Stone and Trowel

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

Classic Indiana Limestone Gets A Modern Thin Veneer Cut

Posted by Steven Schrenk

If you’ve mastered the patio project, it’s time to add thin veneer installation to your skill set. This quick to apply material is an easy upgrade to outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and building exteriors. Learn the quick and easy process to install Indiana limestone veneer and not only will your

Topics: Indiana Limestone, Hardscape How To, Thin Veneer

How to Choose (and Install) Pavers and Slabs That Work From Sub-zero Winters to Sizzling Summers

Posted by Steven Schrenk

One of the challenges of hardscape design is choosing materials that not only look good but are going to stand up to weather extremes, like Chicago summers and Massachusetts winters (or vice versa).

We spoke with two contractors in those two very different parts of the country who both have to

Topics: Granite, Indiana Limestone, pavers

How To Install A Granite Post For a Mailbox or Lighting

Posted by Steven Schrenk

If your next project includes installing granite posts for lighting or a mailbox, you’ve picked a quick project that will add instant curb appeal.

Topics: mailbox posts, Woodbury Gray, Hardscape How To, Hardscape Tools of the Trade

Indiana Limestone vs Concrete Smackdown (the winner might surprise you)

Posted by Steven Schrenk

In the battle between whether to choose concrete or Indiana Limestone for a hardscape project, the winner just might surprise you (we’re looking at you, limestone).

Let’s get ready to rumble!

Topics: steps, Indiana Limestone, pavers, natural stone vs concrete

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

Exotic Woods and Indiana Limestone Drive the Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle of This Riverfront Home

Posted by Steve Schrenk

When architect Phil Kean met with the McKinney family about their 11,000 square foot riverfront home project, he took in the typical requests. Give us something modern, but not that ultra-modern-flat-roof-box look. Capture the best views of the Tennessee river where the property sits. Stick to a

Set the stage with stone.

Foundational ideas for
hardscape design.

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