Contractor’s Tip: 5 ways to guide your clients through product selection
January 21, 2023
As the saying goes, time is money. If your clients are having a hard time making key material selections, it can hold up the entire project. Here are five ways you can help expedite the process. ...
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How to add individuality to a classic home style
January 7, 2023
You’re a traditionalist at heart so, understandably, you’ve chosen a classic look for your home. But there are still things you can do to make your house stand out from the crowd. Here are five...
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5 things to splurge on – and ways to save – when building a new home
December 15, 2022
Except for that rare person for whom “money is no object,” every client’s wish for their new home will be constrained by their budget. Rather than dashing their dreams, help them focus on the...
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How to create an on-trend exterior
December 1, 2022
Nobody wants a cookie cutter home. When you’re planning a new custom home build, you want to choose a design with curb appeal. You’ll likely be looking for something that’s on trend, but still...
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Latest trends in exterior finishing
November 15, 2022
On trend
Helping clients select materials for a new home build can be a daunting task. Most will want their home to look timeless while also reflecting contemporary styles. Encourage them to...
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Top tips for creating a cozy home
November 1, 2022
The holidays are just around the corner. And as exciting as that is, it also means that winter is coming. Now that the temperatures have started to drop, here are five ways you can make your home...
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Eco-friendly architectural materials to benefit you and your client
October 15, 2022
Everyone is trying to do their part to combat climate change. Architects have the unique opportunity to help homeowners achieve their dreams in the most sustainable way possible. Here are six...
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Architects choose stone veneers for their timeless durability
October 1, 2022
When it comes to exterior cladding options for a home, there are an almost limitless array of options to choose from. Materials range from masonry and metal to wood and vinyl siding. If you’re...
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Simple finishing touches to bring style to home exteriors
September 15, 2022
If your client is looking to stand out in a cul-de-sac, there are different options for achieving an aesthetic that’s both timeless and unique, but an effective one focuses on the finishing...
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6 tips to make better home design decisions
September 1, 2022
Coming home to a property customized to your own taste is a dream come true for many of us. It’s an exciting opportunity to get exactly the house you want. But it can also be a stressful...
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Creative minds: Top tips for installing and designing with CMUs
August 15, 2022
Architects, contractors, masons and manufacturers are all in the business of building structures that are beautiful, interesting and functional. Everyone has their own role in the development...
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A simple trick to boost your home’s curb appeal
August 1, 2022
Everyone wants to be proud of their space, feel good about their property when arriving home and be comfortable with the design. But how do you achieve that solid ‘look’ that appeals to others...
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Windsor City Hall – A clinic in building a public house for the people
July 15, 2022
Whether or not you vote or participate in local politics, most people have a good idea of where their city hall is located. These structures have historically stood as gathering places for citizens...
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Webinar: Trends & Innovations in Stone Veneer and Architecture in 2022
July 8, 2022
Bob Sanders, Director of Sales at Shouldice Designer Stone, presented a webinar with panelist and architect Emilio Raimondo of Raimondo Architects to inform and share expertise and trends in the...
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How to use stone veneer for a refined exterior
July 1, 2022
If you’re looking to create a stylish exterior design on your new home, or to add a splash of something classic and timeless, you might want to explore the benefits and versatility of various...
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Refined home exterior ideas for the hesitant client
June 15, 2022
A good designer gains their client’s trust by providing exterior plans with various options and styles, but often that’s not enough for the client to help them choose a direction. You can solve...
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Creating a luxury outdoor kitchen
June 1, 2022
So, you’ve decided your next home project is going to be a brand-new outdoor kitchen, and you’ve budgeted for something nice. How do you get yourself from bright idea, to concept, to the fine...
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Scalable design trends for home exteriors
May 15, 2022
From contemporary to urban farmhouse to traditional there are countless options available for designing home exteriors. Often it can be difficult for your clients to choose just one.
Here are...
