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Elevate Your Space with Fond du Lac Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer brings the timeless elegance of real stone to both interior and exterior projects—without the weight or cost of full-bed stone. Fond du Lac, an American-made leader in building stone, offers a range of thin-veneer collections that deliver consistent quality, stunning color palettes, and versatile formats to suit any design vision.

Why Choose Fond du Lac Natural Stone Veneer?

• Authentic Quarried Stone

• Thin Veneer ¾"–1¼" thin veneer for lightweight installation.

• Durability & Low Maintenance: Freeze-thaw stable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Architectural Flexibility: Install in dry-stack or full-grout methods on accent walls, fireplaces, façades, columns, and more.

Spotlight: Country Collection

The Country Collection exemplifies classic, hand-split limestone with clean lines and subtle color variations. Its mixed‐size ashlar pattern and rustic charm make it perfect for traditional or overgrout grout joints.

Key Features

• Profile: Hand-split bedface texture

• Pattern: Random ashlar sizes for an authentic, cottage-style look

• Thickness: ¾"–1¼" (Thin Veneer) 

• Sizes: Heights vary from 2"–9"; lengths range 8"–24" 

• Colors: Beige, Buff, Gray-Grey, Tan

• Coverage: Approximately 10 square feet per box of thin veneer

• Packaging:

  • Flats: 10 sf per box; 100 sf per crate or pallet

  • Corners: 10 lf per box; 100 lf per crate or pallet

Explore the Country Collection • Download Installation Guide

Key Benefits & Applications

• Quick & Easy Installation: Lightweight thin veneer adheres to masonry or framed walls with standard thinset mortar.

• Versatility: Ideal for interior feature walls, kitchen backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and exterior cladding.

• Customizable Finish: Achieve a tight, dry-stack look or highlight each stone with fully grouted joints.

• Cost-Effective Luxury: Get the high-end look of full quarry stone at a fraction of the price.

Installation Tips

1. Surface Prep: Ensure a clean, sound substrate—masonry, CMU, or metal lath on framed walls.

2. Mortar & Setting: Use a polymer-modified thin set for thin veneer; full-bed mortar for full-bed installations.  We recommend LATICRETE MVIS Veneer Mortar

3. Joint Treatment: Tool joints uniformly; select mortar color to blend or contrast.  We recommend Laticrete MVIS Pointing Mortar

4. Sealing & Care: Apply a penetrating sealer if desired to enhance color and resist stains.  

For complete, step-by-step instructions, be sure to consult the full Fond du Lac Installation Guide.

Bring Natural Beauty Home

Whether you’re crafting a cozy hearth, transforming an accent wall, or creating an elegant exterior façade, the Country Collection from Fond du Lac delivers authentic character, enduring quality, and effortless style.

Ready to begin your project?
Visit Flooring Market to browse all of the options offered by Fond Du Lac Natural Stone and see how natural stone veneer can elevate your space.

Simplify Your Shower Remodel with Schluter KERDI‑SHOWER‑KIT

Looking to revamp your bathroom? The all-in-one Schluter KERDI‑SHOWER‑KIT delivers professional-grade waterproofing in a DIY-friendly package—perfect for creating a reliable, long-lasting tile shower or steam enclosure.

What Makes It Exceptional

• Complete, Waterproof System
  The kit includes a prefabricated shower tray, curb, KERDI waterproof membrane sheets, strips, corners, a pipe seal, and the KERDI-DRAIN with bonding flange and stainless steel grate—everything needed for a fully waterproof and vapor-tight enclosure.

• Fast & Accurate Installation
  Prefab components like the tray and curb eliminate mud-bed assembly, reducing labor and installation time. Schluter’s detailed guides and videos walk you step‑by‑step through membrane application, tray placement, sealing seams with Kerdi‑Band and Kerdi‑Kereck, and flood‑testing.

• Built-In Flood Testing
  The system supports a full water-test once components are in place, ensuring a verified seal before tile installation begins.

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Overview

1. Prep the Substrate – Ensure walls/subfloors are clean, flat, and firm.

2. Install Trays & Curbs – Dry-fit tray into mortar, then set curb securely in place.

3. Apply KERDI Membranes – Spread unmodified or Schluter SET thin-set, embed sheet-applied membrane and related corners/strips.

4. Seal Seams – Overlap with KERDI-BAND and reinforce corners with KERDI-KERECK. Thin-set overlap of at least 2″ ensures integrity.

