Brick Stone
Brick and stone contractors, or masons, may work on several different parts of the home and yard, including driveways, steps, walkways, chimneys, walls, planters, and patios. The greatest benefit is brick and stone work can really add beauty to the exterior of your house with virtually no maintenance. In fact, a brick exterior may add up to six percent to the resale value of your home.
Costs vary greatly depending on how many square feet of brick or stone are needed. Cut stone will cost somewhere between $3 and $4 per square foot, while brick runs about a dollar less. You also have to factor in labor.
For brick walls it will be necessary to pour a foundation footing. In addition, if you are applying brick to the exterior of a house to replace stucco or siding, you will need proper foundation for the brick base, including footing and walls.
Design-wise, you'll want to make sure the bricks or stones match the overall look of your home. This can be tricky and don't be afraid to ask your mason. It's also very important to note there can be a great range of variations in color, texture, and shape even in the same type of brick or stone. When picking one out, ask to see several different samples to ensure you know how varied the product you select will be when it is installed.
The beauty of both brick and stone is that it can be placed in several different patterns, adding a bit of creativity to any project. You can also mix and match. For example a path to an outdoor garden may include both bricks and paving stones. Though brick and stone are often thought of as traditional, there's no reason you can't liven things up.
If you choose stone, you have three main categories: igneous (granite), metamorphic (marble and slate) and sedimentary (limestones and sandstones).
Brick veneer is a good option when cost or earthquakes are an issue. It is used on walls or indoor flooring tiles. Like traditional brick, it is applied by mortar or engineered adhesive.
One thing is for sure. The beauty and character of antique brick cannot be matched!
Costs vary greatly depending on how many square feet of brick or stone are needed. Cut stone will cost somewhere between $3 and $4 per square foot, while brick runs about a dollar less. You also have to factor in labor.
For brick walls it will be necessary to pour a foundation footing. In addition, if you are applying brick to the exterior of a house to replace stucco or siding, you will need proper foundation for the brick base, including footing and walls.
Design-wise, you'll want to make sure the bricks or stones match the overall look of your home. This can be tricky and don't be afraid to ask your mason. It's also very important to note there can be a great range of variations in color, texture, and shape even in the same type of brick or stone. When picking one out, ask to see several different samples to ensure you know how varied the product you select will be when it is installed.
The beauty of both brick and stone is that it can be placed in several different patterns, adding a bit of creativity to any project. You can also mix and match. For example a path to an outdoor garden may include both bricks and paving stones. Though brick and stone are often thought of as traditional, there's no reason you can't liven things up.
If you choose stone, you have three main categories: igneous (granite), metamorphic (marble and slate) and sedimentary (limestones and sandstones).
Brick veneer is a good option when cost or earthquakes are an issue. It is used on walls or indoor flooring tiles. Like traditional brick, it is applied by mortar or engineered adhesive.
One thing is for sure. The beauty and character of antique brick cannot be matched!