The Masons Guide to Natural Stone

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

It's Only Natural

Dan Kamys, Editor - dkamys@staging1.masonrymagazine.com

…for most mason contractors, that is. Branching out into other areas of work is a way for companies to grow and expand their business. After all, it only makes sense from the client’s perspective to have one crew on the jobsite. My wife and I recently went through this with a home renovation I never hope to relive, but what kept us sane throughout the process was that we only had one point of contact handling all the work. One crew took care of plumbing, tile work, flooring, carpet, and electrical. The same concept applies to mason contractors, who otherwise wouldn't be bidding on jobs like natural stone. Many times when completing a brick or block job, that's the extent of things for masonry companies. However, a similar job that contractors could be bidding on is in the world of natural stone. At Masonry, we’re all about pushing the industry forward whether it comes to education, advocacy, and information. This is the first of what we hope to be many mini-magazines that accompany our full issue. The information in The Mason’s Guide To Natural Stone is meant to help inform and enlighten you on the possibilities that are out there. We thank Joe Alonso from the Washington National Cathedral, The MIA + BSI / Natural Stone Institute, Dean Marsico from Plymouth Quarries, and the Indiana Limestone Institute for their collaboration in putting together the insightful editorial pieces for you to enjoy. With this mini magazine just as much as the full Masonry, we are looking for your feedback. Internally, we have already discussed that this Natural Stone piece could become annual. Additionally, we have nailed down a few more areas of work that could warrant mini magazines. Please provide us your feedback, let us know if you’ve found this useful, and enjoy. Best, Dan   dsig
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

Jeff Tew
MAP Partner
Read More
Shaver And Spencer Are 2026's Masonry Hall Of Fame Inductees
May 2026

After a record-breaking 27 nominations, the MCAA is pleased to announce that the selection committee has chosen Ryan Shaver and John Spencer to enter the Masonry Hall Of Fame. They will be formally inducted on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 during the MC

Read More
Fechino Files: Concrete Pavers around a Pool
May 2026

Many folks over the years have placed concrete pavers around their pool as a nice form of decorative pool deck. Early in the 2000’s, I took a class held by the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute, then known as the ICPI. At the time I attended the class

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Chairman's Message: Staying the Course
May 2026

Spring is one of my favorite times of year. There’s energy in the air. Jobs are picking up. Crews are hitting their rhythm. Schedules are filling up. You can feel momentum building again. And every year around this time, I find myself thinking about con

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More