Get matched with top masons in Strathmore, CA

Q: Do I need to soak the brick before cutting it?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;t need to soak the brick before cutting it by hand. In fact, cutting a wet brick can make it harder to see your score lines and may cause the chisel to slip. Soaking is sometimes used with power tools to reduce dust, but for hand-cutting, it&rsquo;s best to work with dry bricks for better control and visibility.</p></div>

Q: What kind of stain can you use on brick?

• <div><p>To stain brick, you should use a product specifically formulated for brick, concrete, or other masonry surfaces. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it. This is different from paint, which sits on the surface and is prone to peeling, flaking, and trapping moisture that can cause damage. Water-based brick stains are often recommended because they are easy to apply, even for DIYers, and they allow the brick to breathe. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere properly and can lead to future maintenance problems.</p></div>

Q: What are the benefits of brick or stone siding or walls?

• <div><p>Brick and stone are durable, low-maintenance materials for siding and walls that offer excellent insulation, aesthetic appeal, and can increase property value.</p></div>

Q: Can you lay bricks directly on dirt?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes&mdash;none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you&rsquo;ll spend more time&mdash;and money&mdash;<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-repair-brick-patio.htm">repairing your brick patio</a> later. </p></div>

Q: How do you crack a rock with water?

• <div><p>It is possible, albeit a lot slower, to break up a rock using water. You would do this by freezing and thawing the water. You could create some initial holes or cracks in the rock, then pour water into the cracks or holes and allow them to freeze (so it's best to do this in winter or in colder climates). Since water expands when it freezes, this puts pressure on the inside of the rock and causes it to crack. You could continue to pour more water in and let it freeze to continue to break up the rock.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Masonry Work pros in Strathmore, CA

*The Angi rating for Masonry Work companies in Strathmore, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Masonry Work companies in Strathmore, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

Last update on March 17, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
I was referred by a family member to Alcantar construction by the amazing concrete work they did at their home. I was interested in removing an old glass patio door and to have a new window installed in my son’s room. Rodrigo and his team said it would not be a problem and were able to take on...
Alcantar Construction
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Reviewed in January 2025
Nationwide Concrete did an excellent job outside our clinic. They removed the previously existing turf, leveled the area, and laid concrete. I definitely recommend this company for projects.
Nationwide Concrete
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Reviewed in September 2024
CJK Construction has done many projects for me professionally and quickly, including plumbing fixture replacement or repair, window replacement, and electrical repairs. We will continue doing business with this great company.
CJK Construction
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Reviewed in August 2024
Great work!highly recommend for all landscaping needs my yard looks great!
Youclean
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Reviewed in August 2024
Some 30/40 years ago my granddad build a detached carport roughly 20'x 35' posts were sinking, experiencing dry rot, or built without post baces. The carport itself was leaning to the point where water was flowing in the opposite direction of where the gutters were. And now I'm happy to say the...
Hooskers Handyman Services - Unlicensed Contractor
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Reviewed in July 2024
The owner is very professional and easy to communicate with. Concrete came out great and they left my yard clean when they were all down. Highly recommend.
Jayz & Sonz Concrete
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Reviewed in November 2023
Had a few tiles I needed fixed did a great job Can’t even tell they were replaced. He is very knowledgeable ,polite,punctual and reasonably priced. I will be recommending to anyone that needs a good handyman.
Hekkin handyman services
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Reviewed in September 2023
Grinded down tree stump and removed wood and branches from tree. Very professional and courteous service. Owner did job and was a very nice man
SA Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2022
Me and my wife are very happy from the overall work that Jacob and his team did at our house recently. The work was a complex one because it required the removal of some supporting beams in order to give a new open look for the first floor. Jacob was able to generate a stunning design and he...
4 Seasons Remodeling & Design Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2022
Removing debris from a 2 Story home with tiled roof was efficiently performed. Very helpful in cleaning up. Friendly with excellent work ethics. Would hire this company in a heartbeat. Thank you for the referral.
Giannini Clean N Green
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Find Masons in Strathmore

Just Stamping Concrete

5.0(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Just Stamping Concrete for a landscape design project, and I cannot recommend them enough! They are a true gem in the industry, and their work speaks for itself."