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Coordinating Simple Exterior Ideas To Boost Curb Appeal
May 1, 2022
If you’re in the market to invest in your new home and want to make the best impression on your new neighbours, putting some thought behind the curb appeal of your home counts. There are some great...
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Canada’s National Ballet School on Jarvis Street, Toronto
April 15, 2022
Melding heritage and contemporary architecture to make a ballet studio dance
In 2005 the National Ballet School of Canada was expanded from an existing heritage mansion to a state-of-the-art...
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Choosing durable exteriors for long-lasting luxury
April 1, 2022
Deciding what material to use on the exterior of your home is a personal decision not to be taken lightly. The right choice will make your house stand out, look attractive, and last for decades to...
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Exterior architecture trends your clients will be asking for in 2022
March 15, 2022
As an architect or builder, you are the expert when it comes to designing a home. It’s your job to guide your client to a vision that suits their style, budget, and needs, and stays true to your...
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Home colour trends in 2022
March 1, 2022
Choosing colours for your home is a significant decision. For the exterior, it’s a challenge to balance timeless design alongside fresh and inviting trends that boost both curb appeal and your...
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Transform your home with limitless luxury
February 9, 2022
Many of us are spending more time at home than ever, and we’re taking the opportunity to invest in our everyday spaces to make them more inviting and luxurious. If you’re thinking of a makeover,...
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Interview with a stonemason, featuring Norwood & Co.
January 12, 2022
We love seeing how our stone products help bring beautiful projects to life. Some of our favourite real-world examples come from industry professionals like masons, engineers and architects who are...
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Exterior accessory home trends to watch
December 6, 2021
Like your car or outfit, it’s the accessories that really pull a look together. When it comes to your home exteriors, details like corner stones and window surrounds can take your home from plain...
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Top 3 exterior home design trends
November 18, 2021
There’s nothing like the feeling of pulling into your driveway after a long day. And when the first thing you see is your home’s beautiful exterior, you get a sense of pride and...
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How architects influence manufacturing
August 13, 2021
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Emilio Raimondo of Raimondo + Associates Architects Inc. (RAAI) located in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This provided us with the opportunity to discuss the...
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Estate Stone – The ultimate in versatility
July 16, 2021
Part of the reason why Estate Stone is our best seller is because it is so versatile.
Estate Stone has versatility in style and ten luxurious colours that make a bold statement and bring unmatched...
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Interview with a stonemason, featuring AC/DC Masonry
July 8, 2021
There is nothing we appreciate more than our customers. We appreciate their business of course, but it’s the enduring relationships we build with our customers over the years that are so satisfying...
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Modern or traditional? Estate Stone can do both
June 11, 2021
One of the leading appeals of stone must be its versatility. Whether applied to a traditional architectural design, a more modern layout or virtually anything in between, stone produces a timeless,...
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Matching stone with brick
May 28, 2021
One of the many great attractions of stone and brick is the nearly endless variety to choose from individually. This vast selection is especially interesting when you consider the possibilities of...
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Working with multiple materials
May 7, 2021
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. This is a common phrase familiar to almost everyone. It suggests that multiple elements, when put together in the optimal combination, produce...
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Convenience and efficiency: A look at our accessories, packaging, and labeling (Part two of two)
April 23, 2021
In Part One of our Accessories, Packaging, and Labeling feature series, we observed the many benefits that the use of accessories brings to architectural design. The unique, custom, and efficient...
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Convenience and efficiency: A look at our accessories, packaging, and labeling (Part one of two)
April 8, 2021
In the fashion business the primary item, be it a suit or a dress, tends to get the focus of attention. One might argue that this is completely reasonable and no surprise. However, it can often be...
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Smith Stone Oxenden – A perfect complement to modern design
February 18, 2021
One of the attributes or distinctions of modern architectural design is the freedom to combine multiple building materials. Combinations of glass, wood, stone, metal, or hybrid materials are becoming...
