Brick by Brick: The Importance of Grit

In a world where many jobs are done with a click of a mouse, masonry workers are still out there, getting their hands dirty—literally. These folks build the walls that keep our roofs over our heads, often battling the elements, tight deadlines, and unexpe

Fechino Files: Welding

As a masonry contractor, welding typically falls into two categories: fabrication or repair. Fabrication is when our certified welders make structural connections on the job site, and repairs are just that—fixing one of the hundred things that break every

The Haunting of the NYS Education Building: The Legend of Jason, the Mysterious Mason

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to delve into the eerie tales that haunt our historic buildings. One such story surrounds the New York State Education Building in Albany, NY—a towering structure steeped in history and mystery. Constructed

About: Featured
Passing the Trowel: A Conversation with Ray Fleming

In the masonry world, experience is measured not just in years but in the bricks laid, the structures built, and the challenges overcome. Ray Fleming, a 77-year-old veteran mason with a career spanning several decades, offers a wealth of knowledge and ins

About: Spotlight
Contractor Tip of the Month: Filtering the Noise So You Can Focus on Success

No matter your professional or personal goals, there will always be perpetual pessimists who doubt you will be successful. And it is not always your competitors or perceived enemies. Sometimes it is your best friend, trusted mentor, or even a business ido

About: Featured
Chairman's Message: Everything, Everywhere...and All At Once

Once upon a time, long ago, when I was selling radio advertising, there was always an emphasis on the importance of keeping our ad copy efficient, attention-grabbing, and hopefully loaded with staying power. Advertisers know customers are busy and ad budg

Business Building: Sell More Than Low Price To Win More!

Have you ever been the low bidder on a construction project and didn’t get the job? It doesn’t seem fair. Why did it happen? What can you do to avoid this happening again in the future? Bidding more and more jobs against too many low-priced competitors wo

About: Featured
Marvelous Masonry: Nidaros Cathedral

Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, stands as a testament to the enduring art of masonry. This iconic structure, deeply rooted in Norwegian history, showcases the evolution of masonry techniques over centuries and continue

About: Spotlight
Building More: Well, Which Is It?

We have tons of gray areas in construction. Possibly only outnumbered by the fine lines we walk. Every day you can feel yourself stepping out on that tightrope where one false move could send you plummeting 50 stories back down to reality. There is one th

About: Featured
The Rise of Super Trowel and Its Path to the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500

The Super Trowel 2024 event was nothing short of a monumental success, marking its place as the UK's largest and most iconic competition and exhibition for wet trades. For the second consecutive year, the event boasted sold-out attendance and fully booked

Spherical Block LLC: New Ways to Build with Masonry

Spherical Block LLC is launching a revolution in advanced masonry technology. Roofs are made as arches and domes from concrete block, using efficient methods of assembly and green materials to make beautiful masonry structures. The company’s new products

Remembering Simon Verity – Master Sculptor (1945-2024)

The passing of Simon Verity at Carmarthenshire, Wales, the man responsible for the 31 figures at the Portal of Paradise at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in the city of New York, causes us to reflect on the creativity and the passion for ston

About: Featured
Colorado Takes Nation-Leading Steps to Boost Wildfire Resilience

In Colorado and across the country, destructive wildfires have evolved from a seasonal challenge to a year-round threat. We are taking a proactive and common sense approach to prepare for, prevent, and respond to wildfires. We know that it takes all of u

About: Featured
Who Knows Most About Keeping Masonry Workers Safe?

