Learn the Craft of Natural Stone: Stoneyard at the Genest Bootcamp Hardscape Expo

Installing natural thin stone veneer the right way is both a craft and a discipline. When done correctly, it delivers decades of performance, timeless beauty, and satisfied clients. When shortcuts are taken, problems show up fast. That’s why hands-on education still matters—and why events like the Genest Bootcamp Hardscape Expo continue to be a cornerstone for New England hardscape and masonry professionals.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:15 AM, Stoneyard co-founder David Croteau will lead a live, 45-minute instructional session at the Hardscape Academy Demo Area during the Genest Bootcamp Hardscape Expo, hosted by our longtime partner Genest Concrete at The Point Community Center in South Portland, Maine.

A Focus on Proper Installation—Not Shortcuts

This session is built for contractors, masons, and installers who want to sharpen their skills and avoid the most common installation failures seen in the field. David will walk through proven methods and procedures for installing natural thin stone veneer, drawing from decades of real-world projects across New England.

Attendees will gain practical insight into:

Substrate preparation and moisture management
Mortar selection and proper coverage techniques
Stone placement, jointing, and detailing
Best practices that support long-term durability and performance

Whether you’re new to stone veneer or looking to refine your approach, this session is designed to be immediately useful on the jobsite.

Why the Genest Bootcamp Hardscape Expo Matters

The Genest Bootcamp Hardscape Expo is Maine’s only hardscape-focused expo and one of the most respected regional events for industry education. Hosted by Genest Concrete, the expo brings together contractors, suppliers, and educators for a full day of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and peer networking.

The 2026 expo features:

60+ exhibitors
14+ live demos and educational sessions
A full day of learning under one roof
Raffles, prizes, and exclusive giveaways

Events like this play a critical role in raising installation standards across the region—and Stoneyard is proud to support that mission as a Bronze Sponsor.

Built on Shared Values: Education and Craftsmanship

Stoneyard and Genest share a commitment to doing things the right way. From material quality to installer education, both companies believe that long-term success in hardscaping and masonry starts with proper training and trusted partnerships.

Participating in the Genest Bootcamp Hardscape Expo is part of Stoneyard’s ongoing effort to support contractors with not just premium natural stone veneer, but also the knowledge needed to install it correctly.

Can’t Attend in Person?

If you’re unable to attend the expo, Stoneyard offers several tools and resources to support your next project:

Explore Boston Blend and other natural thin stone veneer products
Try our Stone Project Visualizer
Find a qualified installer using our Contractor Locator
Download our Natural Thin Stone Veneer Installation Guide

All are available at stoneyard.com.

For those attending, arrive a few minutes early to secure seating—and plan to leave with insights you can apply immediately on your next installation.