"StixnStones" Blog

Nicolock Interlocking Paving Stones & Retaining Walls is introducing a new product for 2012 – Bradstone. A remarkable alternative to natural stone, Bradstone is manufactured to represent stone of an earlier time. An impressive landscape material, Bradstone reinforces and maintains Nicolock’s excellent reputation. In addition to the attractive look, benefit from the low maintenance factor which lowers ongoing costs.  Representing the textures and intricate designs of English traditions, this stone is long lasting and is coined by Nicolock as the “next best thing in concrete hardscape products”.

While you may be presented with some challenges when pouring concrete in colder temperatures, many often find that the extra effort and additional procedures taken pay off in the end. In the winter & colder temperatures, concrete must be continuously protected from freezing and freeze-thaw cycles in its early stages. Extra steps must be taken to ensure that the concrete doesn’t get cold too quickly, which would result in the concrete weakening, increasing the risk for cracking and breaking. By taking certain precautions, you can pour concrete in the winter.

You’ve put time and effort into creating perfect living quarters to relax in during the summer months, and while you may not hear many people say ‘let’s go outside!’ as the temperatures continue to drop, there are still ways you can enjoy your outdoor space in this cold weather. Here are some simple tips you can utilize to get the most out of your cozy outdoor spaces.

You all have them – gorgeous hardscape designs, eye catching landscapes, beautiful, enticing decks and walkways. After putting the time and the money into features such as these to glorify your home, why not show them off? With Evening Star Lighting, you can magnify the already existing visual appeal of the landscape designs and outdoor displays you have surrounding your home with subtle, elegant illumination. Reap the benefits of the low voltage architectural accent lighting products ideal for your concrete pavers, landscape walls, columns, decking, deck rails, and docks. We recently had a seminar at Pioneer with Evening Star Lighting, and would like to share some information about this exciting product line with you.

What effect does a common chemical deicer have on concrete surfaces? It is widely known that deicers containing ammonium nitrate and/or ammonium sulfate will chemically attack concrete. However, chemical deicers such as sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride, urea, potassium chloride, and their combinations do not chemically attack concrete.

With Halloween right around the corner, your front porch is about to get a lot of traffic. Whether its kids trick or treating, or yourself sitting outside admiring the leaves changing colors, your porch will be enjoyed, and you want it to look its best. Here are some tips for porch safety and décor.

BWI Commercial makes commercial doors lively and inviting. You shouldn’t have to compromise style and elegance for safety and BWI Commercial understands that and makes it possible for you to have all of your desired elements in one door. Ideal for any setting, BWI Commercial’s line of Mesker, Masonite, TruStile, Lemieux and Mohawk doors provide durability, insulation, style, and safety in a wide variety of color options and finishes. Also available are outstanding frames and door hardware, guaranteeing all of your door needs will be met. In addition, BWI Commercial supports green building and sustainability.

When the colder months roll in, people stay inside and landscapes can start looking dull and dreary. However, with the right design ideas, you can turn your yard into a winter wonderland and keep it looking plentiful all winter long. Here are a few ideas to winterize your landscape.

When choosing a deicer, there are a number of things to consider, including cost, long term effects, and effectiveness. It’s important to know what your deicing agent is composed of, and to keep in mind that the cheapest isn’t always the most effective. What you choose will vary depending on what type of area you are applying your agent to, the predicted drop in temperature, and maybe your own personal preference.

Building a fireplace from scratch can be quite costly, requiring a professional installer and can take weeks to complete. With FireRock, you can build a magnificent fireplace on your own, and have it finished within two days. Using a simple kit that contains large pieces which fit together easily, you can create the indoor or outdoor fireplace that you desire, having all the benefits (and then some) of traditional masonry fireplaces.