5. Execute Water Test – Flood the pan for 24 hours and monitor—success means you’re tile-ready.

Benefits That Matter

• Total Waterproof Reliability
  Creates a sealed barrier from pan through walls, preventing water intrusion and mold—unlike traditional mud beds or liquid membranes that may dry slowly or develop pinholes.

• DIY-Friendly with Pro Results
  Built-in components and clear instructions make it accessible for handy homeowners, while ensuring professional-grade outcomes.

• Mold & Moisture Protection
  Eliminates microbial growth behind tiles by combining sheet membrane, vapor retarder, and tight flood-tested construction.

Pro Tips for a Trouble‑Free Project

• Use Schluter’s Thin‑Set: Maintain warranty and best bonding—unmodified thin-set is approved, but Schluter’s proprietary SET or ALL‑SET is ideal.

• Respect Overlap Specs: A 2″ seam overlap with proper thin-set is essential to avoid wicking.

• Flood‑Test Before Tiling: It’s the only way to ensure your waterproofing is sound—don’t skip it.

Final Take

The SCHLUTER KERDI‑SHOWER‑KIT simplifies the traditional grueling shower build into a modular, leak-resistant, and much faster system—ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers alike. It takes all the guesswork and complex mortar work out of the equation, replacing it with reliable waterproofing and quality assurance built right in.

Ready to transform your bathroom with confidence? Let the KERDI‑SHOWER‑KIT deliver a durable, low-stress foundation for your next tile project.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL OF THE OPTIONS FOR SCHLUTER KERID SHOWER KITS

#1 Choice for Grout in Commercial Kitchen Applications - SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG

Why SPECTRALOCK® 2000 IG Grout is the #1 Choice for Commercial Kitchen Applications

When it comes to commercial kitchens, performance under pressure isn’t just a demand for chefs — it’s also a non-negotiable requirement for building materials. Flooring and wall finishes in these environments face constant exposure to moisture, harsh cleaning chemicals, grease, thermal shock, and heavy foot and cart traffic. This is where LATICRETE® SPECTRALOCK® 2000 IG stands above the rest — and why it's considered the gold standard in epoxy grouts for commercial kitchen applications.

1. Unmatched Chemical Resistance

Commercial kitchens are regularly cleaned with aggressive sanitizers, degreasers, and other caustic agents to meet health and safety codes. SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG offers industrial-grade chemical resistance, far exceeding that of cement-based or even standard epoxy grouts. It is engineered to resist food acids, alkalis, and harsh detergents commonly found in HACCP-compliant facilities. This means your grout lines won’t degrade, stain, or harbor bacteria over time.

2. 100% Solids Epoxy for Superior Durability

Unlike traditional or even hybrid grouts, SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG is a 100% solids epoxy grout. It contains no water or volatile components, ensuring maximum density and compressive strength. It is designed to hold up under extreme thermal and physical stress — such as the steam cleaning, hot oil spills, and constant rolling loads found in a busy kitchen.

3. Exceptional Hygiene & Stain Resistance

Because it's non-porous and impervious, SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG helps prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria — a critical factor in food preparation areas. It also resists stains from wine, sauces, grease, and other common kitchen contaminants, which keeps floors and walls looking cleaner, longer.

4. Thermal Shock Resistant

One of the leading causes of grout failure in commercial kitchens is thermal shock — the rapid expansion and contraction of materials when exposed to extreme temperature changes. SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG is formulated to withstand thermal shock, making it ideal for areas where hot liquids or steam are discharged onto cold floors or walls.

5. NSF Certified & HACCP Compliant

Health and safety compliance is not optional in a commercial kitchen. SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG is NSF/ANSI 51 certified, which means it’s safe for use in food zones. It’s also suitable for HACCP environments, where preventing contamination is a top priority.

6. Broad Compatibility & Aesthetic Options

SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG is compatible with a wide range of LATICRETE mortars and waterproofing membranes, making it easy to integrate into a complete tile system. It is available in multiple colors, and can be combined with Dazzle™ components for decorative or branding-specific installations. For commercial kitchens, this means functionality and aesthetics don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

7. Proven Performance in Demanding Environments

Used in high-demand installations such as hospitals, commercial food processing plants, and institutional kitchens, SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG has a track record of long-term success. Installers and facility managers continue to trust this grout to protect their tile installations for years with minimal maintenance.

Final Thoughts

If you're designing or renovating a commercial kitchen, choosing the right grout is critical — and SPECTRALOCK® 2000 IG should be your first choice. Its combination of chemical resistance, durability, hygiene, and proven performance makes it an investment in the longevity and safety of your facility.

