Brick masons near you

When looking for a professional brick mason, make sure you complete the following steps: 

• Verify their license and insurance: In some areas, brick masons may need a license. For example, they may need a general contractor’s license or a special masonry license. Requirements depend on your local area so be sure to do your research. You should also confirm your pro is bonded and insured.

• Get several estimates: Make sure each estimate features an itemized list of materials plus labor hours to complete the job.

• Read their reviews: Be on the lookout for reviews discussing longevity. Reviews that complain about cracking mortar or other problems are a red flag. Happy customers who have enjoyed their brickwork for years are a good sign.

• Look at their portfolios: The best brick masons often have robust portfolios featuring a variety of projects, including brick walls and siding, fireplaces and chimneys, patios, and decorative brickwork.

• Find out if they have warranties: Reputable brick masons often offer a guarantee on their workmanship and materials. Make sure you always read the fine print before you move forward with a pro.

• Ask important questions: For example, ask if you can see samples of brick and mortar colors so you can choose a mason who offers a wide range of shades. It's also a good idea to ask about weather sealing to protect outdoor projects.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

Hiring a skilled brick mason is beneficial for projects requiring precise, durable masonry work. Brick masons are trained professionals who specialize in working with brick, block, interlocking paver stones, and glass block. They can help ensure each structure is built to last and withstand environmental stresses. Their expertise is also crucial for achieving aesthetically pleasing results that adhere to safety standards and building codes. 

Typical projects include block walls, glass walls, retaining walls, arches, patios, sidewalks and driveways. A professional mason can also provide valuable advice on material selection and maintenance, which can help enhance your brickwork’s longevity and appearance.

Brick masons typically offer the following services: 

• Brick installation and repair: Brick masons can install new brick, and many also repair or replace cracked or crumbling brickwork. This often includes walls, chimneys, fireplaces, patios, custom masonry designs, etc.

• Tuckpointing: Many masonry pros also do tuckpointing, which uses two contrasting mortar colors to create sharp, clean mortar lines between bricks.

• Repointing: Brick masons can also repoint, which means repairing the mortar around tuckpointed bricks.

• Cleaning: Pros can clean weathered or smoke-damaged brickwork.

• Waterproofing: Many can apply sealants to brickwork to prevent water penetration.

However, brick masons don't typically offer the following services: 

• Non-brick siding installation and repairs: If your home features mixed siding materials, such as brick skirting and wood uppers, they might not be able install or fix non-brick portions of the siding. Consult a siding contractor instead.

• Fireplace repairs: Most brick masons can build brick fireplaces and chimneys, and they can make repairs to the brickwork. However, you'll likely need a fireplace specialist to repair elements like the flue.

• Landscaping or extensive terrain grading: Brick masons can often smooth uneven ground before putting down a sand or gravel base to lay a brick patio on top of. However, if you need extensive landscaping or earth moving done before laying a patio, you may need landscaping services or a general contractor.

The difference between a bricklayer and a brick mason usually comes down to skill level and the types of structures they typically build. A bricklayer primarily puts bricks in straight lines for basic projects, whereas a brick mason has more training to create more complex and intricate structures.  

To figure out which one you need, think about the following:

• Material type: Are you just using standard bricks? A bricklayer might be the best choice. But if you’re mixing in stone, concrete blocks, or specialty bricks, you’ll probably want a mason who knows how to work with different materials.

• Project complexity: If you’re building something straightforward, such as a garden wall, a bricklayer likely has the skills you need. For more intricate projects like fireplaces or outdoor kitchens, you might prefer a brick mason’s expertise.

• Design involvement: Bricklayers usually follow plans that someone else created. Brick masons can help design your project and suggest what might look best in your space. If you want creative input, hire a brick mason.

The cost to hire a brick mason greatly depends on your project. For example, the national average cost to hire a professional for brick repairs ranges from around $950 to $3,200*, according to Thumbtack data. Meanwhile, the national average cost of masonry construction projects (like fireplaces, walls, patios, etc.) ranges from $1,700 to $5,820*. 

There are several factors that might impact the cost to hire a brick mason, including: 

• Project size: Larger amounts of brickwork typically cost more.

• Use cases: Certain projects (such as fireplaces, chimneys, or outdoor brickwork that needs to stand up to the weather) may cost extra because brick masons will need to take extra care to construct a weatherproof or fireproof fixture.

• Complexity: Specialty designs and complicated patterns will likely cost more to design and build.

• Extra prep work: If your brick mason needs to take extra steps to prepare the site, such as readying walls with extra structural support to support the weight of brickwork or leveling the ground to install a patio, the job will likely cost more.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips: 

• Handle prep work yourself: If possible, do any surface leveling or demolition work yourself to save costs.

• Keep designs simple: While you may dream of fanciful brick archways or other complex designs, simpler designs often cost less to plan and build.

• Consider brick accents: Instead of siding your whole home in brick, consider installing brick skirting or a brick accent wall around the front door to get the look and feel.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a brick mason near you.

On average, brick repairs will cost you around $500, with a range of between $350 and $600. However, be aware that a number of factors will have a large influence on this cost. First is the severity of the problem. Some brick repairs are as simple as applying new mortar — others require removing the brick entirely and fixing the substrate. If budget is a concern, contact several brick masons for cost estimates to find the best price in your area.

Brick masons, otherwise known as block masons or bricklayers, are professional builders of fireplaces, walls, houses and other structures using bricks or other rectangular blocks. Brick masons also work with terra cotta, concrete blocks and precast masonry panels. Part of their skill is working with mortar, which is used to bind the bricks together. 

The following are common stone and brick issues that will likely require a professional’s skills and expertise to fix:

• Cracked bricks and mortar, including vertical corner cracks 
• Brick erosion and degradation due to water damage 
• Mortar deterioration
• Bowed or bulging bricks
• Spalled bricks, which are those that have chipped away or fallen off 
• Efflorescence, or visible soluble stains on the surface

If you notice any of these signs, reach out to local brick or stone masons today.

It depends. Sometimes, you might not require repair work — but you should still hire a professional to see if the cracks in your bricks are a serious threat to your home’s foundation and structural integrity.

Cracks (particularly larger cracks) can present a problem. If you have stair-step cracks or horizontal cracks, there may be an issue with your home’s foundation. Wider cracks can also allow water to infiltrate and cause damage from freezing and thawing. Insects can also enter wider cracks and cause more problems (and headaches).

If you have brick and stone repairs that need to be done, search for masonry services near you. Masons are skilled tradespeople and specialize in building and repairing stone, brick, concrete, tile and other similar materials on structures. They work with these materials as well as the mortar that holds them together and are the pro of choice when repairs are needed. 

Hire the right mason based on the repairs you need — some masons specialize in working with brick, concrete, natural stone or other materials.