Masonry
Learn more about masonry projects— big and small.
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.
Family Rock Hunting Activity | This Old House: Live
Our in-house rock enthusiast, Mason Mark McCullough, has the perfect activity for families while they are at home: go on a rock scavenger hunt! Download our printable guide and start rock hunting.
How to Install Concrete Pavers
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps an expecting couple install a concrete paver patio.
How Mount Rushmore was Created
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough learns about how Mount Rushmore was built.
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.
The Basics of Masonry
Stone, brick, mortar, and concrete are the materials of the mason’s trade. The most basic of these materials is stone, which can be laid as walkways and as walls without the use of mortar. Here’s what you need to know about masonry projects.
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 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 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.
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 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
How to Color Stain Concrete
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates how to dress up concrete by using a stain
How to Replace a Concrete Walkway
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough replaces a concrete walkway with brick pavers.
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
Understanding Concrete, Cement, and Mortar
Ask This Old House host Kevin O'Connor explains the differences between three popular masonry materials
How to Cut Stone for Natural Stone Walls
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to get the right-shaped stones for hardscaping projects using a variety of tools.
What's Their Story? Facade Fragments
Learn the history behind shapely architectural ruins