As a safety professional who has specialized largely in masonry safety since the late 1980s, I’ve grown to think that I know a great deal about keeping masonry workers safe. That being said, I must admit that my colleagues and I know more about complianc

Recognizing Women in the Industry

Masonry was introduced to the world through the imagination, determination, and pure strength of mankind. The first masons’ unique abilities harnessed the earth around them to create the structures that provided the security that allowed us to advance. Th

About: Featured
Understanding Different Types of Trowels Originating Through Government Specifications

Trowels are essential tools in masonry, each one designed with specific functions and specifications to aid in various tasks. Knowing the right type of trowel to use can greatly impact the quality and efficiency of your work. This article dives into the f

Natural Stone Institute Holds Utah Study Tour

Oberlin, OH, September 17, 2024—157 attendees from 48 member companies and 5 architectural firms attended the annual NSI Study Tour, which took place in Salt Lake City August 25-28, with an optional extension to Idaho on August 29. Highlights included an

LAR 300 Rotary Laser – Rugged, Precise, and Efficient Horizontal Leveling Made Easy

STABILA’s reputation for high-end measuring products and German engineering shines through in the LAR 300 Rotary Laser. This laser combines simple functionality with high precision across large distances and unmatched durability. Key Features Precision an

Vibing Masonry: Masonry for Safety, Security & Protection

Masonry conveys protection, shielding occupants from external threats. Masonry also provides strength and resistance—separation from and resistance to fire, resistance against projectiles and ballistics, robust defense against vandalizing mobs and spontan

About: Featured
“Elevated Safety” on Masonry Construction Sites: The Value of EZG's Hog Guard and Hoist Hog

In the bustling world of construction, safety isn't just a priority—it's a foundation. Nowhere is this more crucial than on masonry sites where block structures rise skyward. Each day, workers navigate scaffolding, maneuver materials, and tackle tasks tha

How Technology Can Help Increase Efficiency Within Your Masonry Company

Masonry, a craft as old as civilization itself. From the Pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China, we've been stacking bricks with a precision that would make any Lego master jealous. But let's face it, while the techniques might be ancient, the chall

GEN NXT: Phillip Singleton

In the realm of the ever-evolving masonry industry, Phillip Singleton stands as a beacon for the next generation of masons. Sharing his extensive journey and insights, Singleton offers advice and a roadmap for those eager to make their own path in the lan

Fechino Files: Types of Diesel

Fuels in our business are an expensive part of operating equipment. I am sure most of us have calculated daily usage and know what fuel we use in each piece of equipment. For example, do you use off-road diesel, kerosene, number one, or number two diesel?

Chairman's Message: Top-Shelf Leadership

When a business or association is doing well, there is always a temptation to relax and enjoy the ride. However, as anyone who has worked for an extended period in their career knows, there always seems to be some potentially knee-buckling challenge lurki

Contractor Tip of the Month: Is Your Competition on Your Payroll?

Have you ever paid the salary of one of your competitor’s employees? I am confident your answer is a resounding no. But you may be wrong. In fact, this may be happening every day. When these incidents occur, most of them are not intentionally malicious; b

About: Featured
Building More: A Company’s Appreciation

So instead of just jumping right into dollars and cents, I am going to skip it entirely. This article isn’t about appreciation in value. It is about the appreciation you show to others. Do you appreciate your employees, clients, subcontractors, or your bo

About: Featured
Business Building: How Much Profit Should Contractors Make?

Construction business owners often ask me: "How much profit should we expect to make? - 5%, 10%, 15% or more?" Most don’t know how much money they should make and don’t have a specific profit target to aim for. Some have heard 15% is a good target, but th

About: Featured
Marvelous Masonry: Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India, is not just a place of worship but a monumental achievement in architecture and masonry. Since its inauguration in 2005, the temple has stood as a beacon of spiritual and architectural grandeur, showcasing a harmonio

About: Spotlight
Elevating Telehandler Safety

Telehandlers are extremely useful machines for handling materials on construction and masonry jobsites. In fact, they’re so important, well-designed, and commonly used that some operators might get overconfident behind the wheel (or joystick). Safety must

Restoration Case Study: The Virginia Law Library

The Virginia Law Library in Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a historic two-story brick building with a rich legacy spanning 190 years, dating back to the Civil War era.

