Masonry Contractor in Berkeley, CA
Your home deserves quality craftsmanship that lasts. We bring decades of experience in brick repair, stone installation, and structural masonry to every project. From tuckpointing to custom patios, we handle everything so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Our Services
We offer complete masonry solutions for residential and commercial properties throughout Berkeley and the surrounding areas. Whether you need structural repairs, aesthetic upgrades, or custom stonework, our licensed and insured team delivers exceptional results. Every project gets the same attention to detail, from initial consultation to final cleanup. We use premium materials and proven techniques to ensure your investment stands the test of time.
Brick Repair & Restoration Services
We restore aging brick to its original beauty with expert repair techniques.
Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services
Keep your home safe with comprehensive chimney inspection and repair solutions.
Tuckpointing & Repointing Services
Protect your masonry from water damage with expert mortar joint restoration.
Retaining Wall Design & Installation
Transform sloped yards with sturdy, attractive retaining walls that prevent erosion.
Custom Stone & Paver Patios
Create the perfect outdoor living space with custom-designed stone patios.
Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build
Ensure safe access to your home with expertly built and repaired masonry steps.
Stone Veneer Siding & Installation
Upgrade your exterior with stunning stone veneer that adds curb appeal and value.
Paver Walkways & Driveways
Design beautiful, durable pathways and driveways with premium paver materials.
Outdoor Fireplaces & Kitchens
Expand your entertaining space with custom-built outdoor kitchens and fireplaces.
Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing
Protect your property with expert foundation repair and waterproofing services.
Commercial Masonry Services
Professional masonry solutions for businesses and commercial properties.
Custom Natural Stone Masonry
Create one-of-a-kind features with handcrafted natural stone installations.
Modernizing Your Home Exterior with Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer gives you the look of natural stone without the weight or cost. It transforms plain exteriors into stunning facades that boost your home value instantly. You get to choose from dozens of styles, from rustic ledgestone to smooth stacked stone, all designed to match your taste. The installation process is faster than traditional stone, meaning less disruption to your daily routine. Modern veneer materials resist fading and weather damage far better than older options. Stone veneer siding works on nearly any surface, including wood, concrete, and existing brick. We handle every step, from selecting the right material to ensuring proper drainage behind the veneer. Your neighbors will think you installed real stone, but you will know you made the smarter choice.
Signs Your Retaining Wall is Failing (And How We Fix It)
A failing retaining wall shows warning signs long before it collapses completely. Cracks wider than a quarter inch mean the structure is under stress it cannot handle. Leaning or bulging sections indicate the soil behind the wall is pushing too hard. Water pooling near the base suggests drainage problems that will only get worse over time. Loose or missing blocks mean the wall has lost its structural integrity. We start every repair by identifying why the wall failed in the first place. Poor drainage causes most problems, so we install proper weep holes and gravel backfill. If the retaining wall design was flawed from the start, we rebuild it correctly with the right materials and engineering. Some walls just need reinforcement, which costs far less than a complete rebuild.
The Science of Color Matching: Restoring Historic Masonry
Historic brick and stone develop unique colors as they age, making exact matches incredibly difficult. We analyze your existing masonry under different lighting conditions to capture its true color profile. Modern mortar comes in dozens of shades, but finding the perfect match requires experience and a trained eye. We test multiple batches on inconspicuous areas before committing to the full restoration. Aging and weathering affect how new mortar looks once it cures, so we account for these changes upfront. The wrong color stands out immediately and ruins the character of historic buildings. Our work on Berkeley's older homes has taught us which techniques preserve authenticity while meeting modern building codes. We source specialty materials when standard products cannot match the original appearance. Brick restoration done right makes repairs invisible, letting the building's history shine through without obvious patches or mismatched sections.
Our Process
Here's how we make your masonry project stress-free from start to finish. We believe in transparency and clear communication every step of the way.
