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Masonry
Learn more about masonry projects— big and small.
How to Build a Retaining Wall
In this how-to video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook uses manufactured block to create an attractive retaining wall.
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.
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.
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 Fill a Hole in a Brick Wall
We show you how to fill a hole in a brick wall with mortar, matching bricks, and tools you can rent.
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 Work with Concrete
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook explains masonry materials and then shows how to pour a concrete slab
How to Repair a Crack in a Concrete Foundation
Fixing a fractured foundation with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva
How to Build a Simple Dry Well
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough installs a dry well for a homeowner with drainage issues in his backyard.
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 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 to Cut Stone with Hand Tools
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates various techniques for cutting stone with hand tools.
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 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 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 Repoint a Brick Foundation
Replacing crumbling, missing mortar with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva
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 Repoint a Stone Foundation
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva saves a crumbling mortared-rock foundation wall
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.
4 Inexpensive Retaining Wall Ideas
We rounded up our best retaining wall ideas so you can plan your DIY landscaping project.
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 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 Match Mortar
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains how to match mortar for repointing jobs
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 Using Only Hand Tools
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough visits Milwaukee to teach a homeowner how to repoint brick
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.