Masonry consists of building structures from single units laid and bound together with mortar.  Brick, stone, and concrete blocks are the most common materials used in masonry construction.

• Brick Masonry - Bricks are lightweight (lower dead loads), easy to handle and transport, and cheaper than stones and concrete blocks. Brick walls are thinner, and units can be adhered to with different types of mortar, depending on structural requirements. Openings for doors and windows are easily made with bricks, and costs may be less because the joints are thinner.

• Stone Masonry - This is the most durable, strong, and weather-resistant, thanks to the natural durability of the material. Stone is recommended for buildings with high foot traffic since it does not bend or dent. One of the main advantages of stone is its aesthetic look, with various colors, sizes, and textures - the design possibilities are endless. Finally, stone masonry requires little maintenance and repairs thanks to its durability.

• Concrete Block Masonry - Concrete blocks are resistant against weather, pests, mold, and fire. Concrete blocks are available in many sizes, finishes, and colors. These units can also be manufactured to meet any set project requirements, and some concrete blocks are made using recycled materials. In addition, concrete blocks have good insulating properties against heat, sound, and moisture.

• Masonry is non-combustible, so it improves fire protection for the building and its occupants. Fireplaces are commonly made of masonry for the same reason.  It also offers a high resistance against rotting, pests, weather, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

• Masonry structures provide an attractive rustic or elegant look for a home or building, depending on the material used and the workers’ expertise, while at the same time, they can withstand large amounts of compressive weight loads.

• Masonry doesn’t rot, and insects such as ants and termites can’t destroy its structure.

• Using masonry in your construction improves its resale value and can often result in favorable insurance policy premiums for fire-safe masonry. 

Although cement and concrete are often used interchangeably, cement is an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand, gravel, or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement.

It all depends on the depth of concrete poured, the temperature outside, and the type of cement used in the mix. But on average, it takes around 2-3 hours to set and then around seven days to fully cure. After that, it will continue to gain strength for about 28 days.

While concrete is durable on its own, there are some things you can do to ensure that it stays in good shape: Avoid applying deicing chemicals during the winter. Don’t use harsh acids to remove stains. Clean your concrete regularly and apply a sealant to protect it from the elements.

Because concrete isn’t flexible, it’s likely to crack during freeze/thaw conditions. This is normal; small cracks won’t compromise the concrete’s strength. These cracks can be addressed by placing joints in concrete pavements and floors to allow the concrete to crack in a neat, straight line at the joint when the volume of the concrete changes due to shrinkage.

Concrete is measured by the cubic yard, meaning three feet by three feet by three feet (or 27 cubic feet). One cubic yard of concrete weighs around 4,000 pounds.

Exposing the concrete’s own aggregates can result in a pleasant, finished surface. Exposed aggregate surfaces can be left rough or ground and polished to a high sheen. Concrete may be colored by adding pigments before or after the concrete is in place or by using chemical stains. Patterns can be imprinted into the concrete before it is set, or the surface can be textured using a trowel, a float, or a broom.

We recommend you power wash your stamped concrete twice a year.  Keeping dirt and other stains off your concrete is essential to extend the life and color.  You should reseal your concrete every 1-2 years to help protect the coloring.  It is also important to remember to shovel off your stamped concrete each time it snows.  Do not use salt on your stamped concrete.