Happy official start of spring, everyone!
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
The Technical Shift: OGB is the New Standard: Open-Graded Base (OGB) systems are rapidly replacing traditional dense bases to allow for faster, all-weather installs and better drainage.
Real-Time Margin Tracking: Top-performing hardscape and landscape businesses are moving away from gut-feeling estimates toward "Predictive Operations" to protect profits against fluctuating material and labor costs.
The Rise of Vacuum Lifting: With 80% of contractors facing labor shortages, battery-powered suction lifters have become a job-site essential for installing large-format slabs safely with smaller crews.
Stormwater Mandates Driving Growth: New municipal "Sponge City" policies across North America are turning permeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICP) from an upgrade into a requirement.
Project spotlight: Why interior trends are the future of hardscape
The crew spent 12 man hours cutting the inlays and getting them perfect. Tony says, “We have some amazing craftsmen. I'm very proud of everything that they do.” He says the tempered glass fencing around the pool is a common choice for his clients. He’s had no problems with people walking into them.
