Journal
The masonry journal.
Plain-English guides on brick, stone, mortar, chimneys, patios and walls, written for Tennessee properties.
Repair & CareA Year-Round Masonry Maintenance CalendarA short, season-by-season checklist that keeps brick, stone and chimneys in shape in Middle Tennessee.
Repair & CareWhy Is My Brick Flaking? Understanding SpallingThe face of a brick popping off usually means trapped water, hard mortar or a bad coating. Here is what…
Outdoor LivingPlanning a Brick Mailbox ColumnHeight, placement, footing and lighting: what to know before you build a brick or stone mailbox.
Outdoor LivingOutdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit?How to choose between a fireplace and a fire pit for your yard, considering space, smoke, seating and budget.
Repair & CareHistoric Brick Repair: Dos and Don’tsOld brick and old mortar need different treatment than new. Learn the mistakes that cause lasting damage.
Repair & CareWhite Stains on Brick: What Is Efflorescence?That white, chalky powder on brick is salt carried by water. Here is where it comes from, whether it is…
Walls & FoundationsRetaining Wall Basics for Tennessee YardsClay soil, heavy rain and slopes make drainage the key to every retaining wall. Here is what separates walls that…
Outdoor LivingPaver Patio or Flagstone Patio?A side-by-side look at cost, comfort, drainage, looks and maintenance for Middle Tennessee yards.
Chimneys & FireplacesA Homeowner’s Chimney Inspection ChecklistWhat you can safely check from the ground, what needs a roof visit and when to call a mason before…
Choosing MaterialsChoosing Mortar Color and Joint StyleMortar makes up around a fifth of a brick wall's surface. Here is how color and joint profile change the…
Choosing MaterialsBrick Bond Patterns, ExplainedRunning, stack, Flemish, English, herringbone and basketweave: what each pattern looks like, how strong it is and where it works…Repair & CareWhat Brick Repair Really Costs in Middle TennesseeCommonly published planning ranges for tuckpointing, brick replacement, chimney work and lintels, and what moves the number.
Repair & Care7 Signs Your Brick Needs TuckpointingCrumbling joints, hollow-sounding mortar and white stains are all clues. Here is what to look for and what to do…
Choosing MaterialsBrick or Stone Veneer: Which Is Right for Your Home?A plain comparison of brick and stone veneer: cost, weight, look, upkeep and where each one works best on a…