Need a masonry or brickwork contractor in Metro Vancouver? Our company can help!
Meet Chris, masonry contractor and owner of Bricked Masonry, and get your Vancouver masonry project completed with German precision. We specialize in the installation, repair, and renovation of brick, stone, and concrete block masonry structures for residential and commercial properties.
OUR SERVICES
Masonry Services in Vancouver, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Burnaby & Metro Vancouver
Bricked Masonry is a Port Moody masonry contractor serving Metro Vancouver and the Tri-Cities. Owner Chris Armbruster is a German-trained stone mason and bricklayer with more than 25 years in the trade and over a decade of work on Lower Mainland homes and commercial buildings. We build, repair, restore and renovate brick, stone, block and cultured-stone work that has to survive Vancouver’s rain, wind-driven storms, moss and freeze-thaw cycles, not just look good on the first dry weekend.
Most masonry failures in this climate start the same way: water sits in mortar joints, soaks porous brick or stone, then expands when temperatures drop. White salt stains (efflorescence), crumbling joints, leaning chimneys, damp basements behind retaining walls and veneer that is pulling off the wall are all moisture problems first. We inspect the source such as drainage, flashing, mortar type, movement, roots, or a missing weep system, and then repair the whole structure, not just the face.
We work both residential and commercial jobs across Vancouver, East Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Kitsilano, Point Grey, Dunbar, Kerrisdale, Shaughnessy, Mount Pleasant, Strathcona, Burnaby, New Westminster, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Langley. Call (778) 985-6780 for a free on-site quote.
Brick Repair, Repointing and Brick Wall Construction
Brickwork in Metro Vancouver takes a beating from October through April. Wind-driven rain soaks mortar; older lime-rich joints on heritage homes can wash out until bricks can be lifted by hand. Newer cement-heavy mortar that is harder than the brick can also crack the units themselves. We match mortar colour, texture and hardness to the wall in front of us instead of using one mix for every house.
Typical brick work includes:
- Repointing and tuckpointing cracked, missing or washed-out mortar joints
- Brick replacement with colour and size matching on heritage and modern walls
- New brick walls, garden walls, entrance walls and privacy walls
- Brick facing and brick veneer on additions and exterior upgrades
- Crack stitching, rebuilding of bowed or settled sections, and structural assessment
- Efflorescence cleaning and breathable weather protection after the wall is sound
- Brick pillars, gate posts and fence columns
Helpful to know before you book: mortar should generally be softer than the brick so the joint takes the weather, not the unit. On many Vancouver character homes the original mix was lime-based; a hard modern mortar can lock moisture in and speed up damage. After a wet winter, look for recessed joints, sand collecting at the base of the wall, stepped cracks at corners, and bricks that sound hollow. Small joint repairs are far cheaper than rebuilding a wall that has started to lean.
Chimney Construction, Repair and Restoration
A masonry chimney in Vancouver is a vertical sponge unless the crown, cap, flashing and mortar are tight. Rain does not only come from above. It drives sideways into the face, sits in the crown, and travels down behind failed step flashing into the attic. Many “roof leaks” after a storm are chimney leaks. Freeze-thaw then opens the same joints every winter.
We build new chimneys and rebuild failing ones so they are safe, plumb, and weather-tight. Work includes:
- Chimney rebuilds for leaning, spalling or badly deteriorated stacks
- Crown repair or replacement and chimney caps to keep rain out of the flue
- Repointing of chimney faces and corbels
- Brick and stone matching on heritage chimneys in older Vancouver neighbourhoods
- Coordination with flashing and roof work so water is shed at the roof-to-masonry joint
- Fireplace chimney repairs tied to indoor smoke, water stains or crumbling fireboxes
- Outdoor kitchen and pizza-oven chimneys
Helpful to know: chimneys in this climate often need joint work on a 5 to 10 year cycle if they are fully exposed. A crumbling crown or open joint at the cap is an urgent leak path. If you see rust streaks, damp drywall near the chase, white staining on the brick, or mortar falling into the fireplace, do not wait for another rainy season. We quote the chimney as a system, including masonry, cap and water path, so you're not paying twice.
Indoor and Outdoor Fireplaces
We build and renovate masonry fireplaces for living rooms, patios and outdoor kitchens. Indoor work ranges from levelling and rebuilding a failed surround to a full masonry rebuild with a new brick or stone face. Outdoor fireplaces are designed for rain, not just for a photo, which means it must have proper base, drainage, freeze-resistant materials, and joints that can be maintained.
