November/December 2008: Table of Contents

Features

Materials
Throwing Your Money Away?
Exposing the cost of landmark demolition
By Gretchen K. Pfaehler

Materials
Mortar Meets the Challenge
Mortar has been used for thousands of years. Over the centuries, the formulas have changed, and we aren’t done yet as the proliferation of new masonry products provide new challenges.
By Tom Inglesby

Design Trend
Award-Winning Hardscape Design
Highlights from 2008 BIA’s Brick In Architecture Awards Competition
By the Brick Industry Association

Materials
Alphabet Soup and the Cast Stone Institute
Developing new standards for plant certification
By Gary Fry

columns & departments

Letter from the Publisher
Letter from the Editor
Minimizing Masonry Litigation
Industry News
New Products
Masonry International

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MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 35 Recap: David Pitre, Chair of the Board at CMHA

January 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, David Pitre sits down with Justin to talk about CMHA, the moves the association is making for the future of the industry, and the journey he took to get to being the Chair of the Board.

Justin Stengel

The MASONRY STRONG Podcast

Government Affairs: Immigration Talks Are Heating Up!

January 2026

For some of you, I might be starting to sound like a broken record (nice that “vinyl” is coming back in vogue, so even our younger masons know what a record is!)…WE NEED YOUR HELP ON DIGNITY ACT…WE NEED YOUR HELP ON DIGNITY ACT…WE NEED YOUR HELP ON THE DI

Stephen Borg

Legislative

MASONRY MADNESS®: Celebrating Skill, Speed, and the Next Generation of Masons

January 2026

Every January, Las Vegas becomes the heartbeat of the construction industry as thousands of professionals from across the country gather for the World of Concrete Convention. Among the countless exhibits, product showcases, and networking opportunities, o

Robert Melgaard

News and Events

STABILA Elevates Craftsmanship Supporting SPEC MIX 500 and World of Concrete

January 2026

In the mason’s industry, where the line between “good enough” and “built to last” is often measured by how good the tools are, it’s when craftsmen are proud to hold a STABILA tool. Precision isn’t a luxury; it’s the quiet backbone of every wall, brick, an

Elsa Bueno

MAP Partner

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