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What’s ready to go
February 8, 2021
Convenient availability and rapid delivery are fast becoming standard customer expectations across a wide spectrum of products in our contemporary economy. Shouldice Designer Stone has built its...
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We’re here for you
January 27, 2021
As Covid-19 continues to be a part of all our lives we want you to know that Shouldice Designer Stone is here for you. We, like many other construction related companies, are regarded as an essential...
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Holiday season office hours
December 15, 2020
We expect you are looking forward to the Christmas and New Year break as much as we are.
The Shouldice office will be closed starting on Thursday December 24 and reopening Tuesday January 5.
We...
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2020 Highlights
December 10, 2020
December is upon us. What a challenging year it has been for everyone. We are especially thankful to our loyal customers and steadfast employees for sticking with us as we all worked diligently to...
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Double the Choice with Strata Brick Smooth
November 20, 2020
Strata Brick Smooth was a big hit from the very beginning. This product features a smooth face in a standard size. Strata Brick Smooth is a frogged unit. Its benefits include weight savings versus...
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Go Ultra Contemporary with Smith Stone Polar
November 13, 2020
It is an inarguable fact that stone has a long and richly deserved reputation and legacy throughout history as a popular and functional building product. It is solid, strong, long lasting and good...
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Seeing is Believing
October 21, 2020
Imagining what something may look like is one thing but to actually see the final result is a definite experience upgrade.
The Shouldice Designer Stone Product Visualizer is here and live on our...
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Estate Stone Norton Leads the Way
October 1, 2020
Shouldice Estate Stone has been a popular choice for years. Its multiple square and rectangular dimensions, together with ten luxurious colours, make a bold style statement and add unparalleled value...
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Commitment To Our Community Makes For A Great Company
September 16, 2020
From modest beginnings in 1947 Shouldice Designer Stone has grown and prospered to become one of the leading providers of manufactured masonry products in Canada.
Nothing of course happens in a...
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Hello Instagram!
August 26, 2020
Instagram has been and continues to be an unrivaled success story. One of its primary attractions is the ability of users to post content, browse other users' content by tags and locations and view...
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Stone Trends 2020 is Here
August 13, 2020
We are delighted to release the fourth annual edition of the highly popular Stone Trends publication. Originally produced in 2017, Stone Trends, issued in both digital and hard copy versions, has...
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Estate Stone – Always the Right Choice
July 22, 2020
Regardless of the application, Estate Stone from Shouldice Designer Stone is always the right choice. That is one of the reasons it is a perennial top seller. Another is the fact that Estate Stone is...
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The Priority of Customer Service
July 8, 2020
Superior customer service has always been and continues to be a hallmark of the Shouldice Designer Stone business philosophy. We firmly believe that our business success for over 70 years can be...
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Feature Project – Contemporary Sophistication
June 24, 2020
There’s something magnetic about white. Its brilliance and cleanliness draws one in. Its power leaves little to the imagination yet is consistently satisfying. The truth of this is borne out in the...
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The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts
June 11, 2020
Aristotle wisely proclaimed “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In other words, when individual parts are connected together to form one entity, they are worth more than if the...
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Feature Project – It’s the Details that Make a House
May 27, 2020
Size isn’t everything but it can permit the opportunity to beautifully showcase just what can be done, from a design and materials application perspective, in residential architecture.
Our...
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Being Canadian
May 13, 2020
What’s so special about being Canadian? For everyone asked that question there is a different answer but they tend to follow common and often related themes. Some of those commonalities include...
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Shouldice – 1st Choice for a Builder’s Package
April 29, 2020
Many businesses have built a large and loyal following by providing everything their customers require to satisfy their needs. Walmart is a classic example but it is a strategy that extends into...
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Minto Selects Shouldice for Ivy Ridge Development
April 16, 2020
Shouldice Designer Stone is proud to have been selected by Minto Communities as the exclusive stone vendor for its Ivy Ridge community development project in Whitby, Ontario.
Minto describes this...