Looking to purchase SPECTRALOCK 2000 IG? Visit Flooring Market for availability, pricing, and product support.  Need a quote for a large project reach out to our Pro Services at ProServices@FlooringMarket.com for a custom quote and lead time. 

From the Pro Desk; Protect your concrete with L&M Aquapel

Protect Your Concrete with Laticrete's L&M Aquapel Concrete Sealer

Concrete surfaces are a significant investment, whether it be a driveway, patio, or foundation. Over time, they can fall victim to harsh weather, moisture, and salt damage, leading to costly repairs. To protect these essential structures, utilizing an effective sealer is crucial. One of the most advanced solutions available today is the Laticrete L&M Aquapel Concrete Sealer.

What is Aquapel?

Aquapel is a new generation, 100% reactive, waterborne silane-siloxane sealer designed specifically for concrete surfaces. Unlike traditional sealers, which can fail over time, Aquapel penetrates deeply into the concrete and chemically bonds to the substrate. This robust interaction creates a surface that is highly resistant to moisture and salt attacks, ensuring durability and longevity.

Versatile Application for Every Surface

One of Aquapel’s standout features is its versatility. This clear, penetrating sealer is suitable for both horizontal and vertical surfaces, making it ideal for use in a variety of applications—whether it’s for your driveway, sidewalks, walls, or even decorative concrete installations. Additionally, it is effective in both interior and exterior environments and is perfect for above-grade traffic concrete. 

Breathable and Non-Toxic

Another key aspect of Laticrete L&M Aquapel is its breathable nature. It allows moisture trapped within the concrete to escape, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the structure over time. This characteristic not only prolongs the life of your concrete but also prevents the buildup of harmful mold and mildew. Plus, being a waterborne product, it is non-toxic, making it a safer choice for residential and commercial applications alike.

Why Every Driveway Should Have Aquapel

With so many benefits, it’s clear that every driveway in America should be treated with Laticrete L&M Aquapel Concrete Sealer. By investing in this high-quality sealer, homeowners can protect their concrete surfaces from the harsh elements and the damaging effects of freeze-thaw cycles, road salts, and more. The longevity it provides can ultimately save you from costly repairs down the line. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, if you're looking to safeguard your concrete surfaces, Laticrete L&M Aquapel Concrete Sealer should be at the top of your list. Its advanced formulation, combined with its effective penetrating action, ensures that your investment remains protected against the elements for years to come. Take the proactive step of sealing your concrete today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve made the right choice for your property.

For more information or to order Aquapel click HERE . Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your concrete now!

Do It Yourself Shower Remodel with the Schluter KERDI SHOWER KIT FLG

Renovating a bathroom can often seem daunting, especially when considering the complexities of constructing a tiled shower. However, with the Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-KIT-FLG, achieving a professional, watertight shower installation becomes both straightforward and cost-effective.

Comprehensive All-in-One Solution

The Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-KIT-FLG is a meticulously curated package that includes all necessary components to build a fully waterproof and vapor-tight shower assembly. This eliminates the need to source individual parts, ensuring compatibility and streamlining the installation process. The kit comprises:

• Shower Tray and Curb: Prefabricated components that replace traditional mortar beds, simplifying installation and reducing labor time.

• Waterproofing Membrane and Strips: Schluter KERDI membrane and accompanying strips ensure a watertight enclosure, protecting against mold and mildew.

• Formed Corners, Pipe Seal, and Mixing Valve Seal: These accessories provide secure seals around vulnerable areas, enhancing the system's integrity.

• KERDI-DRAIN with Integrated Bonding Flange and Stainless Steel Grate: A reliable drainage solution that integrates seamlessly with the waterproofing membrane.

By offering these components in a single kit, Schluter simplifies the purchasing process and ensures that all parts work cohesively, reducing the risk of installation errors.

Ease of Installation

Traditional shower installations often require constructing mortar beds, a process that demands precision and can be time-consuming. The Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-KIT-FLG's prefabricated shower tray and curb eliminate this step, allowing for quicker and more accurate installations. The components are designed to fit together seamlessly, making it feasible for both professionals and skilled DIY enthusiasts to achieve high-quality results.

Additionally, Schluter provides comprehensive resources, including detailed installation handbooks and instructional videos, to guide users through each step of the process. These materials are invaluable in ensuring a successful installation.

