STABILA, a trusted name synonymous with precision, durability, and quality, is excited to announce the launch of several innovative products this fall. The lineup features the compact and versatile LAX320G laser level and the advanced LD530 Laser Distance

As rainscreen wall designs become increasingly prevalent in today’s construction environment, there have been questions regarding their design. How wide should the capillary break be? How do we create this capillary break? Can the same methods be used i

Heading to Spokane, WA, I found myself riding the airport tram at O’Hare in Chicago. Looking out the window at a part of the 26-year-old International Terminal 5, I spotted a painted structural steel beam in front of a concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall. Th

The Dignity Act is back! Congresswoman Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX) have re-introduced the Dignity Act, their comprehensive border security and immigration law reform legislation and we need to hit the ground running to

Inveraray Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic Gothic Revival structures, rises from the banks of Loch Fyne like a monument to stonework itself. For masonry contractors and material suppliers, the castle serves as a working model of 18th-century craftsma

Westlake Royal Building Products™, one of North America’s largest manufacturers and distributors of exterior and interior building products, today announced an expanded distribution partnership with Lumberman’s Wholesale Inc. (LWI), a wholesale building

This year, Mortar Net will be presenting 40 Masonry Apprentice Scholarships to individuals across the country who are in their training to become topped-out mechanics. We have a very impressive list of sponsors that have really added to the value and impo

This month, the MCAA got the chance to talk with 19-year-old Emmalyn Sides who is at the beginning of her journey in the masonry industry. Her love for competing and improving her skills is apparent and her love for the craft is the exact reason she was p

Persistence doesn’t always look like progress. It’s not a trophy or a headline. It’s the decision to keep showing up, especially when the numbers don’t break your way. For many contractors, that decision is personal rather than public. It’s made in the qu

As we move further into the school year and the industry continues to pick up speed, I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates and forward momentum from the MCAA Outreach & Education Division. Each month brings new developments, new partnerships, and ne

MCAA has been posting lots of wonderful old photos from decades of records as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary. Many of these photos are black and white and show people at our MCAA events with men wearing suits and ties while the women wore dressy gowns

When I ask my coaching clients if they have anyone in their construction company who could potentially move up from field superintendent to estimator or project manager, the typical answer is “No!” The same answer is usually given when asked if they have

Ever watch a hot-potato game break out on your jobsite? It usually starts small. Somebody spots a crooked door frame, mutters, “I’ll make a note,” and flicks the issue to the next trade like it’s radioactive. By the time that frame comes back around, dryw

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Rob McKay from Instone joins the show to talk about his story as well as the processes and procedures of manufacturing natural stone. Getting Started in Masonry: Rob’s Story Rob entered the masonry field by

‘Why We’ve Lasted 140 Years’ How The Belden Brick Company’s approach to manufacturing excellence continues to solve modern brick masonry challenges Ask masonry contractor Jason Hauer what separates good brick from great brick, and he’ll tell you about h

Consistency is the cornerstone of quality masonry. A uniform mortar mix is critical for the structural integrity and durability of any project, from a simple brick wall to an intricate stone design. When mortar lacks consistency, it can lead to weak joint