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Great Reps Make the Difference – Part 2
March 26, 2020
This is part two of a two part blog series featuring the sales representatives of Shouldice Designer Stone. It is no secret that not just anyone is cut out to be an effective sales person. The sales...
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Great Sales Reps Make the Difference
March 16, 2020
Not just anyone is cut out to be an effective sales representative. The sales role requires a special set of skills, knowledge, and especially a positive can-do attitude.
Shouldice Designer Stone...
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Company History
March 3, 2020
Success in business doesn't often come from a simple formula but rather from the coming together of a number of varied components over time. Shouldice Designer Stone is certainly an example of...
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Where is Shallow Lake?
February 12, 2020
Shallow Lake is where we have been manufacturing all Shouldice Designer Stone products since 1947. The Contact Us section of our website identifies our location as:
281227 Shouldice Block...
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Family Tradition with Family Pride
January 29, 2020
Shouldice Designer Stone was built on integrity. When your name is on the stone veneer product, you take great care to deliver on your commitments and live up to the family legacy. No short cuts; no...
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Stone – Modern and Versatile
January 8, 2020
Despite having an ancient history as a building material, stone continues to make a major contribution to modern design. Part of the reason for this is the versatility of stone, as exemplified in...
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2019 Highlights
December 11, 2019
2019 has been another great year for Shouldice! We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to our customers, staff and vendors, all of whom contribute significantly to our progress and...
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Smith Stone Oxenden – Not Just a Catchy Name
November 27, 2019
This month’s feature project stars Shouldice Smith Stone in the Oxenden colour. Just to satisfy your curiosity, Oxenden is named in honour of a small community located on the Bruce Peninsula on...
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All You Need is a Little Inspiration
November 13, 2019
Your imagination can be set free with just a little inspiration. Whether your project is residential or architectural, the following images just may give you that seed of an idea you have been...
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The Log Cabin Has Come A Long Way!
October 23, 2019
It is hard to imagine a more traditional North American image than the log cabin. Although not so common these days, there are still many people who continue to appreciate the functionality and charm...
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Comprehensive Resource at Your Fingertips
October 9, 2019
Shouldice Designer Stone places great value on its over seventy-year reputation for excellent customer service. Part of that service is to ensure that our customers are provided with the most...
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The Clear Voice of Stone
September 25, 2019
Stone is unequivocal. There is no “perhaps” or “maybe” with stone. It presents with clarity and certainty.
Our feature project is a case in point. One could easily associate “castle”...
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Making the Most of the Shouldice Web Site
September 11, 2019
In our relentless pursuit of Quality, Innovation and Service we are very aware of the crucial importance of an up-to-date, accessible and user-friendly website. To achieve that end we continually...
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Unique Personality Born of Colour Blends
August 21, 2019
The primary benefit of teaming up is to gain access to multiple skills, talents, characteristics or qualities. Individual strengths may be formidable but partnering can enhance those strength and...
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Estate Stone Goes Polar
August 7, 2019
Shouldice Designer Stone is proud to announce the introduction of a new Estate Stone colour – Polar.
Polar has been added to the Estate Stone line in response to the contemporary architectural...
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Stone Enhances Design Features
July 24, 2019
Our feature project this month is more than a remarkable example of stunning architectural design. It also demonstrates how thoughtful design elements can enhance the traditional power of...
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The Shouldice Product Family – Part 2
July 10, 2019
The Shouldice Designer Stone product family is a comprehensive collection, developed and refined over more than 70 years. The result is sufficiently extensive to warrant two blogs. Last month we...
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Shouldice Embraces Avant-Garde
June 26, 2019
This month’s feature project can very reasonably be described as avant-garde. It includes a number of features, generally not seen in combination, that together convey a decided contemporary, edgy...
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The Shouldice Product Family – Part 1
June 12, 2019
The Shouldice Designer Stone product family is a comprehensive collection, developed and refined over more than 70 years. The result is sufficiently extensive to warrant two blogs. Below is Part 1,...
