Brick

This article explains how to identify spalling on bricks, which causes them to deteriorate. It also tells how you can keep water away from brick…

Learn how to clean, reset and tuckpoint loose bricks. A loose brick can ultimately lead to major problems – even a wall collapse – but the fix…

Efflorescence, a powdery white substance on bricks, can indicate a serious problem with chimneys. This article covers the possible causes of the…

Cracking or spalling in bricks may occur when the wrong type of mortar is used. There are no easy solutions; you may need to either replace all…

Make a simple garden path from recycled pavers or cobblestones set on a sand bed. Learn all the details of path building, from breaking…

Create an heirloom garden pathway or sidewalk by combining bricks or pavers with natural stone accent pieces. Learn the simple, time-tested…

Make an attractive border for a concrete walkway or patio using brick pavers set on a bed of gravel and sand. With a solid gravel base, a brick…

Cracks and spalling in a brick chimney can get worse fast, but the fix is easy if you do it in time. Two pros share maintenance tips that will…

Modular concrete blocks for retaining walls and garden projects are available in a huge range of styles and prices. This article surveys the…

Solve your concrete fastening problems with our favorite concrete anchors. We show you how to install light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty…

Concrete screws are the perfect fastener for speedily anchoring objects to concrete. We show you how to drill and drive them quickly and easily,…

This article shows you what to do when your driveway starts to sink and pull away from your garage floor. The fix is easier than you might…

Build a circular masonry fire pit for not much more than the cost of a flimsy store-bought fire ring. With tips from a veteran bricklayer, we’ll…

Crumbling mortar in brick walls and chimneys has to be cut out and replaced to avoid structural and water damage. Tuckpointing—cleaning…

Learn the tools and techniques used for tuckpointing old masonry walls and chimneys. Discover how to restore cracked and worn mortar joints, how…

Powder actuated tools are the quickest, most efficient way to fire fasteners into concrete slabs and block walls. We'll show you how to use…

The concrete crowns of masonry chimneys often crack with age, allowing water to leak in. This article explains how the crown works, what it…

Renew an old concrete patio with decorative brick or concrete pavers. You don't have to remove the concrete. Here's how to do it quickly and…

Construct an eye-catching cedar deck surrounded by a veneered stone wall that provides both privacy and seating. The article includes full…