Is a fireplace the same as a firepit or outdoor oven?

• <div><p>A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-outdoor-pizza-oven.htm">outdoor brick pizza ovens</a>—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons. </p></div>

Can it be dangerous to cut stone as a beginner?

• <div><p>Cutting stone comes with a number of safety hazards. First and foremost, if you’re not comfortable with the equipment required to cut stone, including blades and grinders, you could easily injure yourself. The heavy machinery also poses a risk to your ears if you don’t wear proper ear protection; similarly, you need to wear eye protection to keep debris from irritating your eyes.</p><p>However, the biggest risk from cutting stone comes from the stone dust. When breathed in, stone dust can be a huge hazard to your lungs. Always wear a face mask when cutting stone to prevent inhaling stone dust, and thoroughly clean the work area when you are finished.</p><p>To avoid injury, we recommend hiring a stone-cutting professional, rather than attempting this job yourself.</p></div>

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Q: Is it worth keeping old bricks?

• <div><p>If your old bricks are in decent condition and you have the space to store them where they&rsquo;ll be protected from the elements, keeping old bricks is often worthwhile. You&rsquo;d spend anywhere from $70 to a few hundred dollars to have them removed from your property, in which case you won&rsquo;t be able to use them for future projects. Holding on to old bricks in good condition means you can use them later for other DIY projects, potentially saving yourself some money on disposal and new materials down the road.</p></div>

Q: Do chimney cleaning bricks work?

• <div><p>A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-creosote-sweeping-logs-really-work.htm">chimney cleaning brick or log</a> can help loosen creosote between professional chimney cleaning appointments. Although they can help keep your chimney cleaner, they are not a substitute for chimney sweeping and are not meant to be used regularly.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to roll, spray, or brush paint on brick?

• <div><p>When painting brick, each application method has pros and cons. Spraying is much faster but may not penetrate the porous surface of the bricks. Rolling is effective for getting paint into the bricks but doesn't work as well on the mortar. Brushing is very time-consuming and also won't penetrate beyond the surface. For the best results, a combination of spraying and rolling is often recommended. If you use a roller, choose a thick option (at least a half-inch) and ensure the paint gets into all the crevices for even coverage.</p></div>

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Balance Landscaping LLC

4.4(

361

)

Retaining Wall - InstallBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - Install

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They were great. 4 men worked for 3 days. End project better than I could have imagined. Came when stated. Worked hard. Cleaned up after themselves. Highly recommend."

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Dalinghaus Construction, Inc.

4.1(

)

Concrete Foundation - RepairConcrete Foundation - Raise

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Ted showed up on the time and date we scheduled. He assessed my home’s foundation and determined that the level of repair needed did not require his company’s intervention. I was extremely impressed with Ted’s honesty and forthrightness. In a world where homeowners are often faced with costly repairs it was refreshing to deal with Ted and by extension Dalinghaus Construction. If in the future I have need of such services I would not hesitate to call upon Ted and Dalinghaus Construction."

+178

Response time2 days

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Arizona Foundation Solutions, LLC

4.2(

)

Concrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I hired Arizona Foundations Solutions to evaluate my home foundation before the home sale. They measured and calculated using technicians and engineers. They used state-of-the-art equipment. It was determined that we did not need to have any work done. I believe that this business is honest and reliable. They were friendly, quick to respond, and professional. I would highly recommend them and have confidence that their honestly is part of their foundation!"

+47

18 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by97%of homeowners

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Arizona Foundation Solutions, LLC

4.1(

)

Concrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The crew did a great job and worked quickly. We'll see how it holds up, its only been a few weeks."

+24

Response time2 days

21 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by76%of homeowners

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National Property Inspections

4.7(

)

Concrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Prompt courteous service. Explained important points during the inspection and provided a report that evening.
"

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Bestview Landscaping and Masonry

New to Angi

Brick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick, Stone or Block Wall - InstallConcrete Foundation - Install+1 more

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Bestview Landscaping and Masonry is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n\n

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairFoundation Drainage - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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A-PAC Pressure Grouting, Inc.

4.0(

)

Concrete Foundation - Raise

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

"A -PAC was not too eager to do the job. They never called back after I discussed my chimney problem with Bob. Another company did the repair and did a wonderful job using 4 helical piers stabilizing and jacking the chimney up to it's original position. I would strongly recommend that you include this company in your list of foundation contractors."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Verdugo Masonry - Facebook

New to Angi

Brick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick or Stone - Tuck-pointing+2 more

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Sergio Verdugo has been servicing the Tucson area for over 33 years. He has immense training experience and specializes masonry and stone work. Sergio Verdugo is licensed, bonded and insured. He will not leave any project without 100% customer satisfaction. His professionalism, quality work and attention to detail is unmatched! Call him today for your dream home!

Response time1 day

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A&A Concrete Construction LLC

New to Angi

Brick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick or Stone Siding: Install or Completely Replace+6 more

Serving Topawa, AZ and surrounding areas

5+ years of experience \nFamily Owned Business \n

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Showing 1-10 of 16

Masonry questions, answered by experts

If your old bricks are in decent condition and you have the space to store them where they’ll be protected from the elements, keeping old bricks is often worthwhile. You’d spend anywhere from $70 to a few hundred dollars to have them removed from your property, in which case you won’t be able to use them for future projects. Holding on to old bricks in good condition means you can use them later for other DIY projects, potentially saving yourself some money on disposal and new materials down the road.

A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly outdoor brick pizza ovens—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons.

A chimney cleaning brick or log can help loosen creosote between professional chimney cleaning appointments. Although they can help keep your chimney cleaner, they are not a substitute for chimney sweeping and are not meant to be used regularly.

Cutting stone comes with a number of safety hazards. First and foremost, if you’re not comfortable with the equipment required to cut stone, including blades and grinders, you could easily injure yourself. The heavy machinery also poses a risk to your ears if you don’t wear proper ear protection; similarly, you need to wear eye protection to keep debris from irritating your eyes.

However, the biggest risk from cutting stone comes from the stone dust. When breathed in, stone dust can be a huge hazard to your lungs. Always wear a face mask when cutting stone to prevent inhaling stone dust, and thoroughly clean the work area when you are finished.

To avoid injury, we recommend hiring a stone-cutting professional, rather than attempting this job yourself.

When painting brick, each application method has pros and cons. Spraying is much faster but may not penetrate the porous surface of the bricks. Rolling is effective for getting paint into the bricks but doesn't work as well on the mortar. Brushing is very time-consuming and also won't penetrate beyond the surface. For the best results, a combination of spraying and rolling is often recommended. If you use a roller, choose a thick option (at least a half-inch) and ensure the paint gets into all the crevices for even coverage.

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