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J UNE 2019 | 15 Landscape Products From wall systems to fire pits, landscape products are on point this year by LAURIE JONES L andscaping or curb appeal has always been an important factor, for both residential and commercial structures, and with technology always find- ing new ways to impress, designers and suppliers have even more options to offer their clients in 2019. Mutual Materials has introduced its Black Diamond architectural exterior slab. "It's charcoal in colour with a salt-and-pepper black dia- mond appearance and is available in 24-inch by 24-inch units," says Vito Lore, business development manager. "While Black Diamond is primarily used outdoors, it can also be installed indoors, and can be used on grade or on pedestal. This is an extension of our current architectural slab line to introduce a new fin- ish on a glacier slate." Another product being launched by Mutual Materials is the four-inch by eight- inch Holland Series. "This includes a larger eight-inch by 12-inch size that allows for the creation of new patterns that are contractor friendly using a larger, more contemporary size," says Lore. "The eight-inch by eight-inch, and eight-inch by 12-inch size gives installers the opportunity to create a Muster-K pattern. From our experience, this product is a contractor friendly pattern and the use of mul- tiple sizes is very popular to create variations visually." The Holland Series will be available in five colours – Grey, Charcoal, Cascade Blend, Summit Blend, and the Northwest Blend, which features fall colours. Keystone Retaining Wall Systems has been in business since 1986 and was the original segmental retaining wall company in the U.S. Today Keystone's systems are growing in popularity across Canada with landscape businesses in Alberta, B.C., and Saskatchewan finding the structural and landscaping products are receiving positive reviews with their natural look profiles, versatility, and esthetics. One contractor referred to them as "winners for our marketplace, both residentially and commercially." Get Outside Keystone's outdoor living designs use its Stonegate wall system, with a smooth face and weathered edges reminiscent of the walls scattered throughout the European countryside. "The multiple textured sides mean a unit can be installed as an exposed end or a 90-degree corner," says Karen R. Nobbe Stephens, marketing communications specialist. "The different designs make it easier for contractors or homeowners to build anything from benches and decorative patio columns to fire pits and outdoor kitchens." Nobbe Stephens adds that hardscape elements are growing in popularity in every geographical market as homeowners recognize more options to enjoy their back yards and simultaneously increase the value of their homes. "Residential property developers are tapping into the potential of the outdoor living trend, seeking value-added amenities to attract buyers," she says. The wall systems are interlocking, using proprietary pultruded fibreglass pins with 6,400-psi shear strengths and time-saving design and construction options. Related products include landscape and outdoor living designs, filling out a product line-up that makes Keystone a go-to brand among architects, specifiers, contractors, engineers, and homeowners. Belgard has introduced the ZenWall, a retaining wall product that can be used in both residential and commercial settings. "What's different about ZenWall versus a lot of our other products is it's smooth, modular, and modern looking with long lines," says John Moroz, director of marketing. "It's a little more streamlined and avant-garde, and we are seeing it installed in projects across Western Canada." Stonegate from Keystone Retaining Wall Systems. The Arborwood slab from Barkman Concrete Ltd.

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