Best Bollards, Benches, and Hardscape of 2023
WRAPPED 2023
WRAPPED 2023
As we close the chapter on 2023, it's time to look back and celebrate th...
20
Dec
Hardscape
24
Nov
Enhancing Urban Greenery
In urban planning, integrating trees into design is a cornerstone for building sustainable and aesthetically pleasing cities. But because trees are living organisms, it is important to protect them and their soil from urban life. To that end, tree grates are essential components that not only preserve trees but also enhance the overall safety and appeal of city walkways.
23
Nov
Detectable Warning Plates Make Public Transit Safer for Everyone
Tactile ground surface warnings or detectable warning plates keep visually impaired transit riders safe from danger, but they can also help distracted pedestrians navigate busy transit hubs, creating a barrier-free public transportation system for all.
08
Jun
Installing Detectable Warning Plates
DWPs are specified with basic installation standards to ensure that they are read the same way by users the world over.
04
Feb
Urban Benches and NYC Style
Outdoor benches are a central part of an urban identity. By having well placed benches, the city invites people out onto the street.
02
Jun
Cherry Blossoms
Planting Cherry Blossoms as city trees in your community add life and love to your streets, but how do you properly care for them?
20
May
Trench Drainage vs French Drains
Remember the last time your pant cuffs were soaked from the rain due to improper drainage? This can be avoided when you install trench drainage or French drainage on your property.
18
Feb
The great debate: Tree pits vs tree grates
When choosing how to protect trees on sidewalks, boulevards, and plazas you have a choice: tree pits vs tree grates. Which should you choose? Which is easier to maintain?
04
Dec
Smart Cities, Smart Procurement
Traditional municipal castings can be transformed into internet-of-things (IoT) devices. A smart manhole, trash bin, or bollard watches its environment and reports. Is trash piling up? Is the storm sewer overflowing? Are construction sites active after hours?
13
Nov
How To: Grow an Urban Tree Canopy
Urban tree canopy is of increasing importance in cities all over the world. As climate events become more common, trees help moderate their effect. They clean and cool air, manage water, prevent erosion, and manage the urban heat sink.
22
Oct
A Guide to Storm Drain Grates
Storm drain grates are responsible for creating safety to the street users above. When choosing the right grate, there are several issues to consider.
16
Sep
What is the difference between Buy America and Buy American?
It can be confusing for the occasional buyer to make sense of the range of legislation that might affect them. Often, the requirements seem more onerous than they are: waivers are available for many of our unique products.
03
Sep
Reliance Recommends – Content We’re Keeping our Eye (or Ear) On
Entertaining content that offers something for generalists (like us!) while educating and keeping us up to date.
08
Jul
Tenji Blocks
Tenji is the word for a Japanese system of braille. Tenji block could therefore be translated as “braille block.” These embedded plates allow people to read the environment
17
Jun
Trench Drain Systems
Trench is often installed when standing water becomes an issue due to landscape, hardscape, land use, or weather pattern change. A system of small capillaries can be installed through active spaces without compromising the look or function of an area.
13
May
11 Benefits of Street Trees in Urban Spaces
Yes, trees drop leaves and fruit, produce pollen, and have roots that can become invasive or heave sidewalks. Yet trees make such a big difference to quality of life and urban management that these are small problems to overcome.
29
Apr
How to Buy Indoor or Outdoor Channel Drain
Grates act as strainers that stop rubbish, leaves, or dirt from entering the channel. What level of debris filtering is necessary is in part based on likely throughput: a small drain may have a harder time clearing than a larger one.
26
Mar
A Guide to Trench Grates Material
There are several factors to consider when choosing trench grate. The contractor might think about aesthetics, cost, wear patterns, total load, weather patterns, and replacement interval.
11
Mar
Sustainable Water Management and the Cities of the Future
In our Future Cities series, we will look at how engineers and city planners are approaching the challenges and opportunities of our changing world. This week we celebrate innovations in water management in places like Northern BC; Milwaukee, WI; Gresham, OR; and Orange County, CA.
11
Feb
Unique Cast Iron Decor (using Industrial Items)
We’ve seen a recent trend in tree grates being repurposed by homeowners, artists, and contractors—as cast iron décor for use all around the home!