Stone and Trowel

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

Gather ‘Round the Campfire for Yearlong Patio Fun [VIDEO]

Posted by Steven Schrenk
Think your patio space is only good for a few months out of each year? No way!

Adding a fire pit is an easy opportunity to extend your outdoor fun well past Labor Day, and with a Polycor Hardscapes & Masonry granite fire pit kit, you can create an enviable entertaining space in one afternoon

Topics: Granite, Patios, fire pit, Hardscape How To, DIY Fire Pit

Granite Patio Sets the Stage for Life’s Moments [VIDEO]

Posted by Steven Schrenk

Your outdoor patio sets the stage for many of life’s cherished moments: a child taking her first steps, sitting with friends around a casual table talking long into the night, getting cozy in front of a roaring fire roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. These are the moments that last - the

Topics: Granite, Patios, Hardscape How To

Light Up Your Landscape With Granite Lamp Posts [VIDEO]

Posted by Steven Schrenk

While installing a granite lamp post on your property might seem like the cherry on top of your landscape design, outdoor lighting is critical for helping to establish borders and edges and illuminating key landscape features. Really, it’s more of the cake than the icing (although we do love us

Topics: Outdoor spaces, granite posts, lamp posts, ornamental

Garden Walls Give Outdoor Living Spaces Depth and Dimension [VIDEO]

Posted by Steven Schrenk

If your outdoor living space is looking a little flat and could use a little…oomph, consider adding dimension with vertical elements like a classic garden wall made from natural stone products. Not only will a low wall help create visual interest in your hardscape setting, but it helps add depth to

Topics: Indiana Limestone, Hardscape How To, Garden wall

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

Historic Connecticut Home Renovation Blends Old and New with Granite

Posted by Steven Schrenk

From the moment she saw the historic Greek Revival home, built in the mid-1800s and set on an acre of property in charming Westport, Connecticut, actress, entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger Eva Amurri could see the potential. “We loved it from the second we saw it,” explained the mom of two young

Topics: Historic restoration, Outdoor spaces, Patios, granite steps

Build a Backyard Granite Fire Pit in a Weekend

Posted by Steven Schrenk

Not only does a fire pit add to the beauty of an outdoor living space, creating a cozy nook for gatherings or quiet contemplation, but it’s a feature that lets you enjoy relaxing in the great outdoors beyond the summer season.

Topics: Granite, fire pit, DIY Fire Pit

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

Transform a Door Into an Entrance: How to Install Granite Entry Steps

Posted by Steven Schrenk

Whether you’re considering replacing existing steps or are designing new construction, adding natural stone steps to a home’s exterior brings beauty and long lasting elegance to any entryway project.

Topics: granite steps, Hardscape How To

Set the stage with stone.

Foundational ideas for
hardscape design.

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