Northwest Concrete Masonry Association

01/15/2026

01/08/2026

From a classic running bond to abstract designs, CMU offers endless variety when combined with finishes, color, and shapes.

12/23/2025

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

12/09/2025

Hawaiian architecture firm has pioneered a new approach to sustainability by incorporating surf board waste into concrete masonry units. After a string of devastating floods and fires, it was apparent that current building methods weren't holding up so they addressed several issues at once.

Made with durable Portland cement and polystyrene that would otherwise be bound for landfills, the blocks have shown themselves to be a durable building product with the environment in mind.
Read more:
https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/03/riding-a-wave-surfboard-waste-turned-into-building-blocks-for-new-homes/

11/13/2025

Career Opportunity with NWCMA!

Learn more or apply today:

www.nwcma.org/careers

11/11/2025

11/06/2025

A great build relies on solid backgrounds. No matter the approach.

11/04/2025

Have you seen the ? After the great Seattle fire in 1889 that leveled the Pioneer Square district, shops were rebuilt using masonry brick and locally quarried sandstone. Not long after, the city was regraded to prevent regular tidal flooding. Streets were raised 12-30 feet with original sidewalks requiring ladders to go up and over until brick and concrete were place at the new street level- original entry levels were now subterranean. Beveled glass was used as skylights.

The Underground was officially condemned in 1907 but many businesses continued to operate outside the law. Many of the original spaces remain in use with some only open to guided tours.

10/30/2025

The most vital component in CMUs, cement is the second most consumed material in the world. Checkout this interactive site about how it is sustainably produced here: https://howcementismade.com

10/24/2025

Why CMU Remains the Foundation of Safer Schools
A highlight article from details why is the best choice for building safe schools:
• Fire containment
• Storm resilience
• Sound transmission
• Ballistic resilience
Additionally, the design and color options go far beyond boring monochrome. CMU is built from local materials with future generations in mind.
https://www.architectmagazine.com/buildings/why-cmu-remains-the-foundation-of-safer-schools

10/21/2025

🍂As seasons transition, it's a good time to do some maintenance on hardscapes and outdoor concrete masonry to keep it performing at its best.
• Regularly clear debris
• Pull weeds
• Address stains
• Check Drainage
• Clean moss and built-up dirt
Organic matter from leaves to fruit and even moss is a major contributor to staining and discoloration of any stone material. Using an appropriate pressure wash and cleaner will keep firepits and planter boxes looking fresh.
Assuring proper drainage will decrease the likelihood of cracks due to water expansion in frozen conditions.

10/14/2025

Building a home on a strong foundation is critical. In flood prone areas, the next best thing is to add a raised slab concrete foundation with CMU. Understanding your area's flood risk is the first step in protecting a home from disaster. Energy.gov offers a guide at https://basc.pnnl.gov/resource-guides/flood-resistant-raised-slab-foundations -group-scope