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Masonry How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our masonry step-by-step tips & ideas.

S22 E5: Mark McCullough repairs a brick lintel
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How To Make a Brick Lintel Repair

Classic brickwork can last for centuries, but it will sometimes require a little bit of maintenance. When a homeowner’s lintel started to sag, they called mason Mark McCullough for help.
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How to Resurface Worn Concrete

Trowel concrete resurfacer over your worn walkway, and you'll have a brand new, durable surface with uniform color. Before you get started, check out this how-to video on working with concrete.
S21 E21, Mark McCullough shows Kevin O'Connor how to clean hardscape
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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.
S21 E20, Mark McCullough etches into a granite sign post
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How to Make a Granite Post Sign

Mason Mark McCullough helps a family farm install their antique street sign on an original granite post.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How To Stain Brick

Brick is durable and can last a long time, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the same look forever. Learn about brick staining here.
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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.
S19 E21, Mark McCullough shows Kevin O'Connor how to make natural-looking stone cuts with a power saw
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How To Drill Into Concrete

Whether you’re mounting shelves on a cinder block garage wall or installing outdoor lighting onto stone, we can help you drill into concrete.
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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.
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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.
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How to Install Concrete Pavers

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps an expecting couple install a concrete paver patio.
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How to Cut Stone with Hand Tools

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates various techniques for cutting stone with hand tools.
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How to Replace a Hearth with Slate Tile

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a common terra cotta hearth with slate tile.
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How to Choose a Masonry Trowel

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the purposes and uses for different types of trowels.
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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.
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How To Break Up and Remove Concrete

To break and remove concrete, you’ll need some key tools and hard work. Read these approaches to breaking up and disposing of concrete.
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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.
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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
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Comparing Masonry Jointers

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers
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How to Whitewash Brick with Masonry Supplies

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates a way to whitewash brick with masonry materials
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How to Reface a Fireplace with Granite

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches apprentice Krysten how to reface a granite fireplace.
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How to Match Mortar

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains how to match mortar for repointing jobs
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How to Waterproof Concrete Brick

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains and demonstrates the benefits of waterproofing concrete brick
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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
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How to Clean Brick with Acid

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates how to clean soot out of brick using acid
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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
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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.