Masonry How To & DIY

When a homeowner wanted to start using his vintage indoor charcoal grill, the inspector dashed his hopes until it was inspected by a mason. Resident Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough answered the call, helping to identify the chimney crown as the issue. Luckily, Mark knew just what to do, and the two worked together to replace the concrete crown.

Concrete, brick, and mortar are incredibly durable, but they’re no match for water. While on a house call, mason Mark McCullough realized the root of a homeowner's problems with their front steps was exactly that: water getting behind the stair tread, deteriorating the mortar and heaving the tread forward when it freezes. Luckily, Mark knew just what to do.

Watch as This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook uses manufactured concrete blocks to create an attractive retaining wall.

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.

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.

Mason Mark McCullough shows how to remove organic stains from hardscapes such as bluestone and limestone blocks and pavers.

Mason Mark McCullough helps the owners of a family farm install an antique street sign on an original granite post.

A stone birdbath can add a touch of elegance and wildlife to your outdoor space. Find out how to build one here.

House One editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse walks us through the process of building a retaining wall in her backyard.

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

Mark McCullough and Jenn Nawada work together to reface an ugly concrete wall with a thin stone veneer that better matches the rest of the patio.

In this video and guide, This Old House Mason Mark McCullough shares how to redo a brick walkway that was originally a rush job.

Choosing a prefab stone wall can save you both money and time. Watch how skilled technicians make and install them.

This Old House mason, Mark McCullough, helps a couple install a concrete paver patio in their backyard.

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches various techniques for cutting stone with common hand tools.

Learn how to replace an old hearth with stylish slate tiles. Our guide covers tools, techniques, and safety tips for a DIY fireplace upgrade.

There are many different types of masonry trowels out there, so which one should you buy? Learn more on each type from This Old House mason Mark McCullough.

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough delicately restores a damaged historic fireplace built with custom, nearly irreplaceable bricks.

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough repoints a homeowner's crumbling fieldstone foundation and explains how you can do the same.

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers along with other tips and tricks.

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

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches apprentice Krysten how to reface a granite fireplace.

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains how to match mortar for repointing jobs

Concrete brick can become water-damaged over time, but there's a simple solution to prevent this: waterproofing. Find out more here.