Better Safety = Better Profitability: Masonry Saw Safety

In 2022, private industry reported 2.3 million cases of work-related injuries (Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). According to the National Safety Council, the total cost of those work-related injuries was

Lessons Learned from Architectural Lunch-N-Learns: The Advantages of CMU

Over the past few years, Lunch-N-Learns have become an invaluable platform for bridging gaps between architects and the masonry industry. These workshops have allowed block manufacturers to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and collaborate on innovativ

About: Featured
Why helmets? And what does it all mean?

In the construction industry, ensuring the safety of workers should be the highest of our priorities, and head protection is a critical component of that safety protocol. With various standards governing the quality and efficacy of safety helmets, underst

About: Featured
Making Masonry Buildings Safer with Large Scale Seismic Tests

A series of large-scale tests were recently concluded in the SEESL Laboratory at the University at Buffalo. The tests are part of a five-year project funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The goal of the project is to improve the e

American Treasure: Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Castillo San Felipe del Morro ("The Promontory Castle of Saint Philip"), or El Morro ("The Promontory"), is a colonial fort built by the Spanish in America. It was commissioned by King Charles I of Spain and built in honor of King Philip II.

Dan Hiltebeitel's Advice on Retirement for Masons

As masons approach the milestone of retirement, the transition can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. For those who have spent their lives working in the physically demanding and highly skilled masonry trade, the prospect of retirem

About: Featured
Lasers in Construction

Lasers have become indispensable tools in the construction industry, significantly improving accuracy, efficiency, and ease of operation. Two main types of lasers commonly used are personal lasers (including dot, line, cross line, and 3x360 lasers) and ro

Mr. Holdaway Goes to Washington

For many years, the Mason Contractors Association of America would host a summer "Fly-In" to Washington, D.C., where MCAA Members would spend a day and a half hitting Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress and staff from their states to talk about

Silica Guidance Documents Now Available

Oberlin, OH, August 6, 2024—The Natural Stone Institute and the International Surface Fabricators Association are proud to introduce two guidance documents for workplace silica exposure assessment assembled by the Yale School of Medicine. These documents

Creating Stunning Accent Walls with Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is a versatile and elegant choice for enhancing interior spaces. While traditionally associated with exterior applications, this material can be used to create stunning accent walls that bring depth, texture and visual interest to any room.

Marvelous Masonry: Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista - Mogno

In the idyllic village of Mogno, nestled in the Maggia Valley of Switzerland, sits the Church of San Giovanni Battista. This modern masonry marvel was constructed between 1992 and 1996 after an avalanche in 1986 destroyed the original 17th-century church.

About: Spotlight
Business Building: What's Your Role As Leader?

True or false? Large or small construction company owners and presidents should be focused on the same top priorities as successful leaders of major Fortune 500 corporations.

Fechino Files: Because I'm an Old Guy

I have had the fortune to work in several areas of masonry over the years and have seen a few things change. I am writing this for the older folks who have been around because, simply, I hope someone will enjoy it. I first got into the agriculture trade i

Chairman's Message: Staying Current and Having Vision

As I prepared for my 8th-grade graduation, I opened my closet and very carefully removed the shining new suit I would wear to the ceremony. I was excited and thankful that my parents purchased it, because if they hadn’t, I would have stood out like a sore

Building More: The Three Levels of Limits

How Do You Treat Your Best Clients? Do you bend over backward to help them succeed? Do you work tirelessly to help them achieve their goals? Do you ignore their desires and do whatever you want no matter what they think? Ok, that last one was a test. Well

About: Featured
Contractor Tip of the Month: Do the Impossible By Being Impossible

Take a moment to reflect on a time when you faced something that seemed impossible. Maybe it was a dream, a task, or an expectation. What if I told you that you were the only reason it was impossible? There is a little-known quote from Matt Hill that says

About: Featured
Guide to Estimating and Basic Bid Sheets

Estimating is the process of calculating all the costs, time, and resources needed to complete a project during the preconstruction phase. These costs typically include direct and indirect costs, overhead costs, and profit margins calculated to...

