The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) was started in 1918 to serve the concrete masonry manufacturer and installer. At the beginning, the organization was totally focused on brick and block used for exterior building facades. But as the times changed, the association also included manufactured stone veneer (MSV) and Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW).
MSV is a premier cladding system for buildings and other features. MSV is available in a wide range of colors, textures and bond patterns to produce any desired aesthetic effect. MSV in the landscapes can be used for outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and cladding for cement block pillars and walls.
SRW are concrete, modular units allowing for nearly any layout scalable to any size application. SRW hardscape products are produced with a variety of aesthetic options, from colors to textures to match surroundings or stand out for exciting contrast. Segmental retaining walls can be used for erosion control, and fence walls can be sued to provide privacy and architectural enhancements to communities. The opportunities to utilize hardscapes into projects are limitless. And these systems can be used from small landscape walls in backyards to tall walls in commercial and institutional applications.
In an effort to ensure proper construction methods of SRW systems in the field, NCMA offers the segmental retaining wall installer course and certification. The program provides the training and market-differentiating recognition to those who achieve certification. Programs include: SRW Basic Installer, SRW Advanced Residential Program and SRW Advanced Commercial Program.
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) is the North American trade association representing the interlocking concrete paving industry. ICPI is the leader in development and dissemination of technical information and engages in a broad range of technical, marketing, educational, government relations and communications activities. Membership consists of concrete paver manufacturers, design professionals, installation contractors and suppliers. ICPI offers a variety of services to its members through its library of technical publications, online design idea galleries, paver installer certification programs and the industry’s only dedicated magazine, Interlock Design.
The ICPI’s Certification courses are offered to professional installers to set themselves apart from the competition through craftmanship and technique. The goal of the certification courses is that contractors do the work right so the product can be utilized to its fullest. Along with its base installer certification, ICPI offers specialist designations in: Residential Specialist, Commercial Specialist, PICP Specialist, Residential Professional and Commercial Professional.
In 2007, NCMA and ICPI joined forces to create and hold the Hardscape North America (HNA) show in Louisville, KY for installers, owners, foremen, supervisors, and key laborers. Its focus is to bring top notch education, including Installer Courses, products, and technology to hardscape contractors and landscape professionals who install segmental pavements and retaining walls. Indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying state of the art tools and products are featured, offering the latest technology. Sessions offering certification, business skills, and marketing tools provide valuable education and networking opportunities.
After two years of discussion on closer cooperation between these two organizations and a member’s vote on July 1st, 2022 it was decided to merge. ICPI and NCMA will become one organization representing multiple market segments within the manufactured concrete products community in order to increase market share of products produced and installed by member companies. On February 21, 2023, during their Annual Meeting in Columbus, OH that they will now operate as one entity after co-founding the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA).
Hardscaping is the non-living portion of a landscape including patios, walkways, steps, outdoor living areas, and retaining walls that complement the landscape in residential and commercial settings. Hardscaping also includes parking lots and roadways covered with segmental concrete paving units. Hardscaping includes:
- Stone retaining walls create planting areas or convert a slope to flat yard space.
- Concrete patios are the classic low-maintenance and versatile patio option.
- Brick patios offer a more upscale and natural look than concrete.
- Flagstone patios are the low-cost option for natural stone outdoor flooring.
- Tile patios are a great way to dress up a concrete patio slab.
- Stone walkways are ideal for garden paths.
- Gravel paths have a “softer” alternative to brick, concrete, or solid stone.
- Stone landscape steps have heavy stone slabs that make beautiful outdoor steps.
- Metal fences include coated steel, which is the modern standard, but iron is still an option.
- Wooden fences use the most versatile fence (and hardscaping) material—wood.
- Wooden decks are hardscaping, too, just like patios.
- Wooden arbors or gazebos enhance a landscape while providing shade.
- Pergolas are arbor-like structures attached to the house or other building.
