Masonry Videos

These This Old House videos showcase all of our masonry projects, how-tos, and designs.

S23 E5: Mark McCullough reveals objects he's found on jobsites to Kevin O'Connor
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Mark’s Fun Finds

mason Mark McCullough finds all sorts of fun items while excavating foundations, repairing block walls, and other typical masonry projects. He shares some of his favorite items with host Kevin O’Connor back at our shop.
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How to Build a Retaining Wall in Five Simple to Follow Steps

Watch as This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook uses manufactured concrete blocks to create an attractive retaining wall.
S23 E2: Mark McCullough gives Kevin O'Connor a brick history lesson
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Evolution of Bricks

Mason Mark McCullough teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about bricks, including the most common types and some interesting history.
S22 E8: Mark McCullough teaches Kevin O'Connor about the necessary tools for any masonry job
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Essential Masonry Tools for DIY Homeowners

Mason Mark McCullough shows host Kevin O’Connor how a homeowner can build their own kit of masonry tools to tackle almost any project around their homes.
S22 E7: Mark McCullough installs a wrought iron railing
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How to Install an Iron Railing to Make Concrete Steps Safer

Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner install wrought iron railings on his steps to make them safer for children and older adults.
Concrete Application
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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 E23, Mark McCullough fixes flagstone flooring in an entryway
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How to Repair Flagstone Steps

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner repair the flagstone steps in their entryway.
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How To Repair Sandstone Steps

Watch as This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner repair a crumbling sandstone veneer on the front steps.
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A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Brick Pattern for Your Home

Discover how to choose brick patterns for walls and walkways and get tips on selecting patterns that complement your home.
A pizza oven in need of repair.
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How to Repair an Outdoor Pizza Oven in Simple to Follow Steps

An outdoor pizza oven is fun for the whole family — until it's damaged. Here's how to repair a brick-and-stone pizza oven.
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Masonry Finishes for Brick and Concrete

Mason Mark McCullough teaches us everything we need to know about sealing, protecting, and beautifying masonry surfaces.
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How Mark McCullough Became a Mason

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough tells us the story of how he got started in the trade he loves.
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How Bricks Are Made

Ever wondered how exactly bricks are made? From ingredients to color, mason Mark McCullough explains how bricks are made and what makes them unique.
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How to Fill Anchor Holes in Brick

Mason Mark McCullough teaches Kevin O’Connor how to patch holes in a tough surface.
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

Learn how to make precise, natural-looking cuts in stone with power saws and traditional finishing techniques.
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How to Repoint Brick Steps

Ask This Old House Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner identify the culprit behind her cracking, front brick steps, and then repoints them using the correct material.
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How to Install Precast Concrete Steps

Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner remove his crumbling stone steps. Then, he tours a factory to learn how precast concrete steps are made and helps install a set at the homeowner’s house.
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How to Build a Prefab Stone Wall

Choosing a prefab stone wall can save you both money and time. Watch how skilled technicians make and install them.
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How To Cut Stone With Hand Tools

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

Learn how to replace an old hearth with stylish slate tiles. Our guide covers tools, techniques, and safety tips for a DIY fireplace upgrade.
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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.
A man standing in a yard with piece of pipe for a dry well.
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How to Build a Simple Dry Well in 16 Easy to Follow Steps

Ask This Old House expert mason Mark McCullough builds a dry well for a homeowner with unresolved drainage issues in his backyard.
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How To Patch a Hole in a Brick Wall

In this step-by-step article and video, This Old House mason Mark McCullough shows us how to patch a brick wall like a pro.
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How To Restore a Historic Fireplace

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough delicately restores a damaged historic fireplace 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 homeowner's crumbling fieldstone foundation and explains how you can do the same.
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Comparing Masonry Jointers

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers along with other tips and tricks.
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How To Repair a Cracked Stucco Retaining Wall

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough travels to San Diego to repair a crack in a concrete retaining wall with a stucco finish.
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How to Color Stain Concrete

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough and host Kevin O'Connor demonstrate how to dress up concrete by using a stain.
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How To Whitewash Brick With Masonry Supplies

This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates how to whitewash brick with masonry materials for a more authentic, aged look.
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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 to Prevent Damage

Concrete brick can become water-damaged over time, but there's a simple solution to prevent this: waterproofing. Find out more here.
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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 and grime out of brick using acid to retain that beautiful red.