The Mortar Line
The Mortar Line
Plain-English guides on brick, stone, patios, walls, chimneys, permits and care, written to be read in a few minutes.
Care and RepairWinter and Freeze-Thaw: Protecting Your MasonryFreezing water is hard on brick and stone. Here is how to protect your masonry before the first hard freeze.
Care and RepairWhite Stains on Brick: What Efflorescence MeansThat white powder on your brick is salt, left behind by water. Here is what it tells you and what to do.
Design and LivingFire Pit Safety and SizingHow big, how close and what to burn: a practical guide to planning a fire pit you will use all season.
Design and LivingPlanning an Outdoor Kitchen That WorksLayout, counters, utilities and weather: the decisions that make an outdoor kitchen a pleasure instead of a chore.
Design and LivingChoosing Brick Color and MortarMortar takes up about a fifth of a wall, so its color changes the whole look. Here is how to choose both together.
Design and LivingBrick Bond Patterns ExplainedRunning, stack, Flemish, herringbone and basketweave: what each pattern looks like and where it works best.
Materials and BuildRetaining Walls: Why They Fail and How to Build One That Does NotWater and weak bases knock down most retaining walls. Here is what a good one has behind and below it.
Materials and BuildHow a Good Patio Base Is Built (and Why It Matters)The surface is what you see. The base is what lasts. Here is how a proper patio base is built, layer by layer.
Care and RepairWhat Is Tuckpointing and When Do You Need It?Mortar wears out before brick does. Here is what tuckpointing and repointing are, and how to tell if your wall is ready.
Care and RepairHow to Tell If Your Chimney Needs RepairChimneys take the weather on every side. Here are the signs to look for from the ground, and when to call a mason.PlanningDo You Need a Permit for Masonry Work in Middle Tennessee?Walls, fireplaces, chimneys and larger patios often need approval. Here is how to find out, and what to bring.
PlanningBrick, Stone or Pavers: Which Is Right for Your Project?Three classic masonry materials, three different personalities. A plain-English comparison before you choose.Have a question that is not here?
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