Professional Masonry Services
Expert brick, stone, concrete, and block work for residential and commercial properties in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Quality Masonry Solutions
At Ground Up Construction, we provide premium masonry services for residential and commercial properties. With 16 years of industry experience, our skilled masons deliver exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail on every project, creating beautiful and durable structures that stand the test of time.
Our Masonry Services Include:
- Brick Masonry: New construction, repairs, and restoration of brick walls, facades, chimneys, and decorative elements.
- Stone Masonry: Installation and repair of natural stone walls, veneer, patios, walkways, and decorative features.
- Concrete Block: Construction of foundations, retaining walls, and structural elements using concrete block.
- Concrete Work: Installation of concrete slabs, driveways, sidewalks, patios, and decorative concrete features.
- Retaining Walls: Design and construction of functional and attractive retaining walls using various materials.
- Outdoor Living Spaces: Creation of outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fireplaces, and BBQ areas using masonry materials.
- Masonry Repair: Restoration and repair of damaged masonry, including tuckpointing, crack repair, and structural reinforcement.
Why Choose Our Masonry Services?
When you choose Ground Up Construction for your masonry needs, you're selecting a team committed to excellence. Here's what sets us apart:
- Skilled Craftsmen: Our masons have extensive training and experience in all aspects of masonry work.
- Quality Materials: We use only high-quality bricks, stones, concrete, and mortar to ensure durability and longevity.
- Proper Techniques: We follow industry best practices and building codes for all masonry installations.
- Attention to Detail: We take pride in our meticulous workmanship, ensuring every joint, corner, and finish is perfect.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer fair, transparent pricing without compromising on quality.
- Clean Workspaces: We maintain tidy work areas and thoroughly clean up after project completion.
Types of Masonry Work We Provide
We offer a variety of masonry services to enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of your property:
Brick Masonry
Applications: Exterior walls, interior accent walls, chimneys, columns, steps, walkways, and decorative features.
Benefits: Classic appearance, exceptional durability, fire resistance, low maintenance, and excellent insulation properties.
Options: Various brick types (clay, concrete), sizes, colors, textures, and bond patterns to achieve different aesthetic effects.
Stone Masonry
Applications: Exterior veneer, retaining walls, garden walls, patios, walkways, steps, fireplaces, and decorative elements.
Benefits: Natural beauty, unique character, exceptional durability, weather resistance, and increased property value.
Options: Natural stone (limestone, granite, sandstone, fieldstone, bluestone) and manufactured stone veneer in various colors, shapes, and textures.
Concrete Block Masonry
Applications: Foundations, structural walls, retaining walls, garden walls, and commercial buildings.
Benefits: Structural strength, fire resistance, sound insulation, moisture resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
Options: Standard blocks, split-face blocks, decorative blocks, and insulated concrete blocks in various sizes and finishes.
Concrete Work
Applications: Driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, steps, and decorative concrete features.
Benefits: Durability, low maintenance, versatility, and design flexibility.
Options: Standard concrete, stamped concrete, colored concrete, exposed aggregate, and polished concrete finishes.
Retaining Walls
Applications: Slope stabilization, erosion control, terracing, and creating usable space on sloped properties.
Benefits: Functional land management, prevention of soil erosion, and aesthetic enhancement of landscapes.
Options: Natural stone, concrete block, brick, and segmental retaining wall systems in various styles and colors.
Outdoor Living Features
Applications: Outdoor kitchens, fire pits, fireplaces, BBQ areas, pizza ovens, and seating walls.
Benefits: Extended living space, enhanced outdoor entertainment options, and increased property value.
Options: Combination of brick, stone, and concrete elements customized to your specific design preferences.
Our Masonry Process
We follow a systematic approach to ensure exceptional results for every masonry project:
- Consultation: We begin with a thorough assessment of your needs, preferences, and site conditions to recommend the best masonry solutions.
- Detailed Estimate: We provide a comprehensive estimate outlining materials, labor, timeline, and total cost.
- Material Selection: We help you select the perfect masonry materials, colors, and styles for your project.
- Site Preparation: We prepare the work area, including excavation, grading, and establishing proper drainage as needed.
- Foundation Work: For structural masonry, we create appropriate footings and foundations to ensure stability.
- Masonry Installation: Our skilled masons carefully lay brick, stone, or block with precision, following proper techniques and patterns.
- Mortar Joints: We create clean, consistent mortar joints with the appropriate finish (flush, concave, raked, etc.).
- Cleaning: We clean the masonry surface to remove excess mortar and reveal the beauty of the finished work.
- Sealing: When appropriate, we apply sealants to protect the masonry from moisture and staining.
- Final Inspection: We conduct a detailed inspection to ensure everything meets our high standards and your expectations.
Service Area
We proudly serve Charlotte and surrounding areas within a 20-mile radius, including Matthews, Huntersville, Concord, and more.
Ready to Enhance Your Property with Quality Masonry?
Contact us today for a free estimate or to learn more about our masonry services.
Our Masonry Projects
Examples of our quality masonry work
Brick Exterior
Custom brick facade with decorative patterns
Stone Retaining Wall
Natural stone retaining wall with integrated steps
Outdoor Fireplace
Custom stone fireplace for outdoor living space
Brick Patio
Herringbone pattern brick patio with border detail
Stone Veneer
Mixed stone veneer application on home exterior
Concrete Driveway
Stamped and colored concrete driveway installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our masonry services
What's the difference between brick and stone masonry?
