Hardscaping & Masonry Guide

What Every Homeowner Should Know

 

What Is Masonry?

Masonry refers to construction using individual units—such as stone, brick, or concrete—bonded together with mortar or installed dry (without mortar). Masonry work focuses on strength, longevity, and craftsmanship.

Common masonry elements include:

• Stone walls

• Walkways and patios

• Steps and landings

• Veneer stone

• Retaining walls

Proper masonry is as much about what’s below the surface as what you see on top.

 

What Is Hardscaping?

Hardscaping is the non-living portion of the landscape. It includes all solid, built elements that shape how a space functions and drains.

Examples of hardscaping:

• Patios and walkways

• Steps and retaining walls

• Driveways and aprons

• Outdoor living areas

Good hardscaping:

• Manages water properly

• Prevents settling and movement

• Enhances usability and property value

 

Natural Stone Materials

Natural stone is quarried from the earth and shaped for use in outdoor construction. It offers unmatched durability and a timeless appearance.

 

Bluestone

Bluestone is one of the most commonly used natural stones in the Northeast due to its strength and versatility.

 

Wet-Laid vs. Dry-Laid Bluestone

Wet-Laid Bluestone

• Set in mortar over a concrete base

• Very rigid and durable

• Ideal for formal patios, steps, and landings

• Requires proper pitch and drainage to prevent water issues

Dry-Laid Bluestone

• Set on a compacted stone base without mortar

• Allows natural movement and drainage

• More forgiving in freeze-thaw climates

• Easier to repair over time

 

Square-Cut vs. Irregular Bluestone

Square / Rectangular Cut

• Clean, formal appearance

• Tight joints

• Works well in modern or classic designs

Irregular / Pattern Stone

• Natural, organic look

• Varied shapes and joint sizes

• Common in traditional and rustic landscapes

Thermal vs. Natural Cleft Finish

Thermal Finish

• Smooth, uniform texture

• Slip-resistant

• More refined, contemporary appearance

Natural Cleft

• Rough, natural surface

• Rustic look with more texture variation

• Shows the stone’s natural character

 

Other Natural Stone Applications

Stone Veneer vs. Palletized Natural Stone

Stone Veneer

• Thin stone used for vertical surfaces

• Installed with mortar over a prepared substrate

• Used for walls, fireplaces, and facades

• Primarily aesthetic (not structural)

Palletized Natural Stone

• Full-depth stone

• Can be structural

• Used for walls, steps, and freestanding features

Dry-Laid vs. Wet-Laid Stone Walls

Dry-Laid Stone Walls

• No mortar

• Relies on gravity, stone placement, and drainage

• Extremely durable when built correctly

• Allows water to pass through naturally

Wet-Laid Stone Walls

• Stones set with mortar

• Clean, formal appearance

• Requires proper drainage behind the wall to relieve pressure

 

Efflorescence (White Haze on Stone)

Efflorescence is a white, powdery residue that can appear on stone or masonry.

• Caused by moisture moving through masonry and carrying salts to the surface

• Usually cosmetic

• Often fades over time

• Proper drainage and installation greatly reduce its occurrence

 

Concrete Products

Concrete products are manufactured for consistency, strength, and efficiency.

 

Pavers

Pavers are individual concrete units designed to interlock and move slightly without cracking.

 

Open-Graded Base Installation Process

A proper paver installation includes:

• Excavation to the correct depth

• Compacted open-graded stone base

• Bedding layer

• Edge restraint

• Joint stone for locking pavers in place

Benefits:

• Excellent drainage

• Reduced frost heave

• Long-term stability

• Easier repairs compared to poured concrete

 

Block Retaining Walls

Segmental retaining wall blocks are engineered systems.

Proper installation includes:

• Compacted stone footing

• Level base course

• Geogrid reinforcement (when required)

• Drainage stone behind the wall

• Drain pipe to relieve water pressure

Walls fail more often from poor drainage than from weight alone.

 

Critical Installation Principles

These factors apply to all hardscaping and masonry work:

Pitch (Slope)

• Surfaces must slope away from structures

• Prevents standing water and ice

• Protects foundations and masonry joints

Compaction

• Soil and stone bases must be compacted in layers

• Prevents settling and uneven surfaces

• One of the most overlooked—but most important—steps

Drainage

• Water is the #1 enemy of hardscaping

• Proper base material, pitch, and drainage systems are essential

• Poor drainage leads to movement, cracking, and failure

Soil Type

Different soils behave differently:

• Clay holds water and expands

• Sandy soils drain quickly but may shift

• Understanding soil conditions determines base depth and materials

Final Thought

A beautiful patio or stone wall isn’t just about the stone you see—it’s about the preparation you don’t.

Quality hardscaping combines:

• Proper materials

• Correct installation methods

• An understanding of water, soil, and movement