Masonry Contractor in Reading, MA

Stonework That Stands the Test of Time

Quality masonry services that protect your investment and enhance your property’s value for decades.

A winding paved driveway leads up to a house, bordered by lush green grass dotted with dandelions. On the right, a raised stone garden bed contains vibrant purple and red flowers. Surrounding trees and a clear blue sky create a picturesque residential landscape, emphasizing landscaping design and curb appeal.
A worker wearing yellow gloves uses a mallet to carefully adjust paving stones arranged in a curved pattern, constructing a pathway. Sunlight illuminates the scene, highlighting the precision and craftsmanship involved in laying the stones. The image emphasizes skilled masonry and attention to detail in outdoor landscaping.

Reading Masonry Services

What Quality Masonry Really Means

You get stonework that doesn’t crack after the first winter. Brick repairs that actually hold up to New England weather. Chimneys that function safely for years without constant maintenance calls.

Your property value increases because the work looks professional and lasts. No more worrying about water damage seeping through poorly installed stone or brick. No more explaining to neighbors why your retaining wall is leaning after six months.

When masonry is done right, you forget about it. It just works, year after year, protecting your home and looking exactly like you envisioned when you first planned the project.

Reading Masonry Company

We Know Reading's Building Challenges

Academy Masonry has been handling stonework and masonry projects throughout Reading and the surrounding area for years. We understand how New England winters affect different materials and installation techniques.

Every project gets the same attention whether it’s a small chimney repair or a complete stone facade. We’re licensed, insured, and familiar with local building requirements that affect your project timeline and costs.

You’re working with masons who live in this area and have seen what works long-term and what fails after a few seasons.

A tiered stone retaining wall with uniformly stacked stones, featuring freshly planted greenery in the foreground. The clear sky in the background highlights the clean, modern design of the landscaping feature, emphasizing craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal in outdoor spaces.

Masonry Installation Process

How We Handle Your Project

First, we assess your property and discuss exactly what you need. No generic estimates or vague timelines. You get a detailed breakdown of materials, labor, and realistic completion dates.

During installation, we handle permits if needed and coordinate any utility markouts. The work area stays organized and safe. We use proper materials for this climate and install everything according to manufacturer specifications and local codes.

After completion, we walk through the finished work with you and explain any maintenance requirements. You get warranty information and know exactly who to call if you have questions later. The job site gets cleaned up completely before we consider the project finished.

A modern backyard with a grey stone patio and steps leading to a raised grassy area. A silver planter with greenery sits on the patio. In the background, there's a dark outdoor sofa set on a concrete pad, next to plants and decorative statues.

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Stone Mason Services

Complete Masonry Solutions for Reading

Our masonry services cover everything from small repairs to complete installations. Brick and stone work, chimney repairs, retaining walls, walkways, patios, and structural stonework. We handle both residential and commercial projects.

Reading’s older homes often need chimney repointing, foundation repairs, or stone restoration. We source materials that match existing work and use techniques that preserve the character of historic properties while meeting current safety standards.

For new construction, we work with architects and builders to install stonework that enhances the design and adds lasting value. Every project gets the same careful attention to detail and quality materials regardless of size or complexity.

Aerial view of a walkway made of large rectangular concrete slabs bordered by small grey bricks. To the left, smaller interlocking grey tiles form a patterned section, with three round green bushes evenly spaced along the walkway. The image highlights detailed landscaping design and precise masonry work from a top-down perspective.
Most residential masonry projects take between 3-10 days depending on scope and weather conditions. Small repairs like chimney repointing might finish in 1-2 days, while larger projects like retaining walls or stone facades require more time. We provide realistic timelines upfront and keep you updated if weather or unexpected conditions affect the schedule. New England weather can delay outdoor masonry work, so we build some flexibility into project timelines rather than rushing work in poor conditions.
Repairs work when the underlying structure is sound but surface materials need attention. This includes repointing mortar joints, replacing individual damaged bricks, or fixing small cracks. Full replacement becomes necessary when the foundation shifts, water damage compromises structural integrity, or more than 40% of the masonry needs repair. We assess each situation honestly and explain why we recommend repair versus replacement. Sometimes spending more upfront on replacement saves money long-term compared to repeated repairs on failing masonry.
Yes, we handle permit applications when required and coordinate inspections with Reading’s building department. Most repair work doesn’t require permits, but new construction, structural changes, or work affecting property lines typically does. We know which projects trigger permit requirements and factor the time and cost into your project estimate. Our familiarity with local building codes helps avoid delays or revision requests during the approval process. You don’t need to navigate the permit process yourself.
Matching existing masonry requires identifying the original materials and understanding how they’ve aged over time. We source stones and bricks from suppliers who specialize in restoration materials, and we can often find close matches for common New England building materials. For unique or very old materials, we sometimes salvage matching pieces from other areas of the property or locate reclaimed materials from architectural salvage sources. The goal is seamless integration that doesn’t look like obvious patchwork years later.
We stop work and explain what we’ve found before proceeding. Common surprises include hidden water damage, structural issues behind failing masonry, or underground utilities in unexpected locations. You get photos of the problem area and a clear explanation of options for moving forward. We provide pricing for additional work before starting it, and we discuss how the changes affect your timeline and budget. No surprise bills or work performed without your approval.
Proper installation techniques and climate-appropriate materials make the difference. We use mortars formulated for freeze-thaw cycles, ensure proper drainage behind retaining walls, and install flashing correctly around chimneys and roof connections. Stone and brick selection considers how materials expand and contract with temperature changes. We also time projects to allow proper curing before winter weather hits. Rushing masonry work in late fall often leads to problems the following spring when freeze-thaw cycles stress improperly cured installations.