Masonry Contractor in Des Moines, IA
Your home deserves the best masonry work. We bring decades of experience in brick repair, chimney rebuilding, tuckpointing, and custom stone installations to every project in Des Moines. From fixing cracked foundations to building stunning outdoor patios, we handle it all with precision and care.
Get a Free Quote
Our Services
Whether your brick chimney needs urgent repairs or you want to add a beautiful stone patio to your backyard, we have you covered. Our team specializes in both residential and commercial masonry work across Des Moines and surrounding areas. We use premium materials and time-tested techniques to ensure your masonry structures stand the test of time. Every project starts with a free on-site consultation where we assess your needs, explain your options, and provide an honest estimate. No pressure, no hidden fees, just straightforward expert advice you can trust. Let us show you why homeowners and business owners throughout Des Moines rely on us for all their masonry needs.
Brick Repair & Restoration Services
Expert brick repair and restoration to bring your masonry back to its original beauty and strength.
Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services
Complete chimney repair and rebuilding services to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Tuckpointing & Repointing Services
Precision tuckpointing and repointing to protect your masonry from water damage and deterioration.
Retaining Wall Design & Installation
Structural retaining walls that prevent soil erosion while enhancing your landscape design.
Custom Stone & Paver Patios
Beautiful custom stone and paver patios that expand your outdoor living space.
Brick & Stone Steps Repair & Build
Safe and attractive brick and stone steps that enhance your home entrance.
Stone Veneer Siding & Installation
Transform your home exterior with stunning stone veneer siding installation.
Paver Walkways & Driveways
Durable and attractive paver walkways and driveways that boost your curb appeal.
Outdoor Fireplaces & Kitchens
Custom outdoor fireplaces and kitchens for unforgettable entertaining spaces.
Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing
Protect your home with expert foundation repair and waterproofing services.
Commercial Masonry Services
Professional commercial masonry services for businesses throughout Des Moines.
Custom Natural Stone Masonry
Unique custom natural stone masonry that adds timeless beauty to any property.
Chimney Leak Detection: Flashing, Crowns, and Flue Liners
Water leaking into your chimney can cause serious damage to your home. When moisture gets past the chimney crown, flashing, or through cracks in the flue liner, it creates a path for water to seep into your walls and ceilings. You might notice water stains on nearby walls, a musty smell in your fireplace, or even pieces of brick falling into the firebox. These are warning signs you should not ignore. The flashing, which seals the gap between your chimney and roof, is often the first place leaks develop. Over time, the metal corrodes or the seal breaks down, letting water flow right into your attic. Your chimney crown acts as an umbrella for the entire structure, but when it cracks, water pours straight down into the masonry. Inside the chimney, the flue liner protects the brickwork from heat and moisture, but if it cracks or deteriorates, both can damage the surrounding structure. We inspect every part of your chimney to find exactly where water is entering. Then we fix it right the first time with proper materials and techniques that will last for decades.
Proper Drainage Solutions for Long-Lasting Hardscapes
Your beautiful patio or walkway needs proper drainage to stay beautiful. Without it, water pools on the surface, seeps underneath, and slowly destroys everything you paid for. When we install custom stone and paver patios, we always start by looking at where water will go. Rain has to flow away from your home and off your hardscape surfaces. We grade the base properly so water moves in the right direction. We add drainage channels where needed to carry water away before it causes problems. The base layers underneath your pavers need to drain too, so we use the right materials that let water pass through instead of trapping it. When water gets trapped under pavers, it freezes in winter and pushes everything up, creating uneven surfaces and cracks. In summer, trapped water weakens the base and causes pavers to sink. We see these problems all the time when homeowners hire inexperienced contractors who skip proper drainage. Every patio, walkway, and driveway we build includes a complete drainage plan designed specifically for your property.
Tuckpointing vs. Repointing: What is the Difference?
People often use these terms interchangeably, but they mean different things. Repointing is the process of removing old, damaged mortar from between your bricks and replacing it with fresh mortar. When mortar joints deteriorate, water gets into your walls and causes bigger problems. We grind out the bad mortar to the proper depth, clean everything thoroughly, and pack in new mortar that matches your existing color. This protects your brickwork and keeps water out where it belongs. Tuckpointing takes repointing a step further with an extra decorative touch. After filling the joints with mortar that matches your brick color, we add a thin line of contrasting mortar down the center of each joint. This creates the illusion of very fine, precise joints and gives historic buildings their distinctive look. You see this technique on many older buildings throughout Des Moines. Whether your building needs basic repointing for protection or full tuckpointing to restore its historic appearance, we have the skills to do it right. We carefully match your existing mortar color and use proper techniques that respect the age and style of your masonry.
