Masonry How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our masonry step-by-step tips & ideas.

S23 E5: Mark McCullough fixes a chimney cap
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How To Replace a Chimney Crown

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.
S23 E4: Mark McCullough repairs granite steps
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How to Repair Granite Steps

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.
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How to Build a Retaining Wall in Five Simple to Follow Steps

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

The Ultimate Guide to Retaining Walls

Trying to decide on the best type of retaining wall for you? We rounded up everything you need to know to decide and build.
S22 E5: Mark McCullough repairs a brick lintel
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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.
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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.
S21 E21, Mark McCullough shows Kevin O'Connor how to clean hardscape
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How To Clean Hardscape

Mason Mark McCullough shows how to remove organic stains from hardscapes such as bluestone and limestone blocks and pavers.
S21 E20, Mark McCullough etches into a granite sign post
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How to Make and install a Granite Post for Your Property

Mason Mark McCullough helps the owners of a family farm install an antique street sign on an original granite post.
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How to Build a Stone Birdbath With Simple to Follow Steps

A stone birdbath can add a touch of elegance and wildlife to your outdoor space. Find out how to build one here.
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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.
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A Comprehensive Guide on How to Build a DIY Faux Brick Wall

Even if you don't have exposed brick in and around your home, you can replicate it with faux brick options by following these steps.
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How To Stain Brick

Brick is durable and can last a long time, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the same look forever. Learn about brick staining here.
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How To Drill Into Brick

With the right tools and techniques, you can drill into brick to ensure your picture frames, TVs, and more are stable and secure.
S19 E21, Mark McCullough shows Kevin O'Connor how to make natural-looking stone cuts with a power saw
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How To Make Stone Cuts With a Power Saw Look Natural

Learn how to make precise, natural-looking cuts in stone with power saws and traditional finishing techniques.
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How To Reface a Concrete Wall With a Stone Veneer

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.
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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.
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How to Redo a Brick Path

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

Whether you’re mounting shelves on a cinder block garage wall or installing outdoor lighting onto stone, we can help you drill into concrete.
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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.
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How to Build a Prefab Stone Wall

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

This Old House mason, Mark McCullough, helps a couple install a concrete paver patio in their backyard.
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How To Cut Stone With Hand Tools

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches various techniques for cutting stone with common hand tools.
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How To Replace a Hearth with Slate Tile

Learn how to replace an old hearth with stylish slate tiles. Our guide covers tools, techniques, and safety tips for a DIY fireplace upgrade.
Two men talking while the one on the left holds a masonry trowel.
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Everything You Need to Know to Choose a Masonry Trowel

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.
Kevin O'Connor breaks up concrete to be removed.

How To Break Up and Remove Concrete

To break and remove concrete, you’ll need some key tools and hard work. Read these approaches to breaking up and disposing of concrete.
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How To Restore a Historic Fireplace

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough delicately restores a damaged historic fireplace built with custom, nearly irreplaceable bricks.
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How To Repoint and Prevent Further Damage to a Fieldstone Foundation

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

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains the uses for different types of masonry jointers along with other tips and tricks.
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How To Whitewash Brick With Masonry Supplies

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

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

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains how to match mortar for repointing jobs
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How to Waterproof Concrete Brick to Prevent Damage

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