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

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GC DEMO & EXCAVATION INC

4.9(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"On time. Very professional. Excellent work. I would highly recommend GC Demo & Excavation, inc."

Response time6 hrs

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Springtime Landscape Construction

4.1(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He found the issue and was able to fix it without difficulties."

+60

26 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Lee's Air, Plumbing & Heating

4.5(

108

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1981

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Only issue was the date and time of the work changed twice. We have a suspended foundation so once they started it was completed fast."

Our HVAC pro performing an ac and heating repair

+36

Response time6 hrs

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The service was great. He was timely and well knowledgeable. He was able to help us with the project."

Response time1 day

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Palm Construction, Inc.

5.0(

112

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional. Completed the job in two weeks. The deliverables were as promised. They were very independent, requiring only minimal involvement from the client. However, communication with the owner could be enhanced a bit."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Landmark Energy Upgrades

4.8(

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Overall, they did a good job. They are friendly and very helpful. we had a little mess to clean up after, but to be fair, I didn't complain -- if i had they would have come back. Preferably they would have come back to check on their own."

Recommended by98%of homeowners

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Outstanding work Beto and his crew did on my stamped concrete and the form for my cinder block fence. I will definitely hire him for 2 other concrete projects this year."

Response time10 mins

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Clear Horizon Home Solutions, Inc.

4.3(

214

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Luis, did a wonderful job installing a retaining wall, pavers, laying sod and river rock edging for us. We are very satisfied with how lovely everything looks."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Mega Power Electric, Inc

5.0(

191

)

Serving Strathmore, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We recently had Mega Power Electric Inc install a solar system and panels. The President and provided excellent communication all the way through the process. He even met with us after installation to explain the almost incomprehensible PG&E bill. Although not the least expensive bid, his was competitive and I felt he was as interested in educating me about solar and the various types of panels and inverter systems as he was in selling a system. He demonstrated how the array of panels would meet our energy needs and as opposed to some of the other companies, wasn't selling us more than we needed. We are very satisfied with our solar system and I highly recommended Mega Power Electric Inc."

+32

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 61

Masonry questions, answered by experts

No, you don’t need to soak the brick before cutting it by hand. In fact, cutting a wet brick can make it harder to see your score lines and may cause the chisel to slip. Soaking is sometimes used with power tools to reduce dust, but for hand-cutting, it’s best to work with dry bricks for better control and visibility.

To stain brick, you should use a product specifically formulated for brick, concrete, or other masonry surfaces. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it. This is different from paint, which sits on the surface and is prone to peeling, flaking, and trapping moisture that can cause damage. Water-based brick stains are often recommended because they are easy to apply, even for DIYers, and they allow the brick to breathe. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere properly and can lead to future maintenance problems.

Brick and stone are durable, low-maintenance materials for siding and walls that offer excellent insulation, aesthetic appeal, and can increase property value.

No, you shouldn’t lay bricks directly on dirt. While it might seem like a shortcut, it leads to a patio that shifts, sinks, and becomes a maintenance headache. Dirt expands, contracts, and erodes—none of which mix well with long-term stability. To build something that lasts, excavate the topsoil, compact a layer of crushed gravel, and add a coarse sand-setting bed. This layered base gives your bricks proper support, allows drainage, and helps block weeds from creeping through. Cutting corners here just means you’ll spend more time—and money—repairing your brick patio later.

It is possible, albeit a lot slower, to break up a rock using water. You would do this by freezing and thawing the water. You could create some initial holes or cracks in the rock, then pour water into the cracks or holes and allow them to freeze (so it's best to do this in winter or in colder climates). Since water expands when it freezes, this puts pressure on the inside of the rock and causes it to crack. You could continue to pour more water in and let it freeze to continue to break up the rock.

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