Course by course, step by step.
A masonry project is built in six steps, from the sample board to the walkthrough. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what you need to do before and after.
Watch the wall rise.
0 of 6 courses laid
- 01
Walk and sample
We visit, measure, look at what is there and bring brick, stone and mortar samples so you choose in your own light.
Samples in your light - 02
Layout and footing
Lines, levels and batter boards mark the wall. Footings go in below frost depth, reinforced where the design calls for it.
Footing and string lines - 03
Mix and stage
Mortar is mixed to the right type and color, brick is blended from several pallets and the work area is protected.
Mortar mixed to spec - 04
Lay course by course
Each course is laid to the line, checked for plumb and level, with ties, flashing and weeps built in as the wall rises.
One course at a time - 05
Tool the joints
Joints are struck at the right moment so they compress, shed water and match the style you picked.
Joints tooled by hand - 06
Clean, seal, walk it
The wall is brushed and washed, sealed if it helps, the site is swept and we walk the finished work with you.
Cleaned and walked
Your project checklist.
- Tell us about utilities, irrigation and buried lines you know of
- Share your HOA rules and any drawings or plans you have
- Move cars, furniture and planters away from the work area
- Know that weather, cure time and inspections can shift the schedule
- Be reachable for layout questions on layout day
Six promises we keep.
A written scope
Every estimate lists exactly what is included, so two prices can be compared fairly.
Mortar matched, not guessed
We test, tint and approve a sample panel before the wall is done.
Plumb, level and tied in
String lines, levels and proper ties on every course.
Footings below frost
Foundations built for Tennessee clay and freeze-thaw.
A clean site every day
Swept, staged and protected, so your yard stays yours.
Honest repair or rebuild
If a repair is enough, we say so. If it is not, we show you why.
Process questions
How long does a masonry project take?
Small repairs can be finished in a day or two. Tuckpointing a house usually takes several days, patios and walks one to three weeks, and chimneys, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens two to eight weeks, depending on permits, cure time and weather. We give you a schedule with the estimate.
Do I need a permit for masonry work?
Chimneys, fireplaces, foundations, taller retaining walls and structures often do, and many HOAs require approval for visible changes. We check the rules for your city first and prepare drawings and paperwork where they are needed.
What happens at the free visit?
We walk the property with you, measure, look closely at what is there, bring brick, stone and mortar samples and listen to what you want. You get a written estimate that lists exactly what is included.
How do I get started?
Fill in the form on any page or call or text 615-431-3789. We schedule a free visit, bring samples and send a written estimate.
Can you work in winter?
Masonry cures best in mild, dry weather, so we do most new work from spring through fall. Many repairs and interior work continue in winter with protection and heat, and we tell you plainly when waiting will give a better result.
Start with the easy part.
Book a free visit. We bring samples, measure up and talk through your ideas.