Natural Stone Institute Completes 25th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation

The Natural Stone Institute, in collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment), has recently provided natural stone and fabrication services for two more homes. The R.I.S.E. program builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. To date, Natural Stone Institute members have … Read more

OSHA Requires EIN From Employers

As of January 2, 2020, OSHA requires all employers to electronically submit an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) along with the report for fatality, injury and illness, Form 300A. This requirement only pertains to employers with 250 or more employees, and some other businesses over … Read more

Video: Ideas for Dealing with Worker Shortages

Many in the countertop industry are experiencing trouble finding new workers, and this is true in a variety of industries. Much of this has to do with low unemployment and an aging workforce. This video put forth by Knowledge Force Consulting offers some ideas how to get your hands around … Read more

Kick These Old Planning Habits in the New Year

According to InEight, a top producer of construction project management software, companies have four bad habits that should stop in the coming year. The overarching goal of project planning is to create a model that “best reflects what we believe will be a reality”. However, many software tools teach us … Read more

Walker Zanger Introduces Pietta Donovan Collection

Walker Zanger announced their latest collaboration with emerging Australian designer Pietta Donovan. The Petta Donovan collection consists of ‘70s-inspired patterns and distinct colorways. These cement tiles are adorned in kaleidoscopic shapes, sharp lines and curvilinear corners. The handmade craftsmanship and quality of pigment used to color each tile reflects both … Read more

MSI Partners with Spectrum Quartz

MSI has announced the establishment of a joint venture with Spectrum Quartz to create a quartz slab manufacturing production facility in the United States. In May of this year, Spectrum Quartz (part of Hirsch Glass Corporation) announced plans to build a quartz manufacturing plant on a 42-acre site in Latta, … Read more

Coverings Extends Competition Submission Deadlines

Realizing it’s a busy time of year, the deadline for Coverings 2020 CID Awards and Rock Star nominations have been extended to Friday, January 10. The Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the design and installation of tile & stone in both residential and commercial projects. … Read more

Hyundai Adds New Colors to Hanex Solid Surfaces

Hyundai L&C has recently added two new colors to the Hanex Solid Surfaces offerings. Inspired by the natural beauty of travertine, Bianco Classico features a light cream base with accents of cool gray and soft beige for a timeless, distinctive look with endless versatility.     Oyster Pearl blends subtle … Read more

Natural Stone Institute Adds to Toolbox Talks for Quarriers

The Natural Stone Institute, in coordination with the National Building Granite Quarries Association (NBGQA), has added three toolbox talks for quarriers to the Natural Stone University. Topics include the following: • Fall Arrest System Regulations • Highwall Management and Use of Drones • Quarry Slab Tipping Safety There are now … Read more

Neolith Introduces Full Body Veining Technology

Neolith® is taking the design of its sintered stone material even further with revolutionary Full Body Veining technology: a game-changing innovation that achieves an essential degree of detail the industry has struggled to achieve over the last decade. Since Neolith first arrived on the market in 2009, the brand has … Read more