sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing, there’s little wonder why thin stone veneers have become a popular choice of masonry material with homeowners. The benefits are widely recognized and contractors are finding there’s a huge payoff in customer satisfaction (and

Topics: Hardscape How To, Thin Veneer

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Foundational ideas for
hardscape design.

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