"We hired Silverstone Landscaping at the beginning of summer to install Trek decking in our side/backyard. They were very efficient, followed installation procedures, and were very pleasant to work with. The most impressive is how organized they were, Silvia and his workers were on time daily and put in a solid days work. They also offered their opinions and ideas to make the deck’s appearance more appealing. We would continue to higher Silverstone Landscaping for all of our future outdoor needs."
"Final Touch Masonry did an excellent job on our brick and stone flatwork repair. Their attention to detail and craftsmanship really stood out. The team was professional, on time, and made sure everything matched perfectly with the existing work. I highly recommend them to anyone needing quality masonry work/repairs."
"The landscape designer was creative and knowledgeable. They took the time to understand my needs and preferences, and the end result was a beautiful and functional outdoor space."
"Due to an upcoming renovation project, I needed to have a small concrete patio installed quickly. Jorge promptly responded and helped me decide the dimension and layout. He explained each step of the process and followed through. He and his brother were on time, hardworking, friendly, and did a great job on my patio. I highly recommend their services."
"GG Masonry was very professional and friendly. They did a fantastic job finishing in a timely matter. I highly recommend his services and will suggest them to my family and friends in all my future projects."
"Outstanding. Great attention to detail and eye for beautiful layout of rocks. Very professional and customer service focused. Ike and his men were great."
"I was looking for someone to repair the grout on our flagstone patio. Anthony called us quickly to set up a time for him to see the job. He came over and looked at the job and let us know what he thought would be the best way to repair it. We got his bid with in a couple of days. We were very impressed by his knowledge and his price. He did a great job taking out the old grout and putting the new grout to match the rest of the patio. I would definitely recommend him. It’s nice to see someone who takes pride in their job! Thank you Anthony"
"We are absolutely thrilled with all the work Chris Velasco has done for us, including landscaping our front yard, installing a custom gate and a dividing wall between properties, and adding brickwork along the side of our house. His design instincts are outstanding—he has a great sense of how to bring a space to life. Chris and his crew were polite, efficient, and respectful from start to finish. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are clear in every part of the project. It was truly a pleasure having Chris around, and we would highly recommend him to anyone looking to transform their outdoor space with creativity and quality."
"Super craftsmanship. Work was efficiently completed. Jason always told me when he was on and off the work site (at the time I did not live permanently at the property). He is punctual, professional, and personable all together. Highly recommend for any and all handy work. needs"
The material you use depends on how hard-wearing your steps need to be and what you want them to look like. The most common stone for exterior steps is bluestone. It’s hard-wearing and durable, and bluestone steps cost between $15 and $30 per linear foot. Limestone is also a popular option and is mid-range, costing $25 to $50 per linear foot. You should always consider the specific requirements of your project before ordering any materials.
Yes, it is essential to prime or seal a brick fireplace before painting. Brick is a porous and highly absorbent material, so without a primer, paint can seep into the surface, resulting in uneven coverage and allowing the natural brick color to show through. To avoid this, apply one or two coats of a masonry primer. The primer will seal the brick and provide a smooth, uniform layer for the paint to adhere to. Ensure the primer is completely dry before applying the topcoat of paint.
Yes! Hot glue is an excellent—and temporary—way to spread holiday cheer with Christmas lights without damaging your brick exterior.
Yes, brick can breathe through limewash. Limewash is a breathable coating made from natural lime and water, allowing moisture to pass through while providing a protective layer. Unlike synthetic paints or sealants, which can trap moisture within the brick and lead to issues like mold, limewash allows the brick to maintain its natural breathability. This characteristic makes limewash an ideal choice for historic structures where preserving the integrity of the brick is essential.
On average, a quality exterior brick stain can last between 10 and 20 years, and sometimes even longer. While it will look its best for a minimum of three to five years, its total lifespan depends on several factors. These include the quality and type of stain used, the condition of the brick, and the thoroughness of the surface preparation, such as proper cleaning. Following the manufacturer's application instructions and applying a sealant as a final step is also crucial. The stain's longevity can be affected by your location, climate, and the brick's exposure to harsh weather, high traffic, and other elements. Over time, the stain may begin to fade or look dingy due to weathering, erosion, dirt, and debris. Compared to paint, brick stain generally has a longer lifespan.
The Soquel, CA homeowners’ guide to masonry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Door or window lintel replacement costs $400 on average, but there are ways you can save. On the other hand, complicated work will increase costs considerably.
This guide features information on the costs to repair a brick wall, whether or not you need a brick mason to complete spalling, tuckpointing, or a full restoration.
Need to repoint brick in your home to make your home look fresh and new? Use this guide to repointing brick cost to price out your project before starting.
Discover the wide variety of masonry materials for your next home upgrade project. Our guide covers the different types of materials to choose from and more.
When it comes to masonry versus concrete, it can be easy to confuse the two. Use this guide to learn about the differences in appearance, strength, and more.