Free On-Site Consultation
We visit your property to assess the work and understand exactly what you need. During this visit, we take measurements, photograph problem areas, and discuss your goals in detail. You will get honest feedback about what needs fixing right away versus what can wait. We explain different material options and their pros and cons based on your specific situation. There is no pressure to decide immediately, and you can ask as many questions as you want. We also check for hidden issues that might not be obvious at first glance, like drainage problems or structural concerns. After the visit, we provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and timeline. This step costs you nothing and gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Safety First: Repairing Loose Steps and Uneven Walkways
Loose or uneven masonry steps create serious fall hazards, especially for elderly family members and visitors. A wobbly step might seem like a minor annoyance until someone gets hurt and you face liability issues. Uneven walkways collect water in low spots, leading to ice patches in winter that multiply the danger. We rebuild unstable steps with proper footings that prevent future settling and movement. Each tread gets leveled precisely so your foot lands on a stable, predictable surface every time. Handrails get anchored into solid masonry, not just surface-mounted with flimsy screws. We fix drainage issues that cause walkways to heave and crack over time. The materials we use meet slip-resistance standards, reducing fall risk even when wet. Brick and stone steps should last decades without maintenance, not need constant attention because they were built wrong initially.
The Dangers of Water Intrusion: Why Prompt Tuckpointing Matters
Water sneaks into even tiny mortar cracks and causes damage you cannot see until it becomes expensive. Once inside your walls, moisture triggers mold growth that affects your family's health and air quality. Freeze-thaw cycles turn small cracks into major structural problems as water expands when it freezes. Your heating and cooling bills go up because wet insulation loses most of its effectiveness. Interior paint starts peeling and walls develop stains that seem to appear from nowhere. Tuckpointing seals these entry points before water causes serious harm to your home's structure. We remove deteriorated mortar to the proper depth and replace it with weather-resistant material that matches your existing work. The cost of preventive tuckpointing is a fraction of what you would pay for water damage repairs, mold remediation, and structural fixes. Most homeowners do not realize their mortar is failing until the damage spreads beyond the visible surface.
Fully Licensed, Bonded, and Insured for Your Protection
Our licensing proves we meet California's strict requirements for masonry contractors, not just anyone with a truck and tools. Being bonded means you have financial protection if we fail to complete your project as agreed. Our insurance covers any accidents or property damage that might occur during the work, so you are never liable. We carry both general liability and workers compensation, protecting you from lawsuits if someone gets hurt on your property. Many unlicensed contractors offer lower prices but leave you exposed to enormous financial risk if something goes wrong. A proper license requires passing technical exams, proving years of experience, and maintaining good standing with the state. We gladly provide copies of our credentials before starting any work, because transparency builds trust. If a contractor hesitates to show proof of licensing and insurance, that is a giant red flag to walk away. Your peace of mind matters just as much as the quality of the finished masonry work.
Is Your Masonry Cracking? Identifying Structural vs. Cosmetic Damage
Not all cracks mean your building is falling down, but some definitely signal serious problems that need immediate attention. Vertical cracks often result from normal settling and rarely indicate structural issues, especially in newer construction. Horizontal or stair-step cracks suggest foundation movement or wall failure that will only get worse if ignored. Cracks wider than a quarter inch let water penetrate deep into the wall, creating hidden damage you cannot see. Cosmetic cracks affect appearance but do not compromise the strength of your masonry or threaten safety. Structural cracks mean the wall is under stress it cannot handle, and repairs become more expensive the longer you wait. We assess crack patterns, measure their width, and check for signs of ongoing movement before recommending solutions. Sometimes simple brick repair fixes cosmetic issues, while structural problems require engineering and extensive rebuilding. Getting expert evaluation early saves you from catastrophic failures that cost tens of thousands to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get these questions all the time from homeowners in Berkeley and the surrounding areas. Here are straightforward answers to help you make informed decisions about your masonry project. If you do not see your question here, just give us a call and we will walk you through whatever you need to know. We believe in educating our customers so you understand exactly what you are getting and why it matters for your home.
Administrative Office
1625 Shattuck Ave. #260, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States