Masonry Videos
These This Old House videos showcase all of our masonry projects, how-tos, and designs.
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Mark’s Fun Finds
mason Mark McCullough finds all sorts of fun items while excavating foundations, repairing block walls, and other typical masonry projects. He shares some of his favorite items with host Kevin O’Connor back at our shop.
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.
Evolution of Bricks
Mason Mark McCullough teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about bricks, including the most common types and some interesting history.
Essential Masonry Tools for DIY Homeowners
Mason Mark McCullough shows host Kevin O’Connor how a homeowner can build their own kit of masonry tools to tackle almost any project around their homes.
How to Install an Iron Railing to Make Concrete Steps Safer
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner install wrought iron railings on his steps to make them safer for children and older adults.
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 Repair Flagstone Steps
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner repair the flagstone steps in their entryway.
How To Repair Sandstone Steps
Watch as This Old House mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner repair a crumbling sandstone veneer on the front steps.
A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Brick Pattern for Your Home
Discover how to choose brick patterns for walls and walkways and get tips on selecting patterns that complement your home.
How to Repair an Outdoor Pizza Oven in Simple to Follow Steps
An outdoor pizza oven is fun for the whole family — until it's damaged. Here's how to repair a 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 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 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 Fill Anchor Holes in Brick
Mason Mark McCullough teaches Kevin O’Connor how to patch holes in a tough surface.
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.
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 Install Precast Concrete Steps
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner remove his crumbling stone steps. Then, he tours a factory to learn how precast concrete steps are made and helps install a set at the homeowner’s house.
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.
How To Cut Stone With Hand Tools
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches various techniques for cutting stone with common hand tools.
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.
How to Build a Simple Dry Well in 16 Easy to Follow Steps
Ask This Old House expert mason Mark McCullough builds a dry well for a homeowner with unresolved drainage issues in his backyard.
How To Patch a Hole in a Brick Wall
In this step-by-step article and video, This Old House mason Mark McCullough shows us how to patch a brick wall like a pro.
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.
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.
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.
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 and host Kevin O'Connor demonstrate how to dress up concrete by using a stain.
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.
How to Match Mortar
Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough explains how to match mortar for repointing jobs
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.
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 and grime out of brick using acid to retain that beautiful red.
How to Repoint Brick Using Only Hand Tools
Have a crumbling exterior wall that needs to be repointed? Follow our guide to repoint your brick yourself with basic hand tools.