Author: balt_brown

Issues

September-October 2023

See the global reach of hard surfaces with interactive maps of the first-half 2023 imports of the United States.

Issues

July-August 2023

Learn how a fabricator adapted to sintered stone and ultra-compact. Also, the CID 2023 award winners, and a video report on the Xiamen Stone Fair.

Issues

March-April 2023

U.S. hard-surface imports in 2022 set another record in total values … but shipment volumes tell a different story. Also, a son follows his father’s lead in fabrication shop, and the 2022 Pinnacle Awards show the best of natural-stone projects

Issues

January-February 2023

Industry leaders share their views on 2023 — and the most-valuable thing learned in 2022. Also, OSHA’s main complaints with fabricators in fiscal 2023, and the Stone Fabricators Association takes a look at smudging on black quartz surfaces.

Issues

November-December 2022

Silicosis continues to be a hot topic in fabrication workplace safety, with a focus on shops handling quartz surfaces. Also, the best hardscape projects get their due, with natural-stone jobs judged by the of the Natural Stone Institute.

Issues

September-October 2022

If inflation’s eating your earnings and the job backlog is getting softer, take a look at how a few fabricators are forming up slowdown strategies. Also, the Tucker Design Awards are on full display, as well as this year’s Coverings Installation and Design winners.

Issues

July-August 2022

Cook right from the countertop with undermount induction elements? Yes, but not all surfaces are equal in performance. Also, the 2022 NKBA Design Awards show how designers are using hard surfaces — and what they’re paying.

Issues

March-April 2022

The best of natural stone is celebrated with the 2021 Pinnacle Awards. Also, U.S. hard surfaces imports recorded a banner year in 2021, and standards are still vague on thicker porcelain-slab installations.