Living Outoors in Lancaster

Creating your new patio, part 1: choosing a path

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:53:00 -0400

Devonstone, by EP Henry

Deciding that this is the year you're going to add or improve your outdoor living by installing a new concrete paver or flagstone patio is a great start, but now what? Who do you call? Where do you go? There are a few paths you can follow to get the finished product you want, but making a few good decisions early on can make big difference in the overall experience. In this post, I'll offer my 2-cents on how to get off to the right start.

What we love about the BIA Spring Home Show

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:41:00 -0400

Penn Stone and Patio's display at the BIA Spring Home Show

We've exhibited at the Building Industry Association of Lancaster County's Spring Home Show as long as I've been involved with our business. It's always a great event for us for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it's a great opportunity to talk to homeowner customers who are making plans for projects in the year ahead. We also get to check in with other exhibitors – many of them are customers of Penn Stone and are there every year, so it's a good opportunity to take a pulse of what's going on with others in our local construction economy.

New product: Solair Retractable Awnings

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:48:00 -0500

Check out a new product we're super excited about: Solair Retractable Awnings. These awnings feature Sunbrella fabrics, are simple to install, extend 10' from your home, and come in three standard widths up to 19'5". Take a look at this video of our in-store demo unit, or just stop in to take a look!

Cook your Thanksgiving turkey on the Big Green Egg`

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:20:00 -0500

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we wanted to share a video series about preparing a turkey on the Big Green Egg. This first video introduces the series. View the full series on our YouTube channel.

Is fall the new summer in Lancaster County?

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:19:00 -0400

Coventry I pavers and Cast Veneer Stone, by EP Henry

Fall has always been a great time of year to work on a new project, and we've always encouraged homeowners interested in adding a patio to their home to consider having the work done in September or October: the weather tends to be more favorable (no April showers), contractors often have time in their schedules, and it's an excellent time to plant new trees, perennials and grass. An added bonus is that 6 months later, when many others are taking inspiration from beautiful spring weather and making their initial contact with a professional hardscape installer, you'll be uncovering your outdoor furniture and relaxing on the patio that was completed in October.

Installing Gravel-Lok at the Lancaster Spring Home Show

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:22:00 -0400

This week we're setting up at the BIA of Lancaster County's Spring Home Show. We're featuring one of our favorite new products, Gravel-Lok aggregate bonding system, in this year's booth. Gravel-Lok allows you to use the decorative gravel of your choice for a gravel path, patio or driveway without the mess and nuisance of loose stones. It's also ideal for a porous pavement application as a tool for good stormwater management. Take a look at this videa (first in a series) showing the process of mixing and installing it in our booth.

The 10 Must-Have Features in Today's New Homes

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:07:00 -0500

The National Association of Home Builders recently held their 2010 International Builders Show in Las Vegas. At the show, there was a presention on the ten must-have features in today's new homes. #5 is an Outdoor Living Room:

"the idea of an outdoor room is even more popular than an outdoor cooking area, meaning people are willing to spend more time outside."