Westlake Royal Building Products™ Expands Partnership with Boise Cascade® for Cedar Renditions™ and Versetta Stone® Distribution

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), today announced an expanded partnership with Boise Cascade®, a leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials throughout North America. Strengthening Westl

Advice to the Beginners

The best advice I could give anyone that is starting a career in masonry is that first and foremost, you must "know" yourself. What do you like to do? What would you like in a working environment? Do you like to be outside? Do you enjoy physical activity

About: Featured
Masonry Safety Inspections

The look of confusion and utter loss on people’s faces when I tell them that I’m a safety inspector for a masonry company is often hilarious.

About: Safety
What AI Can Do For the Masonry Industry

If your pension fund doesn’t hold NVIDIA stock, your fund manager has some questions to answer. This week, NVIDIA became the most valuable company in the world, with a market cap exceeding $3.4 trillion. They have been at the forefront of AI mania that ha

About: Featured
Brick: A Resilient Product That Will Make You Proud

Originating as the very dirt beneath our feet, brick has proven to be a sustainable, enduring solution that has been trusted for hundreds of years. While modern consumerism tends to focus on providing fast, cheap merchandise that is not intended to last,

Building a Sustainable Future with Brick: Benefits and Impact

In both residential and commercial building design and construction, there is a growing awareness and commitment to minimizing environmental impact while improving health, comfort, and overall well-being.

GEN NXT: Sam Berryman

In today's evolving landscape of skilled trades, where tradition meets innovation, Sam Berryman's journey into the masonry industry is not just a career choice but a testament to heritage, passion, and the profound rewards of hard work. Influenced by his

About: Featured
The Corporate Transparency Act: What You Need to Know

Like many government regulations, the intent may be clear and worthwhile, but the implementation causes more harm to law-abiding citizens and business owners than it does to actually block or punish the bad actors the regulation was meant to address.

About: Featured
Ham And Vacala Among 2024 Masonry Hall Of Fame Inductees

We're thrilled to announce two of this year's Masonry Hall Of Fame inductees. Former MCAA Chairman Larry Vacala and esteemed masonry instructor James T. Ham will be welcomed into the prestigious group during the 2024 MCAA Midyear Meeting in Park City,

Stone Veneer Mortar: More Than Meets The Eye

One of the greatest pleasures of being in the masonry industry is that we are the privileged few who never have to give up our Legos.

OSHA Releases Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule

On July 2, OSHA released its “Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Rule” as a new, proposed standard to prevent heat illnesses and injury in indoor and outdoor settings.

About: Featured
Marvelous Masonry - Soldier Field

Soldier Field, a Chicago landmark and one of the most iconic sports venues in the United States, demonstrates masonry's enduring strength and beauty. Opened in 1924, Soldier Field has undergone several renovations, but its original masonry work remains a

About: Spotlight
Fechino Files: Applicants and Sponsors

It is the time of year when summer gets crazy, and time off, schedules, and deadlines can make for some really stressful days. However, the Masonry Apprentice Scholarship is the opposite of stress—it is just a cool way of supporting younger folks who want

Engineering Out Silica Hazards

In recent months, we have addressed the dangers of silica exposure. Unfortunately, we often think of protection from silica in the form of PPE. Suppose there's silica; put on a respirator. This should be the last resort.

GEN NXT: Khalib Kennedy

When it comes to choosing a career path, sometimes it's the unexpected opportunities that lead us to our true passions. For Khalib a young mason currently working for McGee Brothers, his journey into the masonry industry began with a chance encounter duri

Chairman's Message: Planning for Pivots and What-ifs

When watching a football game, it’s always interesting to first see the play live in real-time, followed by the slow-motion replay afterward. In real time, it plays out in a handful of seconds.

Business Building: Too Busy To Build A Better Business?

Your construction company's goal is not to be busy. Your goal is to build a business that works and delivers what the owners want - Profit, including a high return on investment of time, energy, people, and money.

Contractor Tip of the Month: Rebounding When You Hate the Job or Business You Once Loved

“Take This Job and Shove It.” Every job has highs and lows. But if you start talking – or singing – like Johnny Paycheck, then it is time for a rebound.

