Stone has always signified strength, permanence, and sophistication. In commercial environments, those qualities go beyond design and directly shape how a business is perceived. A lobby, storefront, or even a single feature wall can become the first chapt

If you have ever looked into a mason’s toolbox and thought, “Haven’t I seen this before?” you are not wrong. Masonry has been shaping civilizations for more than 17,000 years, and while the structures have changed, the pace of tool innovation has been abo

The mark of a successful project isn’t just exceptional craftsmanship; it’s the ability to manage the work efficiently and keep it on track. When it comes to manufactured stone veneer (MSV), efficiency is critical. From preparing substrates and managing m

Living near Chicago, one of my family’s favorite day trips is to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a one-hour drive north. Among our other activities, including visiting the Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum, kayaking the river, and enjoying traditional German

You sat through hours of apprentice school, and probably spent more time on a wall than you’d like to admit. While laying foundations or finishing that masonry basement, did you ever consider how the masonry trade developed? What about the tools you use e

The answer to this question is: “Absolutely!” Let’s get into it. Controlling Documents (A bit of history) The first edition of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P-361, released in 2000, set forth comprehensive design and construction criteria f

Manufactured concrete masonry units have been present in the construction marketplace for over 120 years. They are ubiquitous and are made in virtually every country on earth. The development of high-performance masonry units currently available across th

A building’s exterior design and material selection impact all aspects of the final product, from indoor air quality to overall energy efficiency. When design-build teams aim to achieve a more energy-efficient building, material selection is the most cruc

Heading to Spokane, WA, I found myself riding the airport tram at O’Hare in Chicago. Looking out the window at a part of the 26-year-old International Terminal 5, I spotted a painted structural steel beam in front of a concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall. Th

One of the many benefits of manufactured stone veneer is that it’s a robust, durable product that requires little maintenance over the course of its life span. In fact, its irregularity in shape and color helps hide minor dirt and dust. But like any build

Wood bucks have been holding up CMU block on masonry jobs for decades now, albeit precariously. This infamous lumber has been sawed, screwed, braced, and cursed more often than anyone would want to count. For something meant to be temporary, they have cle

Masonry veneers have become a popular choice among residential and commercial builders alike. These versatile materials offer the authentic look and feel of quarried stone while delivering enhanced durability. By minimizing the risk of cracking and reduci

Going back to around 7000 B.C., when the first bricks were made from a combination of mud and straw (highlighted because mud and straw are not part of the defined parameters of masonry) and then dried in the desert sun, the general process of how brick is

In the evolving landscape of masonry design and construction, contractors are increasingly called upon to marry tradition with innovation. Homeowners, architects, and developers demand materials that not only perform well but also look indistinguishably a

In modern architectural design, achieving superior sound insulation is essential for creating functional, comfortable, and compliant building environments. Concrete masonry units (CMUs), particularly when combined with materials like brick, terra cotta, o