Brick Masonry:
- Uses manufactured clay or concrete bricks of uniform size and shape
- Typically less expensive than natural stone
- Offers consistent color and texture
- Easier and faster to install due to uniform dimensions
- Classic, timeless appearance with various bond patterns
- Excellent durability and fire resistance
Stone Masonry:
- Uses natural stone (or manufactured stone veneer)
- Generally more expensive than brick, especially with natural stone
- Each stone is unique in color, texture, and shape
- More labor-intensive to install, especially with irregular stones
- Rustic, organic, or luxurious appearance depending on stone type
- Exceptional durability and weather resistance
Both options provide excellent durability and aesthetic appeal. The best choice depends on your architectural style, budget, and personal preferences. We can help you determine which option is best for your specific project during our consultation.
How long do masonry structures last?
Properly constructed masonry structures are among the most durable building elements available:
- Brick Masonry: 100+ years with proper maintenance
- Stone Masonry: 100+ years, with many stone structures lasting for centuries
- Concrete Block: 50-100+ years depending on conditions and maintenance
- Concrete Flatwork: 30-50+ years with proper installation and maintenance
Factors that affect longevity include:
- Quality of materials used
- Proper installation techniques
- Adequate drainage and moisture control
- Climate and exposure conditions
- Regular maintenance (repointing mortar joints, sealing, etc.)
At Ground Up Construction, we use quality materials and proper techniques to ensure your masonry work will stand the test of time. We also provide maintenance recommendations to help extend the life of your masonry structures.
How do you maintain masonry work?
Proper maintenance of masonry work helps ensure its longevity and appearance:
Regular Inspection:
- Inspect masonry annually for cracks, loose mortar, or damaged areas
- Check for water damage, efflorescence (white powdery deposits), or staining
- Examine mortar joints for deterioration or crumbling
Cleaning:
- Gently clean masonry surfaces with a garden hose and soft brush
- For tougher dirt, use a mild detergent solution and soft-bristle brush
- Avoid pressure washing, which can damage mortar joints and masonry surfaces
- Remove stains promptly using appropriate cleaners for the specific masonry material
Repairs:
- Address cracked or deteriorating mortar joints through repointing (removing and replacing damaged mortar)
- Repair cracks in masonry units promptly to prevent water infiltration
- Replace damaged bricks or stones as needed
Moisture Control:
- Ensure proper drainage away from masonry structures
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean and functioning properly
- Maintain appropriate landscaping clearance from masonry walls
Sealing:
- Apply appropriate sealants to protect against moisture and staining (not all masonry requires sealing)
- Reapply sealants according to manufacturer recommendations (typically every 5-10 years)
We provide specific maintenance instructions for your particular masonry project upon completion.
What is tuckpointing and when is it needed?
Tuckpointing (also called repointing) is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from the joints between masonry units (brick, stone, etc.) and replacing it with new mortar. This maintenance procedure is essential for preserving the structural integrity and appearance of masonry structures.
Signs that tuckpointing is needed:
- Cracked, crumbling, or missing mortar
- Mortar that has receded deeper than the face of the masonry units
- Loose bricks or stones
- Water infiltration through mortar joints
- Visible gaps between masonry units and mortar
- Mortar that can be easily scraped away with a key or screwdriver
The tuckpointing process involves:
- Carefully removing deteriorated mortar to a depth of approximately 3/4 inch
- Cleaning out the joints to remove debris and dust
- Moistening the area to prevent the brick from drawing moisture from the new mortar
- Mixing new mortar that matches the original in composition, color, and texture
- Carefully packing new mortar into the joints
- Tooling the joints to match the original profile
- Cleaning excess mortar from the masonry surface
Tuckpointing is typically needed every 20-30 years for most masonry structures, though this can vary based on exposure to weather, quality of the original mortar, and other factors. Regular inspection can help determine when tuckpointing is necessary.
What factors affect the cost of masonry work?
Several factors influence the cost of masonry projects:
- Material Selection: Natural stone is typically more expensive than brick, which is more expensive than concrete block. Within each category, there are various grades and types at different price points.
- Project Size and Complexity: Larger projects may have economies of scale, but complex designs with intricate patterns, curves, or multiple angles increase labor costs.
- Site Accessibility: Difficult access to the work area can increase labor costs due to the need for additional equipment or manual material transport.
- Site Preparation: Projects requiring extensive excavation, grading, or foundation work will have higher costs.
- Pattern and Design: Specialized patterns, custom designs, or decorative elements add to both material and labor costs.
- Structural Requirements: Load-bearing masonry requires additional structural considerations and potentially reinforcement, increasing costs.
- Finishing Details: Special mortar joints, custom caps, or decorative elements add to the overall cost.
- Removal of Existing Structures: If demolition of existing masonry is required, this adds to the project cost.
During our consultation and estimate process, we'll discuss these factors and provide transparent pricing based on your specific project requirements. We're happy to work with you to find solutions that fit your budget while maintaining quality and durability.
Ready to Enhance Your Property with Quality Masonry?
Contact Ground Up Construction today for a free estimate on your masonry project.