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Reviewed by Bob Tschudi, Home Building and Remodeling Expert. Do You Have Masonry Work That Needs to be Done? Bricklayers and stonemasons have constructed some of the longest-standing buildings, which makes it easy to understand why people want their homes made of brick or stone. These pros build and repair installations like load-bearing walls, landscape…

Reviewed by Bob Tschudi, Home Building and Remodeling Expert. On This Page: What Does a Mason Do? Masons work with a range of materials like stone, brick and concrete to install chimneys, retaining walls, patios and entire homes. Their broad expertise is a largely untapped resource for homeowners. Even the simplest feature can enhance a…

The fireplace is the heart of a home. The reunion place where all the family gathers around. And it’s important to keep it looking pristine with a new coat of paint occasionally. This is an easy home improvement project that needs a few hours to complete and adds a great deal of value to your…

Stone is a trendy way to add texture and curb appeal to your home. This natural style is a popular enhancement for exteriors and interiors alike. Our guide helps you find the best veneer to give your home a modern boost with an organic twist. On This Page: Types of Stone Veneer Natural Faux Pros…

Painting your fireplace can be a fun weekend project to give your room a quick makeover. Dark red and brown brick can make one side of the room look heavy, while clean white fireplaces or dramatic blacks and greys can instantly modernize your living room. Follow these simple steps to make this noticeable upgrade. Prep…

Also referred to as masons, these specialists aren’t just laborers hired to lay down blocks over mortar. If you’ve ever seen them at work on TV, it looks like a simple, repetitive job, but that doesn’t do these tradesmen justice. A lot of math, geometry, and physics is involved since brick is such a heavy…

When it comes to masonry choices, the three most popular are slump stone, new brick, and manufactured alternatives. Bricks Brick is made of fired clay and comes in hundreds of different colors. Considered by many to be the ultimate exterior wall finish, brick contains many advantages. Readily available most everywhere with thousands of varieties to…

Any type of masonry work adds value and beauty to a home, whether it’s inside or out. However, conventional brickwork has several drawbacks: it’s expensive, messy, labor-intensive, and most importantly, the stuff is heavy. So for homeowners who want the look of brick veneer, but don’t have the walls or foundation to handle the load,…

Many homeowners want a rustic rock exterior because it adds curb appeal and value to a house. But finding the real thing isn’t easy anymore. Instead, synthetic stone veneers have become the latest trend due to their accessibility, versatility, and overall convenience. Though manmade, this manufactured product consists of several ingredients, carefully constructed, in order…

Stone has been an exterior material that humans have trusted since building began, and brick is not too far behind. Both perform well under just about any condition imaginable, and each lends a property a classic, genuine charm that other materials simply cannot compare to. However, technology has advanced quite a bit in the past…