FROM MIKE’S DESK
Spring has a way of exposing things. Projects that were ideas in January are now moving. Decisions that felt far off suddenly need to be made. And with that momentum comes a familiar tension. We see it every year. Excitement meets uncertainty.
That’s part of the reason our last webinar focused on Buechel Stone’s process—The Worry-Free Stone Experience. Not because stone is simple, but the process should be.
Long Story Short: “Worry-Free” Isn’t About Stone – It’s About Process
When people hear “worry-free,” they sometimes think it means easy.
It doesn’t. Stone is natural, has variation, and requires decisions. It demands coordination.
What should be worry-free is everything surrounding it:
- Clarity in selection
- Confidence in specification
- Alignment between design and installation
When those pieces are right, the stone becomes what it’s supposed to be – a feature, not a friction point. The best projects have one thing in common: open, meaningful communication. I like to think they also include Buechel Stone’s natural stone, but I may be a bit biased.
That brings us to our next AIA accredited webinar specifically on natural stone’s use in landscaping. Even if you don’t need the AIA credits, there’s a lot here that makes it well worth your time. Register below!
Webinar Schedule: May 7 AIA Course | Natural Landscape Stone: Retaining Walls & Paving
STONE JOURNAL IS AT THE PRINTERS!
With 30,000 copies coming, we are always happy to share the stories behind the stone. The professionals behind Stone Journal don’t just make projects look great—they tell the stories that get to the heart of each project.
The success of this magazine has shown people don’t just want a stone, they want a feeling, a confidence that is something that should be demanded on all building projects. We already have people submitting projects for our fall issue, so if you would like to be featured contact us at marketing@buechelstone.com.
You still have to to subscribe for Issue 3, so now is a great time to click below so you don’t miss out!
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE STONE
Growth isn’t just about projects—it’s about people and presence.
We’re excited to welcome Nyomi Hunt to the team as a Design Consultant, based out of the San Francisco Design Center. Nyomi brings a fresh perspective and a strong connection to the design community, and we’re looking forward to the relationships she’ll build and support in that market.
Alongside that, we’re taking an important next step in San Francisco.
We’ve signed a new lease at the SFDC and are in the planning stage for the buildout of our new showroom located in Suite 122 on the first floor of the Galleria Building. The new showroom will encompass approximately 2,400 square feet, thoughtfully designed as an elevated, immersive environment where our client base can experience natural stone in a more relaxed and tactile way.
This isn’t just a new space, it’s a commitment to offering the tools and support to make the selection process fun and exciting. We will continue to invest in being closer to the people we work with and the projects we’re a part of.
More to come as it takes shape.
NATURAL STONE RETAINING WALLS DONE RIGHT!
A few years back, I built a drystack retaining wall using Fond du Lac 12″ wall stone 2″-3″. The success of a wall has less to do with what you see—and almost everything to do with what you don’t.
I can’t overemphasize these three parts of the process: base prep, compaction, and drainage. The easiest way to make a wall fail is by cutting corners on these details.
There’s a temptation to simplify things, especially this time of year when landscape projects start moving fast. But shortcuts tend to show up later. I have projects that can attest to this in my own yard!
Drystack walls, when done right, handle movement, manage water, and perform over time in a way a solid wall often doesn’t. Hydrostatic pressure is real – even small walls will fail if it’s not managed properly. It’s not about making it easier – it’s about making it last.
Check out the rest of my blog article for more useful tips: [Read the full article →]
Closing Thought
Stone is one of the most permanent building materials you will work with.
The goal isn’t just to make it look right today—it’s to make sure it performs years from now.
That’s what “worry-free” really means. Look forward to seeing you at my next Webinar on May 7th!
—Mike
The Family Stone 
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