Masonry
Learn more about masonry projects— big and small.
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The Best Entry-Level Masonry Tools from a Pro
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.
How To Install an Iron Railing on Concrete Steps
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner add a wrought-iron railing to his steps to make them safer for children and older adults.
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.
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.
How to Repair Flagstone Steps
Watch Ask This Old House Mason Mark McCullough help a homeowner repair their flagstone steps in the entryway, making them safe and stable.
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.
Mark McCullough’s Approach to Masonry
Ask This Old House Mason, Mark McCullough, explains his outlook on masonry projects and how homeowners, despite being nervous, can tackle these jobs themselves.
How to Repair Sandstone Steps
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner solve an issue with a crumbling sandstone veneer on their front steps, improving the safety and curb appeal of their home.
How to Make Common Chimney Repairs
Mason Mark McCullough shows host Kevin O’Connor some common issues with brick chimneys and how to repair them.
A Simple Guide to Brick Patterns
Mason Mark McCullough teaches host Kevin O’Connor about the different brick patterns homeowners can choose for their walls or walkways.
How to Repair an Outdoor Pizza Oven
This Old House Mason Mark McCullough shows a homeowner how to breathe new life into their outdoor brick and stone pizza oven.
Masonry Finishes for Brick and Concrete
Mason Mark McCullough teaches us everything we need to know about sealing, protecting, and beautifying masonry surfaces.
All About Brick Pavers
Durable and low maintenance with timeless good looks, these clay blocks may be a smart choice for your next hardscaping project.
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 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.
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.
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 Fill Anchor Holes in Brick
Mason Mark McCullough teaches Kevin O’Connor how to patch holes in a tough surface.
Types of Retaining Wall Materials
Read this guide to compare four different materials and approaches to decide how to build your retaining wall.
How to Install Stacked Stone Veneer on a Fireplace
Ask This Old House mason, Mark McCullough, helps a homeowner update her concrete block, wood burning fireplace with a stacked stone veneer and a slab of stone.
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 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.
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.
Enhancing a Historic Home with Natural Stone
At the This Old House Season 42 project, the Seaside Victorian Cottage, Mason Mark McCullough shows us how Polycor’s natural stone elements increased curb appeal and brought new life to the backyard. To learn more, visit hardscapes.polycor.com.
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.
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.