July 2008 Table of Contents

Words: Dan KamysTable of Contents

Masonry MagazineJuly 2008 Volume 47, Number 7

FEATURES

2008 Masonry Industry Legislative Conference Members of the MCAA and the NCMA, along with masonry industry leaders and business owners, attended the Legislative Conference in May, held at the nation's capitol. The conference provided excellent opportunities for our concerns and issues to be discussed with members of Congress.

New Tools for Bricklayers Your arsenal of masonry tools is stocked full — or is it? What new and exciting tools could you use to enhance your business? Masonry gives an overview of materials, designs and specialty markets that are forging new tools for bricklayers.

Manufactured Stone: Riding the Economic Wave Aggressive research and development, new product lines and quality products at a lower price point are keeping manufactured stone businesses healthy. Masonry examines the current state of this industry.

BIM: Revamping an Industry What exactly is a Building Information Model (BIM)? How does it work, and how can it benefit mason contractors? Masonry explores BIM and how it can affect your business.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS For the Record President's Message Making The Grade New Products Architectural Precast Association Awards Heritage Commission Preservation Award Legal Issues Full Contact Project Management Classified Advertising

Four Home Design Trends Driving Masonry Demand in 2026
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As design trends continue to evolve, one theme remains consistent throughout 2026: homeowners want spaces that feel intentional, comfortable and enduring. According to Westlake Royal Building Products’ TrendLine platform, today's most influential trends e

The Modern Masonry Saw: Safety, Efficiency, and Smarter Cutting
July 2026

Masonry is a craft built on precision, strength, and durability. At the heart of every successful masonry project is one essential tool: the masonry saw. As technology evolves, so does the role of the saw on the jobsite. Today’s contractors are not just l

Getting the Finish Right on Burnished CMU
July 2026

The wall is complete. The lines are crisp. The coursing is tight, and the burnished CMU delivers exactly the refined appearance the design team envisioned. After weeks of coordination and careful installation, the project is final

Argo Community High School Performing Arts Center
July 2026

Argo Community High School is located in Summit, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago’s Midway Airport. In 2016, the Argo Community High School Board of Education and the school’s administration undertook the construction of a new performing