Masonry & Retaining Walls

Masonry is commonly used for the walls of buildings, retaining walls and decorative walls. Brick and concrete block are the most common types of masonry we use and may be either weight-bearing or a veneer. Concrete blocks, especially those with hollow cores, offer various possibilities in masonry construction. They generally provide great compressive strength, and are best suited to structures with light transverse loading when the cores remain unfilled.

Decorative stone work and custom brick work are great options for retaining walls, stone mailboxes, and decorative walls. Please contact us to see masonry work we have done in Wilmington, NC, Leland, and surrounding areas.

Advantages of Using Stone and Brick for Mailboxes and Retaining Walls
The use of materials such as brick and stone can increase the thermal mass of a building, giving increased comfort in the heat of summer and the cold of winter, and can be ideal for passive solar applications.

Brick typically will not require painting and so can provide a structure with reduced life-cycle costs, although sealing appropriately will reduce potential spalling due to frost damage. Non-decorative concrete block generally is painted or stuccoed if exposed.

The appearance, especially when well crafted, can impart an impression of solidity and permanence.

Masonry is very heat resistant and thus provides good fire protection.

Masonry walls and posts are more resistant to projectiles, such as debris from hurricanes than walls of wood or other softer, less dense materials.