Stone and Trowel

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

​​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

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

What is Damp Proofing and Why Do You Need It?

Posted by Steven Schrenk
Contractors are spreading the message that damp proofing is an extra, but worthwhile step in preserving the beauty and integrity of limestone installations, proven by thousands of well-preserved, historical buildings in the U.S. made with iconic limestone in particular.

Topics: Indiana Limestone, Hardscape How To

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

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

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

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 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

Set the stage with stone.

Foundational ideas for
hardscape design.

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