Our Process
We make the entire experience straightforward and stress-free. From your first call to the final cleanup, you will know exactly what to expect at every step. Our proven three-step process ensures your project gets done right, on time, and within budget.
Free On-Site Consultation
Everything starts with understanding your needs. When you call us, we schedule a time to visit your property and see exactly what you need. We look at your masonry, ask questions about what problems you are experiencing, and discuss your goals for the project. There is no pressure and no obligation. We take measurements, photos, and notes so we can create an accurate estimate. If you have questions about materials, techniques, or alternatives, we answer them all in plain English. This consultation typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, and we provide you with a detailed written estimate within 48 hours.
Signs Your Retaining Wall is Failing (And How We Fix It)
Retaining walls hold back tons of soil, and when they start to fail, the damage gets worse fast. You might see your wall leaning forward, bulging out in spots, or developing cracks between stones or blocks. Sometimes the wall looks fine but the soil behind it is settling or washing away. These are all signs the wall is not doing its job anymore. Most retaining wall failures happen because of poor drainage. Water builds up behind the wall, creating massive pressure that eventually pushes the wall over. Some walls were never built with proper drainage to begin with. Others had drainage that clogged over time. The footer might be too shallow, or the base might have eroded away. When we evaluate a failing wall, we look at all these factors. Sometimes we can repair sections of the wall and add proper drainage to save it. Other times the wall needs to be rebuilt correctly from the ground up. We follow retaining wall design standards that ensure your new wall will handle the soil pressure and water drainage for decades to come.
Matching Mortar Colors for Des Moines, IA's Unique Brick Styles
Getting the mortar color right makes all the difference between a professional repair and an obvious patch job. Des Moines has beautiful brick buildings in every color from deep red to warm tan to cool gray. The original mortar colors vary just as much. When we do brick repair or restoration work, matching your existing mortar color is one of our top priorities. We start by taking samples of your current mortar. Then we analyze the sand color, cement type, and any additives that give it its unique shade. We create test batches and compare them to your existing mortar in different lighting conditions. Natural light, shade, and even the time of day can change how mortar color appears, so we need to get it right in all conditions. Sometimes historic buildings used lime-based mortars with colors we need to recreate using special materials. We keep detailed records of successful color matches so we can replicate them if you need future work. The result is fresh mortar that blends seamlessly with your existing brickwork, preserving the character and appearance of your building.
Winterizing Your Outdoor Kitchen and Masonry Features
Iowa winters are tough on outdoor masonry. Water that seeps into your outdoor kitchen, fireplace, or other masonry features can freeze and expand, cracking stone and damaging mortar joints. Taking a few simple steps in fall protects your investment and prevents expensive spring repairs. Start by cleaning your outdoor fireplace or kitchen thoroughly. Remove all ash, debris, and food residue. Sweep out every crack and crevice where water could collect. Check all mortar joints for cracks or gaps and seal them before winter hits. Cover your outdoor kitchen counters and grill areas with waterproof covers that shed rain and snow. If you have an outdoor sink, drain all water lines completely and shut off the water supply. Any water left in pipes will freeze and crack them. For outdoor fireplaces, install a chimney cap if you do not have one already. This keeps rain and snow from pouring straight down into the firebox. Seal your stone or brick surfaces with a quality masonry sealer that repels water while letting the material breathe. Check your work again in early spring for any damage that occurred over winter.
Why Des Moines, IA Homeowners Choose Stone Patios Over Wood Decks
More homeowners are replacing their wood decks with stone patios, and for good reason. Stone patios last longer, need less maintenance, and add more value to your home. Wood decks require constant upkeep. You have to stain or seal them every few years, replace rotted boards, and eventually rebuild the entire deck when the wood deteriorates. Stone patios need almost no maintenance. You sweep them off and occasionally wash them down. That is it. The stone does not rot, warp, splinter, or fade. Your patio looks beautiful for decades with minimal effort. Stone patios sit at ground level, which feels more connected to your yard than an elevated deck. You can easily expand them later or integrate them with landscaping features. They work better for heavy items like outdoor kitchens and fireplaces because they provide a solid, stable foundation. Stone also stays cooler than wood in summer sun, making it more comfortable for bare feet. When you eventually sell your home, buyers see a stone patio as a premium feature worth paying extra for. Wood decks are common and expected, but a well-designed stone patio sets your home apart from others on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have been answering questions about masonry work for years. Here are the most common ones we hear from homeowners in Des Moines. If you do not see your question here, just give us a call and we will be happy to help.
Administrative Office
Please call ahead to schedule appointments. Walk-ins are not available.