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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
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How to Install Flagstone: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your Next Outdoor Project
Flagstone is a popular choice for creating beautiful, durable patios and pathways. Its natural look, combined with its versatility, makes it a perfect material for outdoor spaces. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, this guide will walk you through the different types of flagstone, the installation methods, and a step-by-step process to bring your project to life. Types of Flagstone Flagstone comes in a variety of materials, each with its own unique

Peninsula Building Materials
Oct 28, 20244 min read


Choosing the Right Flagstone Pavers for Your Outdoor Space
Flagstone pavers are a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to their natural beauty, versatility, and durability. Whether you're designing a patio, walkway, or garden path, selecting the right type of flagstone is crucial for achieving the desired look and functionality. In this article, we'll compare different types of flagstone pavers, including bluestone and Arizona flagstone, and provide guidance on choosing the best option for your project. Understanding Flagstone Flags

Peninsula Building Materials
Sep 26, 20244 min read


Best Pavers for Your Driveway: Durability and Design
When it comes to upgrading your driveway, the choice of pavers is crucial not only for the aesthetic appeal but also for the durability and long-term performance of the surface. At Peninsula Building Materials, we understand that a well-designed driveway can significantly enhance the curb appeal and value of your home. In this guide, we’ll explore the best options available, focusing on Belgard, Basalite, and Ackerstone interlocking and permeable pavers. We’ll dive into their

Peninsula Building Materials
Aug 28, 20243 min read


The Architectural Beauty of Stone Veneer Fireplaces in Modern Homes
Stone veneer fireplaces have become a standout feature in contemporary home architecture, blending timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Whether updating an existing fireplace or constructing a new one, stone veneer offers a versatile and stylish solution. At Peninsula Building Materials, we showcase an array of exquisite stone veneer options from top brands like Connecticut Stone and US Stone. This article explores the design trends and benefits of incorporating ston

Peninsula Building Materials
Jul 25, 20244 min read


The Benefits of Choosing Natural Stone Thin Veneer for Commercial Projects
In the world of commercial construction and architectural design, the materials you choose can make a significant impact on the overall success of a project. From durability and aesthetic appeal to cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, every aspect plays a crucial role. One material that consistently stands out in commercial applications is natural stone thin veneer. At Peninsula Building Materials, we offer a range of high-quality natural stone options from Buechel St

Peninsula Building Materials
Jul 2, 20244 min read


Innovative Landscaping: Integrating Paver Designs with Wall Caps and Stair Treads
Creating a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space involves more than just selecting the right plants and furniture. The hardscape elements, such as pavers, wall caps, and stair treads, play a crucial role in defining the character and functionality of your landscape. Stepstone, Inc. offers a range of precast concrete solutions that can be seamlessly integrated to enhance the beauty and usability of your outdoor areas. This article will explore how to combine pavers, wa

Peninsula Building Materials
Jun 12, 20244 min read


Time to Transform Your Backyard
Now is the time to embark on that backyard remodel you've been dreaming about. Dive into our guide on upgrading your backyard with luxurious features like natural stone paving, built-in kitchens, and more, making it your personal retreat for relaxation and entertainment. Choosing the Perfect Patio Flooring: Natural Stone Paving For your patio flooring, consider going with a natural material such as a domestic quarried Bluestone. A dense quarzitic sandstone, Bluestone can rea

Peninsula Building Materials
Jun 3, 20243 min read


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


Discover Porcelain- 1 afternoon only!
Discover the possibilities with porcelain on Thursday, March 14! Porcelain is the perfect choice for outdoor environments, from gardens to poolside areas, as it is durable, resistant, waterproof, and extremely safe. Discover new colors, meet directly with the product rep and collect samples! March 14, 3-6pm @ PBM's Walnut Creek Showroom

Peninsula Building Materials
Mar 12, 20241 min read


Tips for Installing Thin Stone Veneer
Have you ever seen a stonemason trowel mortar onto a stone veneer? He’d call it buttering and make it look as easy as buttering your morning toast. So perhaps after having watched a stonemason install natural stone thin stone veneer on the outside of your home you decide you’d like to go DIY for a small interior project? Then you try buttering that first piece of veneer. Notice how surprised you feel when that mortar slips right off the trowel. Notice how it feels plopping

Peninsula Building Materials
Feb 23, 20242 min read


Spring Vendor Showcase -March 13
BE INSPIRED by NEW 2024 Products
> Showcasing Specialty Stone & Brick
> Hands-On Demonstrations
> Wood-Fired Pizza by Mugnaini
> Enter to Win Raffle Prizes

Peninsula Building Materials
Feb 9, 20241 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


Cobblestone Collection 2024
Introducing PBM's Latest Collection of Cobblestones We've sourced exquisite natural stone cobblestones from California, the US, and internationally to bring you size, color, and texture options. These cobblestones are sure to raise the level of any landscape design project. Ready to find out more? Reach out for a copy of our new brochure to learn more and request a quote! Request a Quote

Peninsula Building Materials
Feb 1, 20241 min read


Brick & Stone Trends 2024
Announcing Upcoming Events for 2024 MARK YOUR CALENDARS January 11 3-6pm McNear Brick @ Walnut Creek Showroom February 8 8am-4pm NorCal Landscape & Nursery Show Booth #414 February 22 3-6pm Rademann Stone @ Walnut Creek Showroom March 13 3-6pm Vendor Showcase @ Mtn View Showroom March 14 3-6pm Landmark Porcelain @ Walnut Creek Showroom

Peninsula Building Materials
Jan 5, 20241 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


US Stone visits PBM
Sip some wine, indulge in our charcuterie board, and visit with one of our top vendors from Kansas: US Stone Industries Thursday, November 9 3:00-6:00pm Walnut Creek Showroom For More Information reach out Brenda Hunsinger 📲 (650) 861-6062 Pete Betsekas 📲 (408) 690-1218 Dave Mekeel 📲 (209) 652-2859 Reach out to a sales associate or email: pbmwalnutcreek@pbm1923.com

Peninsula Building Materials
Nov 1, 20231 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


Getting Started with Outdoor Porcelain Tile
"I want something maintenance free.” We hear this often in the showroom. Customers want material that is user-friendly and easy to care for. While we can certainly steer you toward less sensitive materials, it should be said that there is no perfect maintenance-free magic paving material. But there is a highly durable and quite stunning material readily on the market. Let’s talk about porcelain. Maintenance First things first. What does maintenance look like with porcelain?

Peninsula Building Materials
Oct 3, 20233 min read
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