Get matched with top masons in Ball, LA

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.

In certain cases, such as when dealing with surfaces like concrete rather than brick, grout can be used instead of mortar. Grout tends to be more convenient to work with on non-masonry surfaces. However, many experts suggest using mortar whenever possible, as it provides stronger adherence to the bricks and results in a more textured appearance.

There are tons of paint colors to choose from for your brick house, but here are some great choices you should consider. Different shades of white can add a modern vibe. Instead of a bright white, try off-white or cream-white.

If you’re not into the idea of a white house, then you might go the opposite route and go with a matte black tone. Black painted brick houses have their own contemporary aesthetic that might fit your vision.

Additionally, some great barndominium colors include gray, blue, and sage green.

Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages to stone houses. They are slow to build and the materials are pricey, both of which balloon the total cost. Stone walls require a more robust foundation, which costs more to install. Running plumbing, electrical, and HVAC through a stone house is much more difficult too, so homeowners need to seriously consider if the aesthetic benefit is worth the cost of building with stone. One of the questions to ask a masonry contractor is if a similar aesthetic can be achieved with another material.