top of page
Peninsula Building Materials has supplied masonry contractors, builders, architects, and homeowners for over a century. The blog is where that experience gets written down: installation guides, material comparisons, design ideas, and what’s new at the yards. Start with a category, or browse the latest posts below.

Stone, brick, and hardscape know-how

Hardscaping Tips
Practical tips for patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living with natural stone and pavers.


Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis With Beautiful Travertine Pavers!
1. Let's Get Started on Your Outdoor Oasis! Are you dreaming of transforming your outdoor space into a luxurious oasis that you can escape to every day? Look no further than beautiful travertine pavers to upgrade your backyard! These natural stone tiles are perfect for creating a stylish and durable outdoor area that is sure to impress your guests. With travertine pavers, you can create a stunning patio, pool deck, or garden pathway that will stand the test of time. The uniqu

Peninsula Building Materials
May 9, 20243 min read


Transform Your Poolside: Innovative Coping Ideas for Your Next Renovation
You're planning your pool deck renovation and installation. You’ve already selected the hardscape material and you think you’re done. But then your contractor asks what you want to use for coping. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you find the best pool coping for your project. 3 Reasons Why Pool Coping is Critical Cleanliness. Pool coping helps keep loose landscaping material away from the water like rocks or mulch ensuring your pool water stays cleaner. Safety.

Peninsula Building Materials
Apr 4, 20242 min read


3 Material Choices for Driveway Pavers
Do you have oil stains or a worn-out, cracked driveway? Here are some ideas and tips to consider when replacing your driveway with pavers. Natural Stone: Starting with the most charming, albeit on the pricier side, cobblestones of granite, basalt, and porphyry are readily available. Cobblestones have been used in Europe and in the early days of cities like New York, Pennsylvania, and San Francisco. If you’re looking for something a little smoother, or perhaps your kids want

Peninsula Building Materials
Feb 1, 20242 min read


A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Stone for your Fireplace
The fireplace, a gathering place for warmth and conversation, serves as the heart of many homes. And when it comes to enhancing the ambiance of this focal point, thin veneer stone emerges as a versatile and stylish solution. Home owners have the option of choosing a natural or manufactured thin veneer with various style options. Let’s explore the different considerations. Considerations for choosing natural stone vs. manufactured veneer: 1. Style, Color & Texture The style of

Peninsula Building Materials
Dec 1, 20232 min read


Landscaping for More Extreme Weather
UPDATED: November 1st, 2023 Over the past decade California has experienced more extreme weather, including wetter winters and drier summers. In order to prepare for this type of weather year-round, it helps if the hardscape materials used for landscaping reflect this volatility. Wet-Weather Landscaping Tips Start by understanding the slope and which way the water runs. Adding a properly installed retaining wall can help with erosion by diverting water away from certain area

Peninsula Building Materials
Nov 6, 20233 min read


Brick: A Timeless Material For Outdoor Projects
Brick is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of outdoor projects. Because of its clay-fired composition brick is extremely durable, making it safe for freeze-thaw environments as well as fireplaces when rated appropriately. Designers and architects use brick to create a variety of looks, from traditional to modern. Check out Glen Gery’s Look Book for inspiring architecture. Here are a few ideas for using brick: Patios and walkways: Brick patios and walkways ar

Peninsula Building Materials
Oct 31, 20233 min read


To Seal Or Not To Seal Your Outdoor Hardscape?
On our last blog, we touched on the idea of sealing and coating your natural stone. But does your natural stone even need to be sealed? And what's the difference between sealing and coating? Let's explore. Some say natural stone doesn't need any additional treatment since it's been sitting in the earth for millions of years and will do just fine without our help. While there is truth in that statement it is also true that natural stone will stain or etch depending on stone ty

Peninsula Building Materials
Jul 19, 20233 min read


Expert Advice On Pool Decks and Coping
So you need a new pool deck. Maybe you'd prefer modern pool coping showing fewer joints and sharper angles? Or maybe you've had your eye on travertine bullnose for a while? Whatever your style, investing in a pool remodel is a big decision. To help you during this process we sat down with Phil Cook of Blue Water Pools for a chat about pool decks and coping. Phil, what are you seeing in the pool world these days? Most people want modern looks, clean lines and colors more in th

Peninsula Building Materials
May 30, 20233 min read
bottom of page
