Most Frequently Asked Questions at the 2022 Northeast Hardscape Expo

Most Frequently Asked Questions at the 2022 Northeast Hardscape Expo

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The Instone Team enjoyed meeting all of you at the recent Northeast Hardscape Expo. We shared our products and signed up recruits to our Instone Army. We look forward to interacting with our new Stone Soldiers in the coming weeks!

In the meantime, for those who were there, and those who couldn’t make it, here are some of the most frequently asked questions from the expo, answered by our experts.

Q: We saw you have a product called Pangaea®. What makes it so special?

Like our saying, “We Make It Easy!,” Pangaea® makes it super easy to do your job. This product is ready for application right out of the box. Each stone is pre-cut, tooled, trimmed and fitted together. All you have to do is apply it just like it’s laid out in the package, saving you time, money and product waste.

Q: How much Pangaea® square footage is in a pallet? 

A: It depends on the type ordered, but in general, flats will cover 200-240 sq ft with a ½” joint, and corners will have about 50 linear feet in every pallet. To find the exact number for the profile you’re interested in, go to our website. In the top navigation click “Check Stock.” Click on the product you’re interested in. Click on the specific style. The description will list how much is available in each warehouse. 

Q: How does the cost of Pangaea® compare with other similar products? 

A: You’ll find Pangaea’s price point comparable to other quality products. It may appear slightly higher, but you get extra value in the time you save and the elimination of waste thanks to the unique features of Pangaea, which include:

  • Gripset® the pre-scored grooves on the back of each piece for quick and easy application and no slippage.
  • Pre-tooled, trimmed and fitted pieces so you can cover more square footage than the competitors (less waste). 

Q: Can I pick up my orders? How do I get product? 

A: Instone works directly through a dealer network to ensure the lowest freight costs possible and the quickest delivery. Our route trucks deliver material 2-3 times a week, so you can be sure your material will get to you in a dependable and timely manner.

Q: I didn’t know you had landscape products too. What can you offer, and is it in stock? 

A: We have patterned flagging, steps, treads, caps and coping readily available in a variety of materials. Our Aura Natural Landscape products include granite, limestone, pebbles, quartizite, sandstone and travertine selections in a variety of finishes. In addition to what we have in stock, we can also do custom fabrication for those one-of-a-kind projects. 

Q: How do I find a dealer near me? 

A: Contact our customer service team at (708) 371-0660 or customerservice@instoneco.com. Let us know the product you’re interested in and your  location. We’ll set you up with someone nearby who’s knowledgeable and ready to help.

Q: How can I find out what’s in stock?

A: That’s easy! Navigate to Check Stock on the top navigation bar on the website. From there, you can see the availability of our products in your area, whether you’re a homeowner or dealer. 

Q: Which stones will be the most readily available this year?

A: That’s a great question. We can’t always predict the demand of a particular stone. However, we strive to keep a full complement of stone types and colors in stock. If one stone isn’t available, we’re consistently sourcing new materials that can fill your needs if stock runs low in one area. We utilize our entire network to ensure complete coverage and availability. If you don’t see what you want, please ask. We may be able to offer alternatives and get them to you quickly.

Q: What is the Instone Army and how do I join?

The Instone Army is an elite group of stone soldiers who receive exclusive educational information, new product notifications, chances to earn and win tools and gear. Each new member gets a FREE Instone Army t-shirt! Sign up for our Army here.

Again, thank you all for coming out to the Northeast Hardscape Expo. We hope to see you at the next event!

Natural Stone and Outdoor Living Made Easy: Instone Has You Covered

Natural Stone and Outdoor Living Made Easy: Instone Has You Covered

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Join Instone at the Northeast Hardscape Expo and see why natural stone is trending. Whether you ‘re looking for fresh new natural stone colors or have questions, Instone can help. Meet the A-Team and pick up a free t-shirt at the show!

You won’t want to miss the new products we’ll be bringing. Stop by our booth #500 and meet our A-Team, who can show you samples, provide education on applications and let you know how to order. Now read on to learn more about our featured products!

Pangaea®

Unlike any other stone veneer product on the market, Pangaea® sets itself apart from the rest with its unique packaging and application technology. Just lift the top off a pallet, and you’ll see for yourself, this product is ready for application right out of the box. Each stone is pre-cut, tooled, trimmed and fitted together like layers of completed puzzles, saving you time, money and product waste. Plus, each pallet layer is pre-blended for optimal color variance and size ratio. You can see exactly how much product you’re getting in each palette and the coloring is quality controlled.

Every Pangaea® pallet is cut, tooled, trimmed and fitted before it comes to you.

“Pangaea® really separates themselves by doing things differently,” says Justin Alicandro, VP of Natural Stone Products, who’s been sourcing stone products for over 20 years. “They take the time to make the best quality thin veneer in the world, hands down. The biggest reason is they hand trim the stones and square them up before they package them. The packaging looks like a mockup for a job. With other products, the mason has to trim the stone, creating a lot of waste. Pangaea® has 100% product yield, and the others have maybe 80%, so it’s a more profitable stone. The mason just takes it out of the pallet and puts it on the wall, for a fast and simple installation.”

If that’s not enough, each Pangaea® veneer piece features Gripset® technology, pre-scored grooves on the back of each stone, enabling better adhesion to any surface. No more worrying about your veneer work moving or sliding.

Alicandro says they’ll also be showcasing a new Pangaea color® at the Expo, Pangaea® Providence, “It has some nice earth tone colors with grays and browns. It’s a blend of five different stones.”

New 2022 Pangaea® Color: Providence Shown 

Learn more about Pangaea® on our product page

Aura Natural Landscapes

Supply chain issues? What supply chain issues? You won’t find a shortage of selection when it comes to our natural stone landscape product line, Aura. Available in a variety of products – paving, steps, treads, slabs and more, plus an ever-increasing line of colors sourced from countries all over the world. “Bluestone is the most popular color in the United States,” says Alicandro. “But because of supply chain issues, a lot of people can’t get it. We try to stay ahead of the competition by continually bringing in new selections and finding alternatives to stones that aren’t readily available. We plan ahead. We order early and often.”

Speaking of Bluestone, Alicandro says they’ll be bringing Aura’s new Italian Bluestone to the Expo, “It’s a very strong sandstone and there’s no iron in it so the color will stay blue. It won’t rust or brown over time.”

Aura Italian Bluestone: New for 2022

Learn more about Aura Natural Landscapes on our product page

Alicandro says they’re bringing a full-color palette to the Hardscape Expo for attendees to see it in person. “We’ll be showcasing some new sandstones. They are the densest sandstones in the world. Some say it’s hard as granite. And it’s a very competitive price point.”

Some colors to look for:

  • Blue Mist
  • Blue Sky Grey (a Blue Mist alternative that doesn’t get as hot)
  • Blue Ice
  • Autumn Brown
  • Oxford Buff

Why Natural Stone?

Natural stone comes from the earth; therefore, it has durability on its side. Using stone products on and around your home will immediately increase its value, not only because of its longevity but it is also resistant to wind, fire, water and bug infestation. “It’s the Ferrari of materials. It’s not manufactured. You can’t get a better-quality product for your home,” says Alicandro.

So come see us at the Hardscape Expo. Check out our products, meet the A-Team and get your free T-shirt! We can’t wait to meet you!