How to remove the white stains I see on my bricks?

• <div><p>The white stains you see on your bricks are likely efflorescence, which is salt and lime buildup. To <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-remove-efflorescence-brick.htm">remove efflorescence stains</a>, simply brush them away with a stiff brush. For larger, more stubborn stains, scrub the stains with a water-detergent solution.</p></div>

What is the best stone for steps and how much does it cost?

• <div><p>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 <b>$15 and $30 per linear foot</b>. Limestone is also a popular option and is mid-range, costing <b>$25 to $50 per linear foot</b>. You should always consider the specific requirements of your project before ordering any materials.</p></div>

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Q: What is the difference between mortar and thinset?

• <div><p>Mortar and thinset both serve the same purpose&mdash;<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-tile-adhesive.htm">tile adhesion</a>&mdash;but have different compositions and use-cases. Thinset is heatproof and presents a wide range of possibilities due to the added polymers. Mortar is typically used for bonding stones and brick. Thinset is rarely used outside, while mortar is rarely used inside. </p></div>

Q: Are cracks in brick normal?

• <div><p>Some cracking in bricks is normal, such as when a foundation settles. Keep a watchful eye though, and alarm bells should start ringing if new cracks appear or existing cracks lengthen or widen. Temperature changes, moisture, and structural loading can all contribute to cracks in bricks either starting or getting worse. </p></div>

Q: How do you hang lights on brick without drilling?

• <div><p>You can hang holiday lights on brick without drilling by using hot glue, outdoor tape, or brick clips for your project. There are plenty of alternatives to consider, so consult a professional Christmas light installer to discuss the best options to preserve your brick exterior.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Stone And Gravel Service pros in Atlanta, IL

*The Angi rating for Stone And Gravel Service companies in Atlanta, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Stone And Gravel Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Stone And Gravel Service companies in Atlanta, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Stone And Gravel Service needs.

Last update on November 11, 2025

Reviewed in January 2022
**BEWARE** In the early stages of our landscape projects, I spent a great deal of time promoting Stolfa Landscaping. Tony is very sharp on his understanding of plants and trees. However, there's a huge difference in being familiar with plants and being able to effectively run a landscape...
STOLFA LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in November 2019
When The Road Doctor first called me I was at work and couldn't take the call, so he left a voicemail. When I returned the call no one answered and a recording said his voicemail was full so I couldn't leave a message either. I texted the number instead to let him know. When we did finally...
The Road Doctor
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Reviewed in July 2015
I liked the guy, but he was always in a rush and could not meet me for the estimate and description of the work as arranged. As a result, the stairs in the back of the house were too short and is not usable by my wife. I'll have to redo them. Also, the excess gravel and sod was not removed,...
Mid-Illini Doors, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2014
Sunburst (Penn) did a excellent job. The stone installers were very particular and made sure each stone was level and perfectly set before moving to the next. Both installers were very professional, on time and very knowledgable. Even made a couple suggestions to our initial job that...
SUNBURST COMPANIES INC
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Reviewed in April 2014
Both contacts with the office and with the driver of the truck could not have been more helpful. This company was recommended to us by a local contractor and I am happy to pass on a strongly positive recommendation here. The driver who brought the gravel talked with me first about how and...
McLean County Asphalt & Concrete Inc
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Reviewed in May 2011
I am in shock about the sloppy mess this guy left in my new house. He boasts that he has been in business since 1978, and has other good reviews, but I would swear that this was the first time that he did any of this type of work. His labor costs are very high. The cost listed is for labor...
Robin Shelton Home Improvement Company
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Reviewed in May 2011
The technician went through the whole house and looked at everything. They were not here very long, but did a very thorough job.They informed me that if it was their home, they would seal the cracks and fill in with some gravel to get it to the frost line. They used a level to see the levels of...
Toliver Home Inspections
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Fontaine Home Services

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Fontaine Home Services

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•Approved Pro

20 local quotes requested

1 years of experience

Fontaine Home Services is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have years of hands-on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!

ZK Excavating, Demolition, & Trucking

No reviews yet

ZK Excavating, Demolition, & Trucking

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

We are a small excavating company that deals in all aspects of excavating, demolition, and concrete. We offer top quality work at an affordable price. Not limited to site-work, demolition, trucking, dirt, sand, gravel, concrete, trenching, field tile installation and repair, sanitary and storm sewers, downspout drains, and waterproofing. Fully insured. References available upon request.

Handy Cody

4.58(

)

Handy Cody

4.58(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

15 years of experience

No job is too big or too Small, I can get the job done. I recently graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in History and Political Science, but this is the work I enjoy doing. I have had my business for 3 years now and now that I am done with school I am ready to grow it bigger. I have done just about everything but I primarily focus on work outside around the yard during the summer.

Arteman's Construction

4.78(

)

Arteman's Construction

4.78(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

Arteman's Construction offers FREE estimates no matter what the job is! Our goal iands to make each and every customer happy. We take pride in the quality of workmanship, our honesty and clean, quality service. Our company is a pround member of the Better Business Bureau & backed by the superpages guarantee. We gladly accept Visa & Master Card. Additional DBA - Arteman's Construction.

Stone and Gravel questions, answered by experts

The white stains you see on your bricks are likely efflorescence, which is salt and lime buildup. To remove efflorescence stains, simply brush them away with a stiff brush. For larger, more stubborn stains, scrub the stains with a water-detergent solution.

Mortar and thinset both serve the same purpose—tile adhesion—but have different compositions and use-cases. Thinset is heatproof and presents a wide range of possibilities due to the added polymers. Mortar is typically used for bonding stones and brick. Thinset is rarely used outside, while mortar is rarely used inside.

Some cracking in bricks is normal, such as when a foundation settles. Keep a watchful eye though, and alarm bells should start ringing if new cracks appear or existing cracks lengthen or widen. Temperature changes, moisture, and structural loading can all contribute to cracks in bricks either starting or getting worse.

You can hang holiday lights on brick without drilling by using hot glue, outdoor tape, or brick clips for your project. There are plenty of alternatives to consider, so consult a professional Christmas light installer to discuss the best options to preserve your brick exterior.

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.

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Fontaine Home Services

Fontaine Home Services

ZK Excavating, Demolition, & Trucking

ZK Excavating, Demolition, & Trucking

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Handy Cody

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Arteman's Construction

The Atlanta, IL homeowners’ guide to stone and gravel services

How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Gravel Pad for a Shed Cost? [2025 Data]

10 Types of Landscaping Rocks: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses

Pros and Cons of Pea Gravel Patios

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

Pea Gravel Sizes: A Guide to Standard Dimensions

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Get matched with top stone and gravel pros in Atlanta, IL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your stone and gravel service project in Atlanta, IL?

Landscape Soil, Sand, Mulch and Rock Delivery

Gravel or Loose Fill Paving Install, Spread or Scrape

Asphalt Paving Installation

Verified Reviews for Stone And Gravel Service pros in Atlanta, IL

Find Stone and gravel pros in Atlanta

Fontaine Home Services

Fontaine Home Services

ZK Excavating, Demolition, & Trucking

ZK Excavating, Demolition, & Trucking

Handy Cody

Handy Cody

Arteman's Construction

Arteman's Construction

The Atlanta, IL homeowners’ guide to stone and gravel services

How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Gravel Pad for a Shed Cost? [2025 Data]

10 Types of Landscaping Rocks: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses

Pros and Cons of Pea Gravel Patios

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

Pea Gravel Sizes: A Guide to Standard Dimensions

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