DIY Masonry Work

Masonry work is as much an art as it is a trade. The addition of masonry work to a home brings a sense of elegance and beauty. Whether it is the construction of a brick arch in your dinning room or a simple, yet, attractive flowerbed in your front yard, there is no denying the positive effects that masonry work brings to a home owner not to mention the impression it leaves upon guests.

As mentioned, the trade of masonry is one of art. Like art, masonry work can also become expensive. According to Payscale.com? the median hourly rate for a mason with adequate experience will run the home owner around $25.00 an hour. Depending on the size and the materials the job requires, the hourly rate alone can become costly. If like most Americans who are bombarded with the talk of the economy and recession, spending money on a contractor for a project may seem a little out of budget; or if you simply want the challenge of attempting and completing your first piece of masonry art work, then the following are some issues to take into account. What is it that you want to build?

Remember, if masonry is like art work, you do not want to take on more than you can chew. Di Vinci didn't paint the Mona Lisa overnight, so building a fireplace might not be the most logical novice weekend project. Remember that your project should be realistic and it should start with measurements, math, and a good plan. Visit your local hardware store or library to obtain literature and manuals on the specific type of masonry project. You should ask as many questions as you can possibly think during your planning stages, even if the hardware store clerk seems irritated, remember it is your project that you will have to live with when it is done. You will be working with materials such as cement and sand, make sure that you are comfortable with the mess that the project stages will bring. Consult your manuals and literature to determine whether or not your project might require equipment rental or other expenses. You might request a bid from a local licensed contractor after your personal calculations to compare the price rationality of yours compared to theirs.

The planning stage is imperative to make sure that you are attempting a job that is not only tangible but also cost effective. Taking on a project of doing it yourself masonry can be rather stressful as the lack of experience and skills are not yet perfected. However, the excitement and pride that comes after the completion is beyond words. If you are patient and motivated in the learning and planning of your project, it is sure to be a success that will bring beauty and accomplishment to your home for many years.