A Greener Future Through Masonry
April 2025

When it comes to building a more sustainable future, the construction and building materials sector has a lot of room for growth. According to the most recent data, construction and building-related emissions are responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emis

Westlake Royal Building Products Expands Stone Solutions
March 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products unveiled new products at the 2025 International Builders’ Show across their stone solutions brands, including launches from Versetta Stone, Eldorado Stone, Dutch Quality Stone, and StoneCraft.

Incorporating Nature Into Your Projects
March 2025

Key Strategies for Biophilic Design To create spaces that are visually and emotionally appealing, incorporating natural elements within interior spaces is fundamental. Luxury spas often use stone and wood to create calming environments, a principle easil

Vibing Masonry #4: The Durable Resilience of Masonry Architecture Over the Centuries
January 2025

As a design architect for four decades, I've long recognized masonry (clay brick, concrete masonry units, stone, and manufactured stone) as a superior, durable building material. Stone, clay bricks, and CMUs are renowned for their toughness, effectively r

Bring Depth and Character to Any Space with Stone Accents
December 2024

Transforming spaces with warmth, character and a touch of rustic charm doesn’t always require a complete overhaul, but can be quickly and efficiently achieved with manufactured stone veneer (MSV). Whether your customers are looking to elevate the look of

Key Considerations for Grouting with Manufactured Stone Veneer
December 2024

Manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is a popular material for creating stunning walls in residential new builds, remodels, and commercial projects. For masons, understanding the nuances of working with MSV can greatly impact the final look of a project, where

Vibing Masonry #2: Masonry for Sustainability & Energy Saving
November 2024

Welcome to the second installment of our “Vibing Masonry” series on the benefits and functionality of masonry in modern construction, with a focus on its environmental and sustainability advantages. The Environmental Case for Masonry Masonry is a sustain

Dutch Quality StoneTM debuts first brick profile, Handformed Brick™, in three colorways including the new Snowpack™
October 2024

Westlake Royal Building ProductsTM (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK) announces Handformed Brick™, a new, elevated tumbled brick profile from Dutch Quality Stone, available in three colorways including the newest addition, Snowpack™, a sere

Incorporating Nature Into Your Projects
August 2024

As technology dominates our daily lives, the yearning to stay connected with the natural world intensifies. This is the essence of the biophilia hypothesis, which posits that humans have an intrinsic affinity for nature. Research supports this, showing th

Complementing Regional Architecture with Manufactured Stone and Brick Veneer 
June 2024

In the realm of home building and design, the allure of stone and brick is undeniable. These timeless materials have long been valued for their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal, lending strength and charm to wide-ranging commercial

Mastering Efficiency and Authenticity: Essential Guidelines for Stone Veneer Installation
June 2024

I didn’t pick this trade, to be honest, and I wouldn’t say it picked me either. At the start of my career, I had other plans entirely. When those plans didn’t work out, the manufactured stone industry was there for me. Installing MSV paid the bills,

The Biophilic Imperative: Designing With Nature In Mind
June 2024

In today’s world, people spend many waking hours trying to minimize the adverse effects of stress in their personal and professional lives. It’s now commonplace for techniques like aroma therapy, painting with calming colors and utilizing various types of

A Quick Chat With Toro Stone - Rob McKay & Kevin Grotke
May 2024

The MCAA had a chance to sit down with Rob McKay and Kevin Grotke from Toro Stone, a relatively new brand within the manufactured stone market. Despite its new branding, the product itself has a history spanning over 35 years.

Interior Remodeling Refined: Unlock the Potential of Stone Veneer Inside
April 2024

Typically, stone is linked with exterior settings, yet its versatility extends far beyond. With manufactured stone veneer (MSV), the possibilities to enhance interior applications are virtually boundless.

Showcase Your MSV Mastery to Transform Interiors
April 2024

In the Know About MSV: A Comprehensive Guide to Common FAQs
January 2024

In the Know About MSV: A Comprehensive Guide to Common FAQs