Fireplace services include:
- New indoor masonry fireplaces and fireplace surrounds in brick, natural stone or cultured veneer
- Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and masonry outdoor kitchens
- Demolition of uneven or failed stonework and rebuild to a true, level plane
- Gas-insert ready masonry openings where the existing box allows
- Firebox, hearth and mantel masonry repairs
- Matching new work to existing brick or stone so the fireplace does not look like a patch
On a typical renovation, fireplace rebuilds often fall in the $1,500–$8,000 range depending on size, whether the shape changes, and how much demolition is required. Most residential fireplace projects take about 2 to 5 days. Outdoor units need more attention to the base and drainage than indoor ones; if water sits in the firebox or joints all winter, the first failure is usually cracked mortar, not the stone itself.
Retaining Walls, Garden Walls and Slope Work
North Shore, Port Moody, Coquitlam and many Vancouver lots sit on slopes and clay. The wall you see is only half the job. Hydrostatic pressure from months of rain is the usual reason walls bulge, lean or weep mud. A wall without drainage stone, drain pipe and a proper footing is a temporary fence made of expensive material.
We design and build retaining walls in natural stone, granite, concrete block, poured or block systems, and gabion, and we repair walls that have already started to move. Work includes:
- New residential and commercial retaining walls
- Rebuilds of failed timber, lock-block or dry-stack walls
- Terraced garden walls that turn a slope into usable yard
- Engineered walls where height, surcharge (driveway, patio or structure above) or soil conditions require it
- Drainage: gravel backfill, drain pipe, weep paths and grading so water leaves the wall
- Repairs to leaning, cracked or washed-out stone and block walls
Helpful to know in BC: most municipalities require a building permit when exposed wall height exceeds about 1.2 metres (4 feet). A shorter wall can still need a permit if there is a driveway, patio or building loading it from above, or if it sits close to a property line. Terraced walls that act as one tall system are often treated as a single wall. Unpermitted walls get flagged on sale. We flag permit and engineering needs at quote time so you are not surprised later.
As a planning number from work we already publish: a typical 4 ft high by 25 ft long residential wall often lands around $9,000, then moves with access, demolition, material and whether the wall is dry-stack or grouted. Dry-stack is usually faster; grouted or reinforced walls take longer and cost more because they are doing more structural work. Most straightforward residential walls take 2–5 days with a mason and helper; larger commercial walls run a week or more.
Natural Stone Siding, Stone Veneer and Facade Cladding
Stone cladding is one of the highest-impact exterior upgrades on a Metro Vancouver house if it is installed as a rainscreen system, not glued to a wet wall. We install natural stone, granite, slate, marble tile veneer and manufactured / cultured stone on houses, commercial facades, columns and feature walls, and we repair veneer that is cracking, staining or detaching.
Cladding services include:
- Full and partial stone siding on homes and commercial buildings
- Cultured stone and manufactured veneer where weight or budget requires it
- Natural stone feature walls, wainscoting and entrance surrounds
- Repairs to failed mortar, loose stones and water-damaged sections
- Interior stone veneer for commercial and residential feature walls
- Flashing, movement joints and moisture details so the wall can dry
Natural stone siding commonly runs about $25 to $85 per square foot depending on stone type, unit size and access. A large elevation can take weeks when stones are cut to fit and scaffolding is required. Stone needs less yearly maintenance than cedar, but it is not zero-maintenance: wash salt and organic staining, keep soil and irrigation off the base, and plan to inspect mortar every couple of decades. Tree roots and trapped water behind a poorly detailed veneer are the usual long-term failures.
Brick and Stone Stairs, Steps and Entrance Masonry
Front steps are a safety item in this climate. Freeze-thaw, settlement and poor drainage make treads hollow, nosings spall and landings pitch toward the house. We build and rebuild masonry stairs, stoops and entrance landings in brick, stone, granite and concrete masonry so the walking surface is level, drained and tied into the walls and pillars around it.
This work often includes new treads and risers, rebuilding settled stringers or bases, matching existing entrance brick, adding or repairing cheek walls, and correcting the pitch so water runs away from the door. If your steps rock, hold puddles, or have open joints at the house wall, water is already moving into the landing.
Patios, Walkways, Driveways and Paving
We install and repair masonry patios, walkways and paved outdoor rooms in natural stone, granite, paving stone, brick and concrete. Vancouver patios fail from the base up: soft or saturated subgrade, no slope, no edge restraint, and joints that fill with moss and hold water.