Cost-Effectiveness

By consolidating all necessary components into one package, the Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-KIT-FLG offers significant cost savings. Purchasing a comprehensive kit reduces the likelihood of missing or incompatible parts, minimizing unexpected expenses. Moreover, the time saved during installation translates to reduced labor costs, making it an economically sound choice for both contractors and homeowners.

The Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-KIT-FLG exemplifies how modern innovations can simplify home renovations. Its all-inclusive design, coupled with ease of installation and cost-saving benefits, makes it an ideal solution for creating durable, watertight tiled showers. Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this kit provides the tools and confidence needed to transform your bathroom efficiently and effectively.

Click here to view Schluter KERDI SHOWER KIT FLG options

Laticrete Spectralock 1: The Ultimate Pre-Mixed Grout for Professionals and DIYers

When it comes to tiling projects, selecting the right grout is just as important as choosing the perfect tile. Whether you're a professional contractor tackling a large-scale renovation or a DIY enthusiast sprucing up your home, Laticrete Spectralock 1 Pre-Mixed Grout is the ideal solution. Combining ease of use, superior performance, and lasting durability, Spectralock 1 eliminates the common frustrations of traditional grout while delivering outstanding results.

What Is Laticrete Spectralock 1?

Laticrete Spectralock 1 is a pre-mixed, stain-proof, and waterproof grout designed for use in both residential and commercial settings. Unlike traditional cement-based grouts that require mixing with water or epoxy-based grouts that involve multiple components, Spectralock 1 is ready to use straight out of the bucket—saving time, reducing waste, and simplifying the installation process.

This grout is not only easy to apply but also provides the strength and performance of an epoxy grout without the complicated mixing process.

Why Spectralock 1 Is Perfect for Professionals

1. Saves Time on the Job Site
Time is money in the world of professional tile installation. Since Spectralock 1 is pre-mixed, there’s no need for measuring, mixing, or waiting for grout to set before application. This allows for faster installations, reducing labor costs and increasing job efficiency.

2. Superior Strength and Durability
Spectralock 1 offers the same high performance as traditional epoxy grouts, meaning it’s resistant to cracks, stains, and shrinkage. It can withstand heavy traffic, making it ideal for commercial applications, including restaurants, shopping malls, and hospitals.

3. Versatile Application Options
This grout is suitable for interior and exterior use and can be applied in wet and dry areas, including bathrooms, kitchens, pools, and showers. It’s also approved for both floor and wall tile installations, giving professionals the flexibility they need on diverse projects.

4. Stain and Chemical Resistance
For projects requiring high stain resistance—such as kitchen backsplashes and commercial kitchens—Spectralock 1 is 100% stain-proof and resistant to harsh cleaning chemicals, making maintenance effortless for property owners.

Why Homeowners Love Spectralock 1 for DIY Projects

1. Easy to Use – No Mixing Required!
One of the biggest barriers for DIYers is the complexity of traditional grout mixing. Spectralock 1 removes this challenge by offering a pre-mixed solution that is ready to use immediately. Simply open the bucket, apply the grout with a float, and clean up with water—no special tools or skills required.

2. Professional-Quality Results
Even without professional experience, homeowners can achieve flawless grout lines with Spectralock 1. The smooth consistency makes application easy, and because it's pre-mixed, it ensures consistent color throughout the entire installation—no risk of uneven color from improper mixing.

3. Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting
Unlike traditional grout that may require sealing over time, Spectralock 1 is already sealed and fully waterproof. That means homeowners don’t need to worry about reapplying sealers or dealing with mold and mildew buildup in wet areas like showers.

4. Wide Range of Colors
Spectralock 1 is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match any tile design. Whether you're going for a classic look or a modern aesthetic, there’s a shade to complement your vision.

5. Perfect for Small or Large DIY Projects
Because it comes in various bucket sizes, homeowners can choose the right amount of grout without waste. Whether you’re tackling a small bathroom update or a full kitchen remodel, you won’t have to deal with leftover bags of unused grout.

Final Thoughts: The Best Pre-Mixed Grout for Any Project

Whether you're a seasoned tile contractor looking for a faster, more efficient grout or a homeowner tackling a DIY renovation, Laticrete Spectralock 1 is the perfect choice. Its pre-mixed convenience, professional-grade durability, and beautiful finish make it an unbeatable option for any tiling job.

Say goodbye to messy mixing and inconsistent grout results—Spectralock 1 ensures a hassle-free installation and long-lasting beauty for any space.

Ready to start your project? CLICK HERE to get your hands on Spectralock 1 today!