Masonry How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our masonry step-by-step tips & ideas.
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How to Clean Hardscape
Mason Mark McCullough shows host Kevin O’Connor how to remove organic stains from hardscape like bluestone and limestone blocks and pavers.
How to Make a Granite Post Sign
Mason Mark McCullough helps a family farm install their antique street sign on an original granite post.
How to Build a Stone Bird Bath
This Old House mason Mark McCullough shows host Kevin O’Connor how to turn two pieces of stone into a beautiful rustic birdbath.
How to Build a Block Retaining Wall
House One editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse walks us through the process of building a retaining wall in her backyard.
How Build a DIY Faux Brick Wall
It’s hard not to love the look of exposed brick, but not everyone is lucky enough to have it in their home. Don’t worry; you can mimic the look with these tips.
How To Stain Brick
Brick is incredibly durable and can last a very long time, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the same old look for eternity. You can stain your brick surfaces for a new, fresh look, and we’ll show you how.
How to Drill into Brick
Brick is an incredibly durable and long-lasting material. But if you need to hang a picture or mount a shelf to a brick wall, the usual methods can make the job seem impossible.
How to Make Stone Cuts with a Power Saw Look Natural
Ask This Old House Mason Mark McCullough explains how stone edges are cut to fit into a wall and how to integrate those cuts seamlessly with the rest of the stone wall.
How to Reface a Concrete Wall
Mark McCullough and Jenn Nawada work together to reface an ugly concrete wall with a thin stone veneer to better match the rest of the patio that surrounds it.
How to Make and Mix Concrete
Concrete projects can be tough work. While there isn’t much you can do about the labor, you can lighten the load on your wallet by making your own concrete mix. The process is simple, and you can tailor your mix for perfect results.
How to Redo a Brick Path
In this video, This Old House Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner redo his brick walkway that was originally a rush job. He explains that walkways need a sturdy, consistent base so it is not a project to be rushed.
How to Drill into Concrete
If you’re a DIYer of almost any level, chances are you’ll need to know how to drill into concrete or masonry at some point. Whether you’re mounting shelves on a cinder block garage wall, installing a window box on brick veneer or stucco, or mounting outdoor lighting onto stone, you’ll have to know how to drill into concrete.
How to Cut a Granite Countertop
Cutting granite for kitchen countertops whether indoors or outdoors—is a DIY-able job. But there are some caveats to consider before getting started.
How to Build a Prefab Stone Wall
Roger Cook, landscape contractor, visits a stone yard that makes prefabricated stone walls at their facility before installing them on-site.
How to Install Concrete Pavers
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps an expecting couple install a concrete paver patio.
How to Cut Stone with Hand Tools
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates various techniques for cutting stone with hand tools.
How to Replace a Hearth with Slate Tile
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with slate tile.
How to Choose a Masonry Trowel
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the purposes and uses for different types of trowels.
How to Restore a Colonial-Era Beehive Oven
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the history and function of Colonial-era beehive ovens and then restores one in a house built in 1750.
How To Break Up and Remove Concrete
Read these approaches to breaking up and disposing of concrete.
How to Restore a Historic Fireplace
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough delicately restores a damaged historic fireplace that is built with custom, nearly irreplaceable bricks.
How to Repoint and Prevent Further Damage to a Fieldstone Foundation
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough repoints a crumbling fieldstone foundation and shares an important lesson about water management on the outside of the house
Comparing Masonry Jointers
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers
How to Whitewash Brick with Masonry Supplies
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates a way to whitewash brick with masonry materials
How to Reface a Fireplace with Granite
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches apprentice Krysten how to reface a granite fireplace.
How to Match Mortar
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains how to match mortar for repointing jobs
How to Waterproof Concrete Brick
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains and demonstrates the benefits of waterproofing concrete brick
How to Prevent Silica Dust when Drilling or Grinding
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough tests out different tools that collect silica dust more efficiently
How to Clean Brick with Acid
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates how to clean soot out of brick using acid
How to Repoint Brick Using Only Hand Tools
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough visits Milwaukee to teach a homeowner how to repoint brick
8 Concrete DIYs to Try
Versatile, affordable, easy to work with—concrete can be a DIYers best friend. From maintenance and repair to decorative elements, here are a few projects that anyone can do, quickly and confidently, with a bag of concrete and a bit of creativity.
Bonus Uses for Masonry “Glue”
Mark McCullough has some solutions that don’t require mortar
How to Work with Concrete
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains masonry materials and then shows how to pour a concrete slab