About: Featured
Building More: The Real Project Cost

How many of us have landed in this scenario? We have a crew, maybe our only crew. They have been with us for a while, and we are comfortable letting them handle projects without much supervision. You decide that you are going for broke this year.

About: Featured
Maximizing Masonry Project Success: How Early Involvement of Consulting Experts Mitigates Risks and Resolves Disputes

In the complex and ever-evolving world of construction, particularly in masonry projects, the expertise of consulting professionals can be invaluable. We spoke to James Gallagher, a seasoned consultant, who sheds light on how involving experts early in th

Ten Masonry Must-Haves: The Essentials

To achieve professional-quality results when laying brick, block, or stone, it’s crucial to use the right tools for the job. In the masonry industry, there is a plethora of tools and equipment you can use, but which are the most necessary? From trowels to

Comparison of Laying Brick Versus Block

Brick and CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) are two commonly used materials in masonry. As a mason, it is important to understand the similarities, differences, pros, and cons of both materials, as well as the variations in layout and measurement techniques, mo

Westlake Royal Building Products™ to Showcase Be Boundless™ Campaign, Top Industry Trends and New Product Innovations at Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC)

HOUSTON (June 18, 2024) — Westlake Royal Building Products™ (Westlake Royal), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), will showcase its Be Boundless™ campaign, top industry trends and new product innovations at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) in Anahe

Bringing Bricks Back To Life with BrickRecyc

BrickRecyc, a machine that removes old mortar from bricks, was invented by three entrepreneurs from Quebec in 2021. Tommy Bouillon, David Dufour, and Hugo Cartier were the innovation's source. The invention emerged out of necessity. Tommy Bouillon, head o

Are Your Employees Safe While Working In Hot Weather?

As the temperatures rise outside during summer months, so do the risks that employees working in hot conditions may be harmed by the dangerous effects it can have. Exposure to high temperatures can be deadly. It’s your responsibility as a business owner

Maximizing Efficiency with CrewTracks

In the masonry industry, efficient project management is crucial for success. CrewTracks addresses this need by streamlining various aspects of daily operations.

SOLA Innovation: Digital Levels

In 2021, SOLA introduced a new generation of digital levels at the World of Concrete. Because it was in the midst of Covid it wasn’t the most well-attended show, but we were optimistic. We attended, showcasing both our SOLA and Keson brands. The standout

Mast Climbing Safety and Documentation

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers. Ever wonder where they get these standards?

Screen to Stone: Carving Fallout's Iconic T-60 Power Armor

The Washington Monument is little more than a ruin; entire cities are nothing but crumbling skeletons of houses, and entire areas of land are contaminated and uninhabitable.

Blending the Best of Old and New: The Future of Efficient & Durable Architecture

Designing With Masonry

Building More: Commit Or Swing Away, The Choice Is Yours

Our yearly golf trip recently came and went. It is always fun to get out there with the guys. It does help when the guys consist of other business owners, sales reps, lawyers, financial guys, and more.

Business Building: What Happens When Owners Won’t Let Go?

In today's construction industry, there is a significant talent shortage, with less than 3% unemployment for critical roles such as project managers, estimators, and field supervisors.

About: Featured
Complementing Regional Architecture with Manufactured Stone and Brick Veneer 

In the realm of home building and design, the allure of stone and brick is undeniable. These timeless materials have long been valued for their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal, lending strength and charm to wide-ranging commercial

Fechino Files: Reinforcing Bar

I still like doing projects that are new to me. Learning as I go still has that pressure that makes “making sure you have it right” more fun than if I have done something 100 times.

Contractor Tip of the Month: Stop Worrying and Start Living

Who among us can claim that worry has resulted in a longer life? The same thing applies to business. Who among us can claim that worry has resulted in business growth? I’m confident the answer is no one.

