Get matched with top masons in Ashland, NY

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: What is the strongest material for a stone house?

• <div><p>Granite is the strongest commercially available stone houses are built from. It&rsquo;s also more commonly available, which means transport costs aren&rsquo;t as high because a granite quarry isn&rsquo;t too far from a build site. Limestone and sandstone are popular materials as well, but they aren&rsquo;t as strong or weather-resistant as granite. </p></div>

Q: Can you use a power sander to clean mortar from bricks?

• <div><p>No, using a power sander on brick is not recommended because the force of the sander can destroy brick's fragile outer layer. Even using sandpaper on brick is discouraged because of the damage its abrasiveness can cause. </p></div>

Q: Are brick houses better insulated?

• <div><p><b>Yes, brick houses are better insulated</b>, because the bricks slow down the passage of air from the outside to the inside and vice-versa. This helps to stabilize the internal temperature of the home. When combined with proper residential insulation, brick houses are more efficient and better insulated than other types.</p></div>

Q: What does a mason do?

• <div><p>A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:</p><ul><li><p>Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings</p></li><li><p>Freestanding stone or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/brick-wall-cost.htm">brick walls</a></p></li><li><p>Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces</p></li><li><p>Cement block basement or crawl space walls</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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M.M.T Fireplace & Masonry Repair

4.8(

)

Brick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairBrick or Stone - Tuck-pointing

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Professional cleaning, friendly service gets back when you leave a message quick highly recommend Tyler at M.M.T Fireplace & Masonry Repair. Happy Camper"

Response time4 hrs

Response rate89%

19 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Basement Systems Of New York

4.3(

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationBasement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - Repair+3 more

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Warranties offered

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 30 employees. Many of our products have warranties. We offer service visits. We will accept credit cards and financing is also offered.

Pouring A New Slab At Our Office - Bullville, NY

Calling A Last Minute Audible To Install A New Concrete Slab - Liberty, NY

Waterproofing A Walkout Basement With Our Patented Two-Stage Waterproofing System - Pine Bush, NY

Installing An Interior Waterproofing System With A Gravity Discharge - Holmes, NY

Knocking Down And Rebuilding A Foundation Wall - Kiamesha Lake, NY

Response time1 day

24 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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Eldi Lanscaping Services LLC

4.6(

)

Retaining Wall - InstallBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Install

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Eldi Landscaping Services.\nOur team of experienced professionals is dedicated to bringing each project to life with creativity, precision, and attention to detail. We work closely with customers to ensure that every installation complements their landscape while providing long-lasting value. Whether it’s transforming a backyard into a cozy retreat or enhancing curb appeal for a business, Hardscaping Solutions is committed to excellence and customer satisfaction, making outdoor spaces more beautiful and functional for years to come. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 5+ years of experience serving Albany, NY and surrounding areas. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!

+136

Response time12 hrs

Response rate85%

93 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Adirondack Basement Systems, Inc.

4.9(

)

Foundation, Basement or Crawlspace - Waterproofing / EncapsulationConcrete Foundation - Repair

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Since 1998, Adirondack Basement Systems has been the trusted local expert for basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete lifting throughout Upstate New York and Western Massachusetts. As a locally owned and operated company, we're proud to deliver permanent solutions backed by exceptional customer service and industry-leading products. In 2026, we were honored with the BBB Torch Award for Ethics, recognizing our commitment to integrity, professionalism, and putting our customers first. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation inspection and discover why thousands of homeowners trust Adirondack Basement Systems.

Before Photo of a Schenectady Crawlspace

+13

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

71 neighbors recently requested a quote

Retaining Wall - Install

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We specialize in all driveway and parking lot needs commercial or residential. New installs, resurfacing, repairing, seal coating, anything pertaining to a driveway we do it.

Response time3 days

Response rate100%

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - Install+1 more

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

With over 15 years of experience OC Construction is your trusted choice for all of your contracting needs. We take pride in our work and can assure your satisfaction with your project. Give us a call today for a free estimate!

+64

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Brick or Stone - Tuck-pointingBrick or Stone - Tuckpointing - For BusinessBrick, Stone or Block Wall - Install+1 more

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Over 10 years of experience, chimney/stove cleaning and repairs.\nChimney masonry repairs\nChimney liner installs\nChimney caps\nCleanings-\nFireplaces\nWood stoves \nFurnace flues\nPellet stoves \nGas stoves

+17

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Groundworks is the North America's leading and fastest-growing foundation repair and water management solutions provider. Groundworks is a vertically integrated company with its own manufacturing operations and a world-class software solution, allowing us to serve our customers more effectively. From the first phone call to the annual maintenance offered, our customers have peace of mind knowing we're there with one mission to repair, protect and improve their home. For state licenses visit Groundworks.com/licensing

+14

369 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Oneonta Home & Garden

5.0(

)

Brick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick, Stone or Block Wall - RepairBrick and Stone Flatwork - Repair+3 more

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Thank you for selecting oneonta home & garden.. our work is always guaranteed and our costs are budget friendly. We also do masonry, landscaping and carpentry, including outdoor kitchens and fireplaces!! One day installation!!!

Dry laid terrace retaining walls, work in progress

Dry laid bluestone retaining wall, work in progress

+12

16 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

4.2(

)

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

Serving Ashland, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Serving the Tri-State Area, Shamrock Chimney will provide you with a dedicated approach to ensure your chimney is kept clean and safe. Our team provides chimney solutions for every problem, protecting homes from dangers of leaking chimneys and flues. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.

+57

98 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by15%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 104

Masonry questions, answered by experts

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.

Granite is the strongest commercially available stone houses are built from. It’s also more commonly available, which means transport costs aren’t as high because a granite quarry isn’t too far from a build site. Limestone and sandstone are popular materials as well, but they aren’t as strong or weather-resistant as granite.

No, using a power sander on brick is not recommended because the force of the sander can destroy brick's fragile outer layer. Even using sandpaper on brick is discouraged because of the damage its abrasiveness can cause.

Yes, brick houses are better insulated, because the bricks slow down the passage of air from the outside to the inside and vice-versa. This helps to stabilize the internal temperature of the home. When combined with proper residential insulation, brick houses are more efficient and better insulated than other types.

A mason lays brick or stone together, sometimes with mortar in between the bricks and stones, and sometimes without mortar, also called a dry-stack or surface bonding. Examples of work masons do include:

Brick, stone, or cement block houses and buildings
Freestanding stone or brick walls
Chimneys with wood-burning fireplaces
Cement block basement or crawl space walls

The Ashland, NY 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
•
Oct 2, 2026Oct 2, 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.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Sep 25, 2026Sep 25, 2026
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Brick Mailbox? [2026 Data]
Whether you're planting your flag with a new build or upgrading a leaning or crumbling mailbox, get an idea of brick mailbox cost with this guide.
Timothy Moore
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 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.
Dan Simms
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Masonry vs. Concrete: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to masonry versus concrete, it can be easy to confuse the two. Use this guide to learn about the differences in appearance, strength, and more.
Xiao Faria daCunha
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
What Is Masonry? Definition, Contractor Credentials, and More
If you're considering building a home with brick or stone, you need to know what is masonry? Learn the answer to ensure the finest quality.
Heather Ayer
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
Your Guide to Common Masonry Materials
Discover the wide variety of masonry materials for your next home upgrade project. Our guide covers the different types of materials to choose from and more.