Is a fireplace the same as a firepit or outdoor oven?

• <div><p>A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-outdoor-pizza-oven.htm">outdoor brick pizza ovens</a>—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons. </p></div>

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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: Is it better to limewash or whitewash brick?

• <div><p>The choice between <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/limewash-vs-whitewash.htm">limewash vs. whitewash</a> brick depends on aesthetic preference and the desired outcome. Whitewashing creates a softer, more opaque finish, suitable for a rustic or shabby-chic look. Since the solution is paint-based, you can use it on painted brick, unlike limewash. Limewashing offers a more natural, textured appearance, allowing the brick's texture to shine while providing a breathable, protective coating. Conversely, whitewashing is also more forgiving when it comes to application, while limewashing requires more skill but offers a more traditional and durable finish.</p></div>

Q: How long will a brick mailbox last?

• <div><p>On average, a well-built brick mailbox can last between 30 and 100 years. The insert that holds mail inside the mailbox may last 15 to 25 years before it needs to be replaced. If a mailbox needs to be fixed due to damage, make sure you know <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-bricks.htm">who to hire for brick repair</a>.</p></div>

Q: What type of drill is best for brick?

• <div><p>The best tool for drilling into brick or mortar is a rotary hammer drill which is a large hammer drill with low rotation speed and high torque. Regular drills with a hammer function are also excellent tools for drilling into brick when the diameter of the hole is 1/2 inch or less. It might be possible to drill into brick with a standard drill if you&rsquo;re only drilling a very small hole, but note that masonry work will put a lot of wear on a standard drill, and the tool may not be strong enough to get through brick.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Masonry Work pros in De Kalb Junction, NY

*The Angi rating for Masonry Work companies in De Kalb Junction, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Masonry Work needs.

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Last update on October 05, 2025

Reviewed in January 2014
Thanks to Angie's and to Thoroughspect for this help We have used them for Painting, Masonry Chimney repair, Inspections, Ducts and other things as well.
THOROUGHSPECT, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2014
He is a very good service provider, responsive, he is fast. As far as I am concerned I would highly recommend him.
Andreassi Masonry Contractor LLC
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Reviewed in December 2014
rrived on time and work done as scheduled. I had hired four other contractors (roofing "specialists? and other masons), paid out approximately $2,000 and problem was never fully resolved. By the time I found Robert, I had water streaming down the rocks of the fireplace in my living room -...
Savage Masonry
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Reviewed in July 2018
We are so impressed with JD masonry. They responded quickly to the 1st phone call. They set up an appointment and came the first time. We were given a price and estimated start date that day. Jack came as planned and did the work smoothly and professionally. We had gotten several bids on the...
JD Masonry
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Reviewed in June 2013
It went very well. He is very good. He is a little pricey but he does a very good job. He is very thorough. He has a couple of workers and they are very thorough and efficient. They do a good job. I've used him on several occasions for several different types of jobs including painting,...
Bobby's Home Improvements
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Reviewed in June 2013
Horrible. I corrected one section for an additional $1,000 by someone who knows what they are doing. The original job was the worst masonry job you can ever hope for. Total rip off. Don't use this vendor. It took forever to complete and he left inexperienced help to do most of the work and...
ANTHONY LAROSA CUSTOM MASONRY
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Reviewed in November 2012
They come soon after I call on all three jobs. I get an estimate soon after that and they start and finish each job. They have never asked for more money after of before they are done.
Rusty Johnson Masonary Inc
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Reviewed in February 2017
When my boss told me he had no luck finding anyone to inspect and correct the foundation issues on his older home, my 20 years experience working for a structural engineer in another state told me that my boss needed to find a contractor that basically no longer existed. What he needed was...
SOLID ROCK MASONRY
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Grady's Painting Plastering/Construction

Grady's Painting Plastering/Construction

Customers say: Quality work

56 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

WE SPECIALIZE IN THE HISTORICAL REPAIR AND RESTORATIONS FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR. WE WORK THE WHOLE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, MARYLAND, WASHINGTON DC, CONNECTICUT, VIRGINA AND MASSACHUSETTS. WE ARE LICENSED AND INSURED IN ALL STATES. WE ARE WILLING TO TRAVEL, ANY JOB SMALL OR LARGE. CONSULTATION AND TRANSPORTATION FEES WILL APPLY. WE DO WINDOW REPAIR. PLASTER REPAIRS. AND ALL MASONRY REPAIRS

"We had cracks in the dyed mortar of the bricks above our garage. Grady took the time to match the color, even with the color having aged 10 years, and you would not even be able to tell that there was new mortar. If your project is anything like ours, you will not be disappointed."

Bradley S on August 2024

"We had cracks in the dyed mortar of the bricks above our garage. Grady took the time to match the color, even with the color having aged 10 years, and you would not even be able to tell that there was new mortar. If your project is anything like ours, you will not be disappointed."

Bradley S on August 2024

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There are 1 highly-rated local masons.

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Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Brick, Stone or Block Wall Repair

Brick and Stone Flatwork Repair

Verified Reviews for Masonry Work pros in De Kalb Junction, NY

Find Masons in De Kalb Junction

Grady's Painting Plastering/Construction

Grady's Painting Plastering/Construction

Remodeling

Remodeling

Tellier Masonry LLC

Tellier Masonry LLC

BuildBlockCNY

BuildBlockCNY

Mikalunas Builders LLC

Mikalunas Builders LLC

Roadrunner Construction Inc.

Roadrunner Construction Inc.

GNM Stone Masonry LLC

GNM Stone Masonry LLC

Tweedie Construction

Tweedie Construction

Ian C Carey

Ian C Carey

McManus Construction

McManus Construction

The De Kalb Junction, NY homeowners’ guide to masonry services

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