Get matched with top masons in Howes, SD

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: Can you German smear over painted brick?

• <div><p>A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance&mdash;so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.</p></div>

Q: Can you drill into brick with a regular drill?

• <div><p>You may not need a hammer drill if you&rsquo;re planning on drilling one or two very small diameter holes in brick. For holes with a diameter of 3/16-inch or less, a regular drill with a masonry bit can do the job. However, the bit will heat up quickly, and the process will take significantly longer than with a hammer drill. Prepare to cool your drill bit down in a bucket of water more often. </p></div>

Q: What’s the difference between stone veneer and real stone?

• <div><p>Real stone is exactly what it sounds like: It&rsquo;s real stone sourced from the earth without additives. It is durable and unique, but it&rsquo;s difficult to work with because of its weight, challenge in sourcing, and high cost. Stone veneer mimics the look of real stone but is actually engineered with a mixture of Portland cement, natural minerals, and a colorant. While it&rsquo;s more affordable and easier to work with, it&rsquo;s less durable and may appear manufactured to the trained eye.</p></div>

Q: How long does chimney mortar last?

• <div><p>Chimney mortar typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on its quality, local weather conditions, and maintenance. Over time, exposure to moisture, freezing, and thawing cycles can cause mortar to deteriorate, leading to cracks and gaps. Regular inspections and timely repairs, such as <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tuckpointing-vs-repointing.htm">repointing or tuckpointing</a>, can extend the lifespan of chimney mortar by ensuring the structure's integrity.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your masonry work project in Howes, SD?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Masons in Howes

Blackburn Foundation Repair, LLC

4.6(

)

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

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Blackburn came out to repair my garage foundation. They were quick, efficient, and left the area in great condition."

Response time1 day

93 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had been dealing with an uneven garage floor for several years and consulted multiple companies, but most either quoted very high prices or couldn’t handle the job properly. TJ and his assistant, Miky, from Walking 4 LLC, carefully assessed the situation, explained everything clearly, and offered several options with pros and cons. Their honest recommendations helped us make a confident decision. We chose to redo part of the garage floor to level it. TJ provided a clear plan, and the pricing was very reasonable. The work was completed with excellent craftsmanship and a professional finish. The results were impressive—so much so that my neighbor hired TJ on the spot. He also went the extra mile by replacing and adjusting the garage door seals to ensure a proper fit. I highly recommend Walking 4 LLC for concrete work. Their professionalism, honesty, and quality are outstanding."

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Curb Appeal Contracting

New to Angi

Brick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - InstallBrick or Stone Siding: Install or Completely Replace+7 more

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

15 years of residential and commercial concrete. Worked and ran crews for everything concrete looking to serve homeowners and businesses with quality fair concrete work efficiently. Whatever your needs are I can provide the knowledge and experience to get your projects done.

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Dowden Creative Construction, LLC

4.9(

)

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"We were very fortunate to have Jimmy Dowden and his crew do our driveway. It was professionally done and completed in a timely manner. Jimmy knows concrete!"

+15

Response time2 days

Response rate86%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

DakotaGreens Landscape and Design

4.8(

)

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

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were a young crew but worked very well together. Pleasant to be around."

Response time2 days

Response rate97%

Brick, Stone or Block Wall - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Credit card accepted

Double H Masonry has become a staple of professionalism and quality work in Rapid City, SD for 17 years. With decades of experience, there is no job too large or small for our team. Call today to schedule an estimate!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Basement Drainage Channels - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"great guy, gets his work done. Quality work!"

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBasement Drainage Channels - RepairFoundation Drainage - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Concrete Foundation - Install

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"These fellas put in a shop floor a one car garage floor. And an older existing garage floor. Can t say a bad thing at all. They worked hard long hours. Weekends. Our floors look amazing!!!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Owl Creek Enterprizes, LLC

3.0(

)

Basement Drainage Channels - InstallBrick and Stone Flatwork - RepairBrick and Stone Patios, Walks, and Steps - Install+14 more

Serving Howes, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Their work was very good, so good that I kept adding more work for them to do. They were kind and courteous and strived to achieve the best possible work. Their work ethic and price were exceptionaly honest and fair. If I have more work in the future I will definitely hire them again."

+27

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 27

Masonry questions, answered by experts

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.

A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance—so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.

You may not need a hammer drill if you’re planning on drilling one or two very small diameter holes in brick. For holes with a diameter of 3/16-inch or less, a regular drill with a masonry bit can do the job. However, the bit will heat up quickly, and the process will take significantly longer than with a hammer drill. Prepare to cool your drill bit down in a bucket of water more often.

Real stone is exactly what it sounds like: It’s real stone sourced from the earth without additives. It is durable and unique, but it’s difficult to work with because of its weight, challenge in sourcing, and high cost. Stone veneer mimics the look of real stone but is actually engineered with a mixture of Portland cement, natural minerals, and a colorant. While it’s more affordable and easier to work with, it’s less durable and may appear manufactured to the trained eye.

Chimney mortar typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on its quality, local weather conditions, and maintenance. Over time, exposure to moisture, freezing, and thawing cycles can cause mortar to deteriorate, leading to cracks and gaps. Regular inspections and timely repairs, such as repointing or tuckpointing, can extend the lifespan of chimney mortar by ensuring the structure's integrity.

The Howes, SD 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

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.
Deane Biermeier
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Brick Wall Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
This guide features information on the costs to repair a brick wall, whether or not you need a brick mason to complete spalling, tuckpointing, or a full restoration.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 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.
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.
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.