Services include new stone and paver patios, walkway rebuilds, masonry driveway aprons and borders, resetting sunken or rocking units, joint repair, and tying patio height into existing doors and retaining walls. A patio that drains toward the house will show up later as staining on the foundation or movement in the first row of stones.
In Metro Vancouver, a professionally installed garden path typically runs about $18 to $35 per sq. ft. for concrete pavers or interlocking stone, and about $30 to $55+ per sq. ft. for natural stone such as flagstone or slate, including excavation and a proper gravel base. Narrow paths often sit toward the higher end of those ranges because of extra cutting and edging, and tight access, drainage, or premium stone can push the job over $50 per sq. ft.
Pillars, Columns, Gate Posts and Masonry Fences
Pillars and masonry fences take the same weather as chimneys: rain on all sides, splash-back from driveways, and movement from gates. We build and restore brick and stone pillars, gate posts, mailbox columns, fence piers and decorative columns, including caps that actually shed water instead of collecting it. Loose caps and open cap joints are the first leak into the core of a pillar.
Block Walls, Structural Masonry and Concrete Masonry
Concrete block is the workhorse behind many commercial walls, garage walls, utility enclosures and reinforced retaining systems. We build and repair block walls, parge and refinish deteriorated faces, and combine block structure with brick or stone veneer where you want a finished look. For walls that hold soil or carry load, the reinforcement, footing and drainage are specified before the first course goes down.
Glass Block Windows and Masonry Openings
Glass block is still a practical choice for basements, bathrooms and side-yard windows that need light and privacy. We install and replace glass block panels and repair the masonry around failed units so the opening stays square and watertight.
Stone and Masonry Countertops, Hearths and Interior Stone
Interior masonry is part of the same trade. We set granite and stone hearth extensions, masonry fireplace hearths, stone columns and selected interior stone surfaces that have to meet existing brick or stone work. If the indoor piece is tied to an outdoor fireplace or chimney, we treat colour and joint style as one project.
Masonry Restoration, Heritage Matching and Water Damage Repair
Restoration is different from new work. On older Vancouver and New Westminster brick, the goal is to keep original material wherever it is sound, match what cannot be saved, and stop water without trapping it. Hard coatings and mismatched mortar are why some “repairs” look worse two winters later.
Restoration work includes mortar analysis and colour matching, selective brick and stone replacement, rebuilding localized failed sections, removing failed coatings where the masonry needs to breathe, crack and settlement repairs, and coordination with flashing or drainage so the repair is not cosmetic only. If a previous repair used grey cement on a warm historic joint, we can usually see it from the street.
Demolition, Tear-Out and Rebuild Preparation
Failed walls, chimneys and veneer often have to come down before anything lasting can go up. We handle masonry demolition, disposal and prep: protecting adjacent finishes, removing unstable brick or stone, and leaving a clean, level starting point for the rebuild. Quotes that skip demolition and haul-away are not complete quotes.
OUR TOP 3 BRICK AND STONE MASONRY VANCOUVER SERVICES:
1. Functional Retaining Walls - Retaining Wall Installation & Repair
When it comes to building the future of your property, nothing compares to the enduring beauty and functionality of retaining walls built with brick, stone, or concrete blocks, especially when they're crafted by experienced masons who put your needs first.
We put German precision into every retaining wall, ensuring that each brick, each stone, and each block not only stands the test of time but also enhances your property's value and allure.
Preventing soil erosion and augmenting the terrain and garden edges are arguably side benefits to time and beauty, but of course we focus on function just as hard as beauty. Corny alternatives simply can't compare to the might of brick and stone.
Build a retaining wall that you can pass down for generations! Opt in for the exquisite elegance, strength, and functionality provided right here in Vancouver by Bricked Masonry, your bricklaying and brick repair specialists.
2. Strong Chimneys and Fireplaces - Chimney Construction & Repair
In Vancouver, where the weather's whims challenge the durability of home features, our masonry company stands out for its expertise in chimney and fireplace reconstruction.
Our company of seasoned workers and contractors is committed to delivering the highest quality work and material, ensuring that every chimney repair and fireplace renovation beautifies and strengthens your surroundings. Perhaps more than anyone stone masons understand the stresses that time have on structures, which is why our focus lies in real customer satisfaction which is knowing your project will stand for generations. Whether it's resealing and repointing bricks in your chimney or completely revampng your fireplace with new cultured veneer, we use only top-tier, locally-sourced materials.
