Masonry guides
Masonry guides for Middle Tennessee homeowners
Plain-English advice on stone and brick, repointing, chimneys, patios, retaining walls and mortar, written for Tennessee homes.
MaterialsNatural Stone vs. Stone Veneer: What's the Difference?Full-thickness natural stone and thin stone veneer look similar from the street. Here is how they differ in structure, installation and care.Read the guide
Maintenance7 Signs Your Brick Needs RepointingCrumbling mortar, gaps, water stains and more: how to tell when your brick wall's joints need to be repointed before water gets in.Read the guide
ChimneysChimney Maintenance Checklist for Middle Tennessee HomesWhat to check on your chimney each year, which problems are urgent and when to call a mason or a chimney professional.Read the guide
Outdoor livingPaver Patio Planning GuideSize, pattern, base, drainage and edging: a simple planning guide for a paver patio that stays beautiful.Read the guide
WallsRetaining Wall Basics: Drainage, Height and MaterialsHow retaining walls work, why they fail and what to know about height limits, drainage and materials before you build one.Read the guide
RestorationChoosing Mortar for Old Brick: Why Softer Is BetterWhy modern hard mortar can damage historic brick, and how mortar type, color and joint profile are chosen for restoration.Read the guide
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