Manufactured Stone Hardscapes —
Hardscapes: Here’s what’s trending in manufactured products by Nina A. Koziol
(Editor’s note: In the April issue we covered different types of natural stone and how designers currently use them. For this issue, we spoke with representatives of two of the largest firms of manufactured products — Unilock and Belgard.)
Have you looked at Houzz, Pinterest or
magazines for fresh ideas on hardscape design? What you’ll see is not exactly your parent’s patio of 20 years ago. Like all design trends, things come and go as materials evolve and homeowners’ tastes and styles change. Think about how you built patios, paths or retaining walls 10 or 15 years ago. Product innovation today gives contractors and clients something novel that can bring a contemporary vibe to landscape projects. We spoke to Brad Gesbocker, general manager at Unilock in Aurora, and Joe Raboine, director of
residential hardscapes with Belgard in Atlanta, Georgia, to find out what’s hot.
How have products changed in the past 15 or so years?
“Years ago, everything was smaller — tumbled, cobblestone — those things are going away,” Raboine said. “Now it’s much sleeker and polished-looking overall. The most significant changes to concrete are larger sizes. We have some
Unilock has found a commercial market trending toward linear designs and rich colors that provide movement. 10
The Landscape Contractor June 2021
