For over 100 years, Peninsula Building Materials has been dedicated to supplying materials for masonry contractors, builders and architects. Our blog is dedicated to help our customers stay informed on industry trends, new products, local project highlights, and best practices and tips for successful project completions. It is our utmost intent to make sure you find the exact product that best represents the look, feel and integrity of your design. Follow along as we share a

A passion project gives you satisfaction and happiness. Large or small, it provides great satisfaction in both the eye of the beholder and the person completing the project. A mason by trade as well as a project manager at Douglas Landscape Construction, Chris Peeters' most recent passion project truly shows off his love of masonry and stone. Limestone has been used for carving by French masons for centuries and this has long been a favorite of Chris'. When he first approache

When it comes to Bay Area homes, we know that space is often at a premium. Whether you have a compact urban backyard, an awkward side yard, or a tiny front patio, making the most of every square foot matters. The good news? You don't need a sprawling landscape to create a stunning outdoor oasis. With natural stone, pavers, bricks, and even boulders or pebbles, you can elevate your outdoor spaces—no matter how small—into something truly special. Let's explore how you can turn

Our complete Flagstone Style Guide has everything you need for your next hardscape project. Flagstone is one of the most versatile and visually striking materials used in hardscaping and landscaping. Its natural irregularity and wide range of color tones make it ideal for creative, high-end outdoor designs; from Mediterranean-inspired architecture on the California coast to modern Zen retreats in the Bay Area, flagstone works in a variety of styles, designs, and locations. At

Homeowners in Northern California are all too familiar with the sight of cracked and broken concrete driveways. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be a hazard to you and your family. If you're tired of dealing with the maintenance and repairs that come with a concrete driveway, it's time to consider an alternative: interlocking driveway pavers. These beautiful pavers not only add curb appeal to your home, but also provide a durable and long-lasting solution. We've

Bluestone pavers are a great way to add a beautiful walkway or patio to your home. With bluestone, you'll find the perfect look for your space, whether it be modern, rustic or something in between. It is a popular choice for outdoor living hardscape because bluestone is durable and it will last for years to come. This Design & Build Blog breaks down this incredibly versatile natural stone that comes in different sizes, finishes and styles. Bluestone is Affordable and Durable

There's a particular look people keep walking into our Mountain View showroom asking for. Stones fitted so closely together that you can barely see a joint, no wide bands of grout, the whole wall reading like it was hand-stacked by someone who took their time. In the trade it's called a tight-fit or dry-stacked joint, and natural stone thin veneer is what gets you there. It's a beautiful finish, and it's within reach for a confident DIYer on the right project. It's also less

(and How to Do It Right) Walk into a Bay Area design firm right now and you'll probably spot a sample on the table that wasn't there five years ago. It's a piece of natural stone, usually warm and tactile, sometimes cool and grey, and often headed for a fireplace. Designers and architects from Palo Alto to Tiburon have quietly stopped reaching for painted brick and tile-look-everything. They want materials with more texture, weight, and character. We see the same shift from

There is an exciting new product line at PBM - Techo-Bloc is now part of our lineup! If you haven’t come across them before, Techo-Bloc is known for clean, modern styles that still hold up over time. It’s a solid option whether you’re updating your own backyard, designing a space for a client, or working on a full build. If you’re planning a patio, walkway, driveway, or outdoor living space, the material you choose is going to set the tone for everything else. So here’s a q

When you fall in love with a stone, you’re usually looking at two things: The stone itself (granite, limestone, quartzite, etc.) The finish/texture that gives it its final character That second piece – the finish – is where the real magic happens. The same stone can look sleek and modern, rustic and old-world, or somewhere in between… just by changing how the surface is treated. This guide breaks down common cut stone and veneer finishes/textures, what terms like bush-ham

Pavers are more than just a building block for a pathway or driveway; they manage water, carry loads, set the visual tone, and determine how a space feels underfoot. In the Bay Area, add seismic movement, clay soils, coastal air, and stormwater rules to the equation, and the right choice becomes even more important. This guide distills the essentials so you can specify or select confidently, and it spotlights several new pavers now available at PBM: Mod7, Permeable Mission, P

Canyon Creek Natural Stone Thin Veneer When it comes to boosting your home’s value, first impressions matter. Curb appeal doesn’t just influence how your home looks—it directly impacts resale value. One of the smartest ways to elevate curb appeal is with natural stone. Unlike trends that fade, natural stone is timeless, durable, and requires minimal upkeep. Its longevity, fire resistance, and versatility make it one of the best investments homeowners can make, often deliverin

For over a century, Peninsula Building Materials has been the definitive source for high-quality natural stone. Our legacy is built on a deep understanding of this material, and we are committed to sharing that expertise with you. These comprehensive stone guides will equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect stone for your next architectural or landscape projects. We will explore the primary natural stone types available in our paving, veneer, and landscape material

Located within the exclusive Santa Lucia Preserve near Carmel, California, the Estancia Madera estate is a showcase of meticulous stone craftsmanship and thoughtful design by Richard Beard Architects. This project, which began well before the pandemic, highlights the challenges and triumphs of working with natural stone in a demanding luxury home environment. We spoke to the PBM team member, Shannon, that worked tirelessly with the masons, Walton & Sons, and contractor Drew M

In the Bay Area, homeowners embarking on a home remodel or landscaping project often think about these key points: Is this timeless? Will this raise the property value of my home? How about the curb appeal? Here’s the good news - natural stone and brick have both proven to be timeless in construction and design. Carefully mixed and curated materials feel very ‘of the moment’ - combining rough-cut stone with smooth honed pavers ensures a balance of what makes California home

As Bay Area homeowners prepare for spring and summer, the desire to create cohesive indoor-outdoor living spaces continues to grow. Porcelain pavers, tiles, and pool coping are increasingly popular solutions for uniting interior and exterior spaces, delivering a seamless look that’s both functional and beautiful. Why Choose Porcelain for Your Outdoor Space? Porcelain is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a durable, low-maintenance solution for their indoor-outdoor de

Fire Resistant Building Materials from Peninsula Building Materials: Smart Solutions for Bay Area Homes With the huge devastation caused by the recent Los Angeles area fires and the memory of the destructive Northern California wildfires of the past several years, fire preparedness is at the top of many builders’ and homeowners' minds in the Bay Area. As fires become an increasing concern for our state, considering fire-resistant materials when constructing and remodeling hom

Brick Design for Charm and Durability When planning an architectural or landscaping project in California, choosing the right materials is key to creating a design that is both stunning and enduring. Brick has long been a popular choice for its versatility, sustainability, and timeless appeal. Whether you’re envisioning a classic look or a modern twist, here are some creative ways to incorporate brick into your design. Why Choose Brick for Building and Landscape Design? Brick

Transforming your backyard into a serene sanctuary with a stone fireplace and other fire features is a rewarding investment in both comfort and style. Adding a fire element to your landscape can serve as the centerpiece of this transformation. There are innovative products that can quickly add value as such a fire bowl byPrism Hardscapesand Eldorado Outdoor pre-built cabinets, which provide the foundation for an easy installation. The Allure of Stone Fireplaces Stone firepla

Are you thinking about extending your brick paver patio or walkway? One of the most crucial aspects of this project is ensuring a seamless match between your existing pavers and the new ones. This guide will walk you through the steps to match your brick pavers effectively with high-quality options from trusted brands like General Shale, Glen-Gery, McNear, Muddox, and Pacific Clay. Why Matching Brick Pavers Matters Matching your current brick pavers' color, texture, and size