The Sync Up: Aligning Schedule, Labor, and Logistics in Masonry
July 2026

A masonry contractor is only as good as the crew standing on the staging. You can source the highest-grade block, line up the perfect mix, and have every submittal approved weeks in advance, but production ultimately depends on the stamina, skill, and phy

The Thirty-Year Mason: Ergonomics as a Retention Strategy
June 2026

In most industry circles, the conversation around the labor shortage follows a predictable script: How do we find the next generation of masons? While recruitment is vital, we often overlook the most valuable asset already on the job site: the experienced

The Compliance Shield: Navigating the New Standards of Field Oversight
May 2026

The modern job site is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. While the physical act of laying a block remains the core of the trade, the environment surrounding that work is becoming increasingly data-driven. We are moving away from the era o

Design Choices That Endure: Specification and Installation Go Hand-in-Hand
May 2026

Design decisions don’t live on paper; they live on the wall, the ceiling, the floor, and throughout every space. Today’s projects are driven by highly curated design intent, from layered color palettes to mixed-material façades. But once those decisions

The Evolution of Brick Staining: From Color Complaints to Industry Essential
April 2026

Over thirty years ago, much of the conversation around brick staining centered on color complaints. In the early days, nearly all of our work stemmed from those situations, projects where something had gone wrong, and staining was brought in as a correcti

The Enduring Aesthetic Power of Brick
March 2026

For centuries, brick has shaped the built environment in ways that few materials can match. From the stately facades of historic campuses to the bold, contemporary forms of modern civic buildings, brick is both a foundation of architectural tradition and

Westlake Royal Building Products™ Introduces Haint Blue Color for Royal® Reversible Beadboard/V-Groove Profile
August 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), announced today the launch of Haint Blue, a new color for its 6” Reversible Beadboard/V-Groove Profile, part of the Royal® Trim & Mouldings line. Inspired by the century

The Enduring Power of Structural Masonry
July 2025

Masonry has been holding its ground for millennia — literally. And thanks to the simple brilliance of arching action, it continues to do so with strength, style, and surprising efficiency. In an era of advanced modeling and fast-moving schedules, one time

What Is Biophilic Design?
April 2025

Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built spaces to fulfill our innate connection to nature. Rooted in the biophilia hypothesis, it goes beyond aesthetics, enhancing well-being, health and productivity. 5 Ways to Incorporate Biophilic Desig

A New Future for Concrete Masonry in Saudi Arabia?
December 2024

Spherical Block, LLC and Geopolymer International are working together to develop new concrete technologies and products for the construction industry. These two firms have been approached over the past few years by companies, individuals and investors fr

La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty
November 2024

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

CITYPARK’s New Soccer Stadium in St. Louis Features Unique Masonry to Achieve Modern, Sleek Design
October 2024

Completed in Fall ahead of the 2023 Major League Soccer season, CITYPARK St. Louis is a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. The new stadium features geometric lines and unique masonry, creating a contemporary yet

Building Correctional Facilities with Strength and Efficiency: Amerimix Provides Solid Results for Construction of Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women
October 2024

The Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW), located in the heart of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, needed a complete rebuild after damage from a devastating flood in 2016. The inmates were relocated to other prisons from 2022 to 2024 while the series

Glen-Gery Expands Brick Paver Collection with New Cityscape Series and Urbanscape Series
June 2024

Glen-Gery Corporation, a premier brick manufacturer that is part of Brickworks North America, expanded its Brick Paver Collection with the introduction of its Cityscape Series and Urbanscape Series, two new lines of genuine clay brick pavers. “The new C

Winning with Homeowners: 3 Tools To Give You The Edge
April 2024

In today's fast-paced world, masonry professionals are increasingly turning to technology to streamline their workflows and stay ahead of the competition. With the right tools at your fingertips, winning new jobs has never been easier.

Brick Resiliency: The Key to Sustainable Construction
February 2024

Bricks’ endurance against time and elements is an unparalleled attribute in the construction realm. In an ever-progressing world, where the desire for strong and enduring building materials is paramount, bricks take center stage; it’s resilience...