Chairman's Message: Round Up The Usual Suspects

There’s a fabulous scene in the climax of the film CASABLANCA starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. In the scene, Claude Reins, the French Police Captain during German occupation, arrives at the airport hanger only to find Bogart had just expired

Shaking Up Masonry: Seismic Activity Research Update

The BIA Research Codes and Standards (RC&S) Committee recently focused on technical research intended to support or increase the use of clay brick. Multiple research projects are being pursued.

About: Featured
Fall Protection and OSHA Requirements

Fatalities caused by falls from heights continue to be the leading cause of death for employees, accounting for 844 of the 5,486 fatalities recorded in 2022. Those fatalities were preventable.

About: Featured
A Quick Chat With Toro Stone - Rob McKay & Kevin Grotke

The MCAA had a chance to sit down with Rob McKay and Kevin Grotke from Toro Stone, a relatively new brand within the manufactured stone market. Despite its new branding, the product itself has a history spanning over 35 years.

Marvelous Masonry: Castillo de Coca

Nestled in the heart of Spain, standing amidst the Castilian landscape, lies the formidable Castillo de Coca, a testament to the grandeur of Spanish medieval architecture.

About: Spotlight
American Treasure - Blackbeard's Castle

Blackbeard’s Castle is a small, historic castle located in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Sitting at the highest point on Government Hill, the Castle is one of five National Historic Landmarks.

Upstate New York Chapter Inducts Officers

The Upstate NY Chapter met on May 1, 2024, and inducted three new officers and said thank you to three others. The chapter represents firms working within New York State and was formed in 2015.

Marvelous Masonry-Celebrating Masonry’s Heritage: The Historic City of Porto, Portugal

Portugal has emerged as a popular tourist destination. While the country has long been a fascinating destination, a more noticeable surge in international tourism has occurred since 2010. This can be attributed to cultural richness, natural beauty

Glen-Gery Showcases New Brick Products Reflecting Latest Design Trends at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2024 (AIA24)

Toro Stone Brings New Stone Veneer Collections To Market, Emphasizing Craftsmanship and Quality

Toro Stone, a fresh face in the stone veneer landscape, burst onto the stone masonry scene in April with a bold name and vision for success. As the brand focuses on meeting the specific needs of masons and contractors

Mind The Gap: How Injection Foam is Changing the Insulation Game

I recently stayed overnight in a 120-year-old converted warehouse to hotel in Minneapolis that was built with uninsulated clay brick walls. I was perfectly comfortable as it snowed outside, and I had even turned the hotel room’s heating system off.

GEN NXT: The Next Generation of Masons

MASONRY Magazine had the opportunity to speak with father-son duo Mike Kern, Sr. and Mike Kern, Jr. Mike Kern, Sr. is a recently retired Masonry Instructor at Burke’s Career and Technology Center in Pennsylvania, and his son, Mike Kern, Jr. has stepped up

Safety On Mast Climbers: Potential and Prevention

When it comes to working on a mast-climbing platform, the most prevalent risks revolve around the peril of falls, be it objects or individuals, and the potential collapse of the platform. While other hazards like electrical and environmental factors

Preparing for the Future: Succession Planning

Succession planning is multi-faceted, strategic preparation for the movement and change of personnel within an organization. It is not just the change of ownership from one generation to another but so much more.

Reid Kubesh Appointed to NSI Board of Directors

The Natural Stone Institute board of directors has appointed Reid Kubesh (Coldspring) to fill a vacancy left by Alexandra Niedbalski, who resigned her position after leaving the industry. Kubesh will serve a four-year term from 2024-2027.

Reinforcing Masonry Projects: The Hog Leg Wall Bracing System - Sponsored by EZG Manufacturing

Strengthening masonry structures is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about ensuring stability and longevity. In the realm of masonry construction, where every brick counts towards the integrity of a building, the Hog Leg Wall Bracing System emerges

Fechino Files: A Better Understanding of Batteries

Batteries are used every day in our work, from big trucks to small trucks, equipment, cars and hand tools. They for the most part seem to be maintenance free, but with a better understanding we can help them last longer.