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The Art of Multimedia
May 24, 2019
Using a single material to clad the exterior of a building can produce a beautiful result. However, coordinating the cost, placement, proportions and colours of multiple materials requires a solid...
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Simplify with Quality Precast Concrete
May 7, 2019
Precast Concrete products from Shouldice Designer Stone have been designed to help simplify your life. Our Precast Concrete line in both standard and custom sizes gives you the flexibility to create...
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Style is Always a Winner
April 24, 2019
There’s just no getting around it. Great style is really impressive, by just about any standard. Our feature project this month shouts style from top to bottom and side to side.
From a materials...
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Set a Contemporary Tone
April 10, 2019
We’ve all heard the expression, “best of both worlds.” The suggestion is, of course, like another familiar expression, “having your cake and eating it too.” It doesn’t happen often but is...
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Cowbell Brewing Co. Makes a Statement With Stone
March 27, 2019
Cowbell Brewing Co. of Blyth, Ont. made several innovation and design strides in the development of its state-of-the-art facility.
Cowbell is an award-winning destination craft brewery, unlike...
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Ideal for ICI Specifications
March 13, 2019
Those specifying for ICI projects follow a process very much like consumer product consumers. They make a list of what qualities and characteristics they require and then make a selection based on...
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The Beauty and Power of Counterpoint
February 27, 2019
Counterpoint is variously defined as an idea used to create a contrast with the main element or a theme used to set off or emphasize by juxtaposition. However you choose to define it, the primary...
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A Modern Classic
February 13, 2019
MJ Brick Smooth, from Shouldice Designer Stone, is a contemporary reinvention of a classic brick veneer profile.
MJ Brick Smooth satisfies a demand for sophisticated, linear good looks and the...
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More Than Good Looks
January 23, 2019
Structural design and building materials selection serve more than just a functional purpose. Besides achieving the goal of looking good, design and materials can convey a powerful message to...
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Meet Will Marlatt – Sales Representative
January 9, 2019
I was born in Brampton and raised in Huttonville and Brampton, then moved to mid-town Toronto, attending high school there. Our family business in Brampton was residential roofing & construction,...
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Holiday Hours
December 18, 2018
The Christmas season is here.
All of us at Shouldice Designer Stone wish you and your loved ones the very best of the holiday season as well as a healthy, happy and prosperous 2019.
We also...
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2018 in Review
December 12, 2018
To grow a base of loyal and satisfied customers often requires striking a balance between what attracted customers in the first place and the introduction of innovations to solidify that base and...
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Thoughtful Design – It’s A Beautiful Thing
November 28, 2018
There is often a lot to be said for playing it safe. Too much experimentation or deviation from the norm can have unforeseen and perhaps unfortunate outcomes. However, when adequate thought and due...
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Designing with Brick and Stone
November 14, 2018
As building materials, brick and stone have much in common. They’re solid, valuable, durable, and fire-resistant. Perhaps because they are so alike, they seem like an unusual pair to make. While it...
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Manufactured Stone vs Natural Stone
October 24, 2018
Just what are the differences between and the relative benefits of manufactured stone and natural stone? Here are a few things to consider before making a decision about which is right for your...
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The Corporate Choice
October 10, 2018
Developing and sustaining a positive reputation and perception with clients and consumers is of the utmost importance to success in the business world. There are many things that can contribute to...
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Stone and Metal – Strength and Beauty
September 26, 2018
In our last blog we talked about the advantages and features of designing with stone and metal. In this issue we have selected a single project to further highlight how well stone and metal work...
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Designing with Stone and Metal
September 12, 2018
Stone and metal buildings have surprising advantages in aesthetics and cost. Designing with stone can add the texture that metal is missing, bringing the whole design to a more welcoming, natural,...
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Quality You Can Count On
August 22, 2018
Quality, like beauty, can be in the eye of the beholder. That is to say, the perceived value of certain aspects or characteristics of stone products are not set in stone, if you will pardon the...
