Get matched with top masons in Laurens, IA

Q: Should I drill into the brick or the mortar joints?

• <div><p>You should generally drill into the mortar joints when installing shutters on brick. Mortar is softer, which makes drilling easier and puts less strain on your tools. It also lowers the risk of cracking a brick&mdash;something that&rsquo;s a lot harder to fix. Mortar holds fasteners well enough for standard shutters, and if you ever need to patch the holes later, it&rsquo;s a much simpler job than dealing with damaged brick. Just keep in mind that if your mortar joints are too thin or the hardware calls for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/best-anchors-for-brick.htm">brick anchoring</a>, you'll need to check the manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations and adjust accordingly.</p></div>

Q: What stone is used for cobblestone?

• <div><p>Cobblestone can be made from many different types of stones but the most common ones, by far, are granite, basalt, limestone, and sandstone. If you are laying a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/brick-paver-patio-cost.htm">brick paver patio</a> or other such project, the medium is different. It&rsquo;s rare, but cobblestone can also be made from marble, slate, jasper, and other types of rock. Technically, you can make cobblestone from almost any type of rock, but if it is weather-resistant and stands the test of time is another question entirely. </p></div>

Q: What is the dimension of an average brick?

• <div><p>A traditional rectangular brick that is used for siding, brick walks, and pathways is 8 inches long by 4 inches wide. If you are shopping for fire bricks, the standard dimension is typically 9 inches long by 4.5 inches wide. </p></div>

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: 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>

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Nedi Masonry Repair, LLC

4.3(

)

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For Business

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Nedi Masonry did an excellent job! They were prompt, courteous, and worked very hard until the job was completed! We would also highly recommend their workmanship!"

Response time2 days

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Foundation Recovery Systems

4.6(

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Foundation Recovery Systems (FRS), A Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service throughout Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, FRS is here to restore your foundation or crawl space.\nFor state licenses visit Groundworks.com/licensing

+16

378 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by59%of homeowners

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RLC CONCRETE & MORE LLC

5.0(

)

Concrete Foundation - InstallConcrete Foundation - RepairRetaining Wall - Install

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. Call us today.

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - RaiseConcrete Foundation - Repair+2 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Warranties offered

With 50 years in the industry, Thrasher has helped homeowners preserve and improve the value of their homes using proven basement waterproofing and structural repair solutions. We understand that home repairs can be stressful. That’s why our team will guide you through every step, addressing all foundation concerns, water intrusion, and concrete issues with the utmost care and expertise. By choosing us, you’re partnering with a compassionate team that cares deeply about your home’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind.\n\nFor more information on Thrasher or to schedule a free home inspection, please call us at 800.827.0702 or visit www.gothrasher.com.

+12

Response time2 days

948 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Concrete Foundation - InstallRetaining Wall - Install

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

R & J Concrete 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.

18 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Hatch Masonry & Concrete

New to Angi

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairConcrete Foundation - Repair+1 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Brick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairBrick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For Business

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"The team was very friendly and willing to put in the extra work even though the circumstances were more difficult than any of us expected. The work was completed in a timely manner and they were very knowledgeable of masonry construction and their trade."

+25

15 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairConcrete Foundation - Raise+3 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1978

Credit card accepted

ADDITIONAL PHONE - 800-221-4699.\nFAMILY OWNED BUSINESS- since 1978\nSmall town work ethics, highly trained, competent employees, thousands of satsified customers- our reputation speaks for itself.

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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Thrasher Foundation Repair – Des Moines

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairConcrete Foundation - Raise+3 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Warranties offered

With 50 years in the industry, Thrasher has helped homeowners preserve and improve the value of their homes using proven basement waterproofing and structural repair solutions. We understand that home repairs can be stressful. That’s why our team will guide you through every step, addressing all foundation concerns, water intrusion, and concrete issues with the utmost care and expertise. By choosing us, you’re partnering with a compassionate team that cares deeply about your home’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind. We proudly serve our customers in Des Moines, Ames, Waterloo, Urbandale, Ankeny, and surrounding areas. \n\nFor more information on Thrasher or to schedule a free home inspection, please call us at 515-289-1606 or visit www.gothrasher.com.

+11

Response time12 hrs

Recommended by76%of homeowners

Request Quote

JEV Masonry Restoration

New to Angi

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick, Stone or Block Wall - InstallBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Repair

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Fourth generation restoration mason with 37 years experience specializing in brick, stone, block, tuckpointing and caulking\n\nBrick facade repairs\nChimney repair \nTuckpointing

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Showing 1-10 of 21

Masonry questions, answered by experts

You should generally drill into the mortar joints when installing shutters on brick. Mortar is softer, which makes drilling easier and puts less strain on your tools. It also lowers the risk of cracking a brick—something that’s a lot harder to fix. Mortar holds fasteners well enough for standard shutters, and if you ever need to patch the holes later, it’s a much simpler job than dealing with damaged brick. Just keep in mind that if your mortar joints are too thin or the hardware calls for brick anchoring, you'll need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and adjust accordingly.

Cobblestone can be made from many different types of stones but the most common ones, by far, are granite, basalt, limestone, and sandstone. If you are laying a brick paver patio or other such project, the medium is different. It’s rare, but cobblestone can also be made from marble, slate, jasper, and other types of rock. Technically, you can make cobblestone from almost any type of rock, but if it is weather-resistant and stands the test of time is another question entirely.

A traditional rectangular brick that is used for siding, brick walks, and pathways is 8 inches long by 4 inches wide. If you are shopping for fire bricks, the standard dimension is typically 9 inches long by 4.5 inches wide.

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.

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.

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