Welcome to this week’s Hardscape Digest, a free bi-weekly newsletter from the team at Hardscape Magazine.
Each issue will cover the latest trends and news impacting the hardscape industry, featured projects, installation techniques, new tools, upcoming events and much, much more.
The bottom line up front
Record market growth: The global landscaping and hardscaping services market is projected to surpass $741 billion this year. This is being driven by a surge in real estate development and a major shift in consumer spending toward permanent, functional outdoor living spaces.
Graum + Techno-Bloc training course: Granum (the company behind LMN and Greenius) announced a major partnership with Techo-Bloc at HNA last year. They’re launching the 2026 Hardscaper Showcase Tour—a 23-city initiative designed to bring advanced business-management software, estimating tools, and workforce training directly to contractors.
Drought-resilient infrastructure: Across California, strict water conservation standards are driving hardscape innovation. There’s a massive push toward permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP) and strategic grading to manage runoff and allow rainwater to filter back into the local water table.
Material trends: There’s an increasingly strong preference for natural, authentic materials like stacked stone, warm-toned pavers, and reclaimed wood. Simultaneously, high-performance modular paver systems—especially porcelain—are rapidly replacing traditional poured concrete due to their longevity, ease of repair, and structural integrity.
Project spotlight: A wall project evolution
Jason says much of the soil in this part of southern Oregon is what they call black sticky. “It's highly expansive clay, and you can't build on that. So we had to take all of that clay out of all the structural areas. We did a lot of excavation.”They excavated down to the tan sandstone material (pictured) which is suitable for building.
What started as a standard site visit for a 1,100-square-foot retaining wall turned into a two-year marathon. Contractor Jason Myers of JM Construction explains how a client’s vision—and the sheer necessity of stabilizing a 30% slope—transformed a modest job into an 11,000-face-foot masterpiece.
From navigating expansive "black sticky" clay to installing geogrid beneath a swimming pool, this project is a masterclass in hillside engineering and terrace design.
Tech tip: The secret to superior engraving
When it comes to custom hardscape engraving, not all pavers are created equal. If you are looking to achieve a professional, high-definition finish that stands the test of time, the industry experts have a clear favorite: Face-Mix Pavers.
While standard "through-mix" pavers use a consistent blend of large stones and color throughout, Face-Mix features a specialized top layer engineered with fine sand, dense cement, and concentrated pigments. This dual-layer design isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about precision.
Why this matters for your next project:
Crisp, Sharp Lines: The fine aggregate in the face layer allows sandblasting equipment to carve intricate logos and text without hitting large stones that cause "pitting" or jagged edges.
Superior Durability: The high-density surface resists chipping under the high pressure of the engraving process.
Vibrant Contrast: The concentrated top-layer pigment ensures that engraved designs pop with professional-grade clarity.
According to Mike Bull of PAVERART, nearly 95% of professional engraving projects utilize face-mix for one simple reason: the end result is objectively better.
Read the full technical breakdown from CMHA to see why face-mix is the preferred canvas for elite engraving.
From the archives: Turning pain into gain
All-in-one products such as Sable Marco’s EV Evolution polymeric sand are suitable for all types of paver joints 1/8” to 4” wide in situations that range from high traffic vehicular applications, overlays, pool decks, sloped areas, etc.
Polymeric sand has evolved significantly since the 90s, but for many contractors, installation still leads to "hazing" and joint failure. Blake Trocki of Sable Marco breaks down the professional "know-how" required to ensure a perfect finish every time.
From selecting the right aggregate for high-traffic pool decks to the "non-starter" tools every crew needs (like an adjustable shower head and a backpack blower), this guide covers the best practices that prevent 80% of common installation headaches.
Supplier corner
From rollers to lifters to forklifts, get a rundown of the latest equipment and tools, as featured in our February issue of Hardscape Magazine.
Great for all types of pavers - including porcelain and field stone. VPR 450 for 16” or smaller pavers. VPR 700 for 16” or larger pavers. Rollers - designed to last, won’t wear out like a poly pad, no marking of the pavers! Convenient maintenance check items. Bump rail around whole machine to stop scratching of home or close structures.
Bon Tool Co’s Kangaroo Screed (82-462) with Built-In Level delivers precision and durability. Featuring 1 floating edge and 2 screeding edge, it’s cut symmetrically to double its lifespan. Made from lightweight alumninm for eays handling, it includes an integrated level fro accurate grading. Available in 4’, 6’, 8’, 10’, and 12’ lengths for versatile hardscape work.
Rated Bill Gardocki’s best hand tools, the spades from W.W. Manufacturing are made of aircraft quality steel. Wielded blades and handle add to the strength and durability that has stood the test of time — making these spades truly The King of Spades.
Upcoming industry events
March 18-20: Northeast Hardscape Expo, at the Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort in Uncasville, CT.
March 18-20: HPBExpo at Ernst M. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.
March 30-April 2: Coverings: The Global Tile & Stone Experience at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
April 7-10: National Clay Brick Expo at the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando, FL.
May 30-June 1: 2026 Southeast Regional Conference at the Sheraton Downtown Raleigh in Raleigh, NC.
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Until next time,
The Team at Hardscape Magazine