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New Products for a Demanding Market
August 8, 2018
The commitment Shouldice Designer Stone has for Quality, Service and Innovation is once again evident as two new products are introduced in response to market requirements - Smith Stone residential...
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Stone and Glass – Meant for Each Other
July 24, 2018
It almost goes without saying that effective design is not just about shape even though shape can play a significant role in forming an initial impression. Shape can be dramatically enhanced and...
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Designing with Stone and Glass
July 11, 2018
Changing technology has made glass a more stable and cost-effective material than ever before. The result is that glass has become the staple of modern architecture, adding light and sophistication...
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The Value of the Finishing Touch
June 27, 2018
The difference between good and great often comes down to the finishing touch. It is that attention to detail that turns a “nice” into a “wow”. One way to get to “wow” in the stone...
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LEED Certification is Good for Everyone
June 14, 2018
Shouldice Designer Stone manufactures stone products that support the principles of LEED with raw materials, production, life cycle costing and performance. The benefits of additional durability,...
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Stone Meets Wood in Residential Harmony
May 23, 2018
Our first blog this month made the point that “stone and wood are arguably the most time-tested and resilient building materials in history.” and “from a residential construction perspective,...
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Designing with Stone and Wood – Residential
May 9, 2018
Stone and wood are arguably the most time-tested and resilient building materials in history. Availability and functionality were the initial reasons behind this amazing legacy. Although this remains...
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Symbiosis Makes for Great Relationships
April 25, 2018
The very best relationships are mutually advantageous or symbiotic. If there is a benefit to both sides then each participant is motivated to maintain the relationship.
This is very often the case...
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Meeting the Challenge of Canadian Weather
April 11, 2018
One of the many wonders and attractions (depending upon who you ask) of Canada is the wide variability of the weather. With temperatures that can range between -40°C and +40°C over the course of a...
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Feature Project – Custom Colours – Architectural
March 28, 2018
Our most recent blog featured several examples of how custom colours can not only set a building apart from the run-of-the-mill but also how custom colours can meet a particular design intention that...
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Custom Colours – Endless Possibilities
March 14, 2018
Shouldice Designer Stone currently offers nine fantastic and highly popular colours. But sometimes, a standard colour isn’t quite what a customer has in mind or just what a particular project...
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Product Spotlight – Estate Stone
February 28, 2018
Versatile style, in nine luxurious colours, makes Estate Stone our number one selling stone veneer, split-face block product.
Estate Stone – Always the Right Choice (more…)...
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Dare to be Bold – A Little
February 14, 2018
Playing it safe is often just that - safe. And that is, of course, a good thing. However, stepping a little bit outside of that warm and comfortable zone can very often generate positive excitement...
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Shouldice Architectural Stone – The Heart of an Elegant Interior Design
January 24, 2018
In our last blog we talked generally about the use of stone for interior construction. In this one we want to drill down a bit and focus on a particular project to further demonstrate and reinforce...
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Turning Things Outside In with Architectural Stone
January 10, 2018
Although stone is often thought of first as an outside construction material it is used just about as much to enhance, beautify and add character and personality to the inside. (more…)...
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Add a Touch of Charm with Interior Brick Veneer
March 30, 2017
Looking to create vintage charm or add some modern elements to your home? Interior brick veneer is one of our staple products to adding touches of colour and texture to your space. Made with real...
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Create an Eye Catching Commercial Building with High Quality Stone from Shouldice
March 30, 2017
Adding easy-to-do yet beautifully done stone cladding and veneers to the inside and or outside of your commercial building is a great way to personalize your space. Not only can you spruce up your...
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STONE VENEER THAT IS GREAT AT GRADE
March 30, 2017
When choosing stylish stone sidings for your home or business building, it’s important to select stones that not only look beautiful, but are durable and of high quality. At Shouldice, we’re...
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