Add to the architectural history of Vancouver's richness with chimneys and fireplaces your great grandchildren will be proud of, and choose the German craftsmanship behind Bricked Masonry.
3. Natural Stone Siding - Stone Cladding & Facade Services
The blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty is key to Vancouver's unique character. We excel in installing natural stone siding and culured stone veneer plus many cladding alternatives to ensure Vancouver's unique character stands the test of time.
With every exterior facade installation, our masonry contractors and experienced workers also deliver work that enhances your exterior's beauty. Natural rock cladding and man-made veneer brings an authentic beauty that can't be matched by vinyl or wood, especially in terms of protection against the elements.
With German crafstamnship, our results echo the rugged resilienceof British Columbia's historical landscapes and cityscapes. Install a stone exterior that mirrors your personal taste with Bricked Masonry.
Our expertise go much further than retaining walls, chimneys, and stone siding. We're also leaders in masonry repair to handle all your brick and stone projects with expert results all year round.
Small or Large, Bricked Masonry Handles All Commercial & Residential Masonry Projects
Here and on our Instagram you can see a few of the many projects we had the honor of completing recently for customers throughout Metro Vancouver. Our decades of experience and dedication to building projects that last for generations reveal themselves in every brick and stone. Whether it's an outdoor fireplace with a granite patio in a residential back yard or whether it's a natural stone retaining wall around a concrete walkway on a commercial property, we bring the touch of an experienced and qualified stone connecting technician to every single project to provide long-lasting, astounding results you'll cherish. In commercial and residential interiors alike, our fireplaces, countertops, glass block windows, and tiled floors add a touch of resilience and elegance to last for generations.
Speak with an expert stone mason serving all of Metro Vancouver today by dialing (778) 985-6780.
View our recent Vancouver masonry projects and see the spectacular results.
EXPLORE OUR MASONRY VANCOUVER SHOWROOM →
Why Choose Bricked Masonry?
3 good reasons to hire Chris as your Vancouver stone mason today:
1. OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Chris, the owner of Bricked Masonry, is a masonry contractor trained and certified in Germany with over 25 years of experience, 10 of which are right here in Vancouver. Chris will personally handle your project as he's handled countless projects before. From the initial cost estimate to the final result, you'll be in good hands.
2. THE BEST LOCALLY-SOURCED MATERIALS
Bricked Masonry sources only the best of the best local rock, stone, and brick for our projects. Working closely with local suppliers, we're proud of our contribution to keeping things right here at home. Even when ordering specialty products like marble countertops we work hand in hand with Canadian businesses to build people's futures.
3. INSURED EXPERTS WITH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Do you want to work with a masonry Vancouver company that consistently provides results that speak for themselves? Bricked Masonry is a registered business, we're insured, and each one of our masonry workers and contractors are vetted and highly experienced. We build futures with the newest stone connecting technology, and we also do it all while providing peace of mind. Let us show you!
We Offer What We Can Provide and Guarantee
We can't wait to show you what we offer. For over 25 years we've overcome some of the most difficult masonry projects such as massive commercial retaining walls and residential chimney repairs that were thought to be hopeless. Over the decades we've learned that stone is the best symbol to prove that no project should be hopeless, because a stone structure built properly will literally last longer than plastic or metal or wood; it'll last for thousands of years like the Pyramid of Giza. We offer expertly built and installed brick walls, concete slab patios, granite tile kitchens, marble countertops, natural stone columns, cultured stone veneer, and best of all we offer it all with profound German precision.
Hard Workers that Get the Job Done!
We provide masonry repair, masonry construction, masonry renovation, masonry restoration, all for residential and commercial properties alike--nearly everything built of brick or stone for exteriors and interiors. Whether it's repairing your brick chimney or rebuilding your concrete slab patio, we provide all brick and stone related services, and best of all we provide it with outstanding quality for competitive prices. If you're looking for an experienced and insured masonry contractor to settle your project in a timely manner with stronger than steel matter, it's not just luck that you're reading this now; that's precisely what we provide, with German precision.
Strong, Stunning Projects That Last Lifetimes
From the initial email or phone call, to the in-person quote and cost estimate, and all throughout the process that will ultimately lead to the final result, we guaruntee pofessional courtesy, competitive prices, and transparent progress. Any question about our masonry services will be answered, truth guarunteed. Masonry contractors like us perhaps understand more than anyone that jobs well done require patience, time, and money, and so the company we've built includes the best of all that: experienced masters, patient workers, and the best luck for your hard-won loonie.