Get matched with top masons in Shepherd, MT

Q: Do I need to prime or seal a brick fireplace before painting?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Is brick stain permanent?

• <div><p>Staining or painting brick isn&rsquo;t something to do on a whim. Make sure you really want to live with stained brick, because once you apply the stain, it&rsquo;s permanent. Sure, it will fade over time, but you can&rsquo;t restore the brick to its natural tones after applying a stain or paint.</p></div>

Q: Does painted brick need to be sealed?

• <div><p>Painted exterior brick does not usually need sealing. Brick is a porous material, so you don&rsquo;t want to apply a sealant that could trap moisture inside the bricks and cause erosion and structural damage. The risk of moisture-induced damage after sealing is higher in colder climates where trapped moisture can expand if it freezes. On the other hand, it makes sense to seal really old brick or kitchen backsplashes, where moisture from cooking can weaken the brick.</p></div>

Q: 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&rsquo;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>

Q: Can you build a pizza oven with normal bricks?

• <div><p>You can use normal bricks as cladding for a concrete or clay pizza oven or as a base underneath one. Fire bricks or solid clay bricks are necessary for an outdoor pizza oven&rsquo;s floor, and you can use clay bricks for the rest of the oven. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Masonry Work pros in Shepherd, MT

*The Angi rating for Masonry Work companies in Shepherd, MT 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 Shepherd, MT 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 April 15, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Did excellent job on repairing my steps and deck that got ran into.
Solid Ground Property Services, Inc
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Reviewed in August 2025
Diamond Roofing and Solar performed all of their commitments professionally and worked with our insurance company to provide the best job possible. They were always on time, used an experienced crew, and were very fair in all our dealings. Diamond roofed two properties for us and made their...
Diamond Roofing and Solar, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
I 1000% recommend Textbook Construction. They are super affordable, professional, quality work. They communicated well and kept me updated with everything. They were more than willing to make sure we were completely happy with their work. I was throughly impressed with their knowledge and...
Textbook Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
A&L Exteriors sided and painted the exterior of my elderly parent’s home. They we’re very communicative and fair on their price. They got the job done fast and well. I will definitely be hiring them in the future for all my exterior needs
A and L Exteriors LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Greatest experience we have ever had when working with construction A+++ for Renewable by Anderson and the crew of 2 we had were very hard workers, professional and installed 7 windows and a patio slider I will tell everyone I know how great Renewable by Anderson is. Thanks Dan
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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Reviewed in July 2024
The contractor was responsive and did quality work. In addition to adding texture to the wall, they also fixed substandard work done by the previous contractor. I wish I had hired them to do all the drywall.
Burch Drywall And Paint, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
After researching multiple companies cohesive construction was always in contact and responded quickly to any questions or concerns. Tony was reliable and very informative of steps and procedures that needed to take place. Great customer service.
Cohesive Construction & Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Had extended concrete and a 12/20 gazebo added. Turned out amazing.
Red Bear Contracting
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Reviewed in September 2022
I recommend Stone Contracting for all your roofing needs. The work is top notch and the staff is friendly and professional. Thank you Stone Contracting for my new roof.
Stone Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Mason was professional, courteous, quickly identified solution and quote. He excellently represented Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. We will let ok forward to scheduling the repair appointment and will ask Mason be assigned to the job. Will highly recommend this company!
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
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Find Masons in Shepherd

Groundworks

4.3(

)

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"we had concrete pads added after home construction. One pad had a 2 inch settlement on one corner. Complicating this was a stone wall sitting atop the pad. Excellent restoration was done by Groundworks From Bozeman. After a thorough evaluation by Ben, Chelsea and Tyler were prompt, educational and successful. I Highly recommend this company for your concrete/foundation needs."

+16

Response time2 days

34 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by72%of homeowners

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Escamilla Plumbing and Rooter Inc.

5.0(

)

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Excellent work. Courteous, knowledgeable and reliable. Quick repair."

+167

Response time1 day

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Ty did a great fast job getting our old, eyesore shed removed from our property. He got us into his schedule quickly and then worked diligently to get it done fast but well! He was also super easy to work with! Definitely the guy for any small or large projects you need done."

+28

Response time3 days

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by37%of homeowners

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Western Septic and Vacuum Services

5.0(

)

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Was sooo professional, on time, explained everything he was doing. Did not drag dirty hoses through the house and downstairs. I’m so happy I found him. Will keep the ph number handy for next time. Usually a dirty old van with bald tires will show up and have a person matching the van drag dirty equipment around. Not this business. Definitely call them!! Thanks To John and his professional and happy attitude! ?"

Response time1 day

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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CREEKSIDE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very friendly and explains the process not leaving any questions unanswered!"

Response time3 days

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Arrow Restoration and Construction

New to Angi

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Warranties offered

At Arrow Restoration, we specialize in general excavation, foundations, pipelines, underground utilities, and roads. We are a licensed contractor in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona. Our dedicated team focuses on construction and environmental restoration. We have over 20 years of experience in the excavation and aquatic restoration field.

Response time8 hrs

19 neighbors recently requested a quote

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TaylorMade Construction

5.0(

)

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"It was a great service. They were very prompt, very professional, and I highly recommend them."

+52

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

"At first Bob was attentive to his commitments, but was slow to finish at the end. All went well with his initial explanation of our situation and proposed solutions to the finishing of the concrete. Bob had a hard time finishing the details and lost a lot of my confidence at the end. It took over a year to get the job finished."

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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Morado Concrete

New to Angi

Serving Shepherd, MT and surrounding areas

Concrete work years of experience foundation and flat work residential and commercial

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Showing 1-10 of 21

Masonry questions, answered by experts

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.

Staining or painting brick isn’t something to do on a whim. Make sure you really want to live with stained brick, because once you apply the stain, it’s permanent. Sure, it will fade over time, but you can’t restore the brick to its natural tones after applying a stain or paint.

Painted exterior brick does not usually need sealing. Brick is a porous material, so you don’t want to apply a sealant that could trap moisture inside the bricks and cause erosion and structural damage. The risk of moisture-induced damage after sealing is higher in colder climates where trapped moisture can expand if it freezes. On the other hand, it makes sense to seal really old brick or kitchen backsplashes, where moisture from cooking can weaken the brick.

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.

You can use normal bricks as cladding for a concrete or clay pizza oven or as a base underneath one. Fire bricks or solid clay bricks are necessary for an outdoor pizza oven’s floor, and you can use clay bricks for the rest of the oven.

The Shepherd, MT homeowners’ guide to masonry services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Rachel Hoffman
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Repointing Brick Cost? [2026 Data]
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.
Angi
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Stone Patio Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover the true stone patio cost to plan your budget. Learn about material, labor, and cost factors to estimate your project and make informed decisions.
Timothy Moore
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does Door or Window Lintel Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]
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.
Jouviane Alexandre
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
14 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Masonry Contractor
Review this list of questions to ask when hiring a masonry contractor for home projects.
Chelsea Van Bloom
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
Historic Brick Masonry Restoration Guide
If you own a historic brick home, you’ll want to pay attention to cracks, moisture, and settling—and greenlight a historic masonry restoration if they arise.
C.E. Larusso
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
How To Use Masonry for Interior Design Upgrades in Your Home
Here’s how to use stone, brick, stucco, or concrete in your home’s interior design to create a dramatic but natural look, insulate your home’s basement better, or keep your flooring cool.