Brick & Block

Brick & Block covers practical how-to guides for masonry projects, from small repairs to building simple walls.

You’ll find articles on mortar basics, mixing and tooling joints, setting bricks/CMU blocks, fixing cracks, and common beginner mistakes. I focus on real-world steps and materials that actually work on site.

If you’re planning a brick, block, or mortar project, start here and work your way through the basics before you jump into the more specialized guides.

Worker smoothing stucco on wall with float tool

Scaffolding and pump jacks for stucco and masonry work: stability checks and plank setup basics

Introduction Scaffolding and pump jacks are temporary work platforms used to reach stucco or masonry work safely. They rely on stable frames, proper planking, and correct setup to support workers and tools. Check base stability, footing, and connections before starting any task. Stability checks include verifying level bases, secure braces, and guardrails, and inspecting for […]

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Close-up of various concrete drill bits arranged on a surface

Turning a cheap shop vac into a concrete and masonry silica setup: what works, what’s a false sense of safety

Introduction A cheap shop vac is not a proper silica dust containment or filtration system for concrete and masonry work. It can help with light cleanup but it does not reliably protect you from fine dust exposure. Use it only for basic cleanup and verify what it can and cannot do by checking the product

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Corded drill with drill bit drilling into brick wall

Pressure washer setup for masonry: PSI limits, fan tips, and avoiding etching

Introduction Pressure washer setup for masonry means choosing safe pressure, nozzle tips, and technique to clean without damaging surfaces. Start with the lowest effective pressure and test on a small area to see how the surface responds. Keep a steady distance and avoid aggressive passes that can etch or gouge the mortar. Choosing the right

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