Surprising Facts about Masonry Pricing

1. Thin bricks cost more than standard bricks. Use thin brick only when the weight of the wall is an issue (dormers, interior fireplaces, chimneys).

2. Seventy percent of masonry cost goes to labor. Thirty percent goes to material. If you are trying to save money, devise a straight-forward installation rather than giving up material you love.

3. Used brick costs more than new brick. If you want the aged look, specify “tumbled brick”.

4. Piers, pilasters and tall, thin strips of masonry cost about three times as much to install as standard wall installation. This work must be installed with a level and cannot utilize the time-saving trick of “laying to the level line”.

5. Complex, deep corbels are expensive while a simple ¾” jog costs almost nothing. Corbelled shadow lines show up best if the masonry units are smooth, monolithic and light in color.

Masonry construction is designed to last a long time. It is well worth the effort to build it right!

Resource:  Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute – www.rmmi.org