Brick Masonry
BRICK MASONRY IN TEMPE, AZ
Masonry standards call for hot-weather precautions once the air passes 100°F, or 90°F with wind above 8 mph, because mortar can lose its water before it bonds. Durango Masonry & Tile builds brick masonry in Tempe, AZ, with those limits in mind, wetting units, mixing smaller batches, and misting fresh joints so they cure instead of bake. This page covers the brick veneer, garden walls, pavers, columns, outdoor features, and repairs we handle for homes and businesses across Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert. We choose face brick that suits the property, keep coursing level from the first row, and tool every joint so rain sheds cleanly.
BRICK SHOULD LOOK BETTER IN YEAR 10 THAN ON DAY 1.
A brick wall earns its reputation slowly. During the first week, almost anyone can make one look sharp. After 10 summers of sun and monsoon rain, weak mortar, missing flashing, and uneven bedding begin to show. We build for that later view, choosing mortar that suits the brick and setting every course on a full bed so the wall stays tight.
The difference lives in small places: crisp corners, consistent head joints, weep openings left clear, and caps that overhang far enough to throw water away from the face below.
✓ Mortar suited to the brick
✓ Full bed joints on every course
✓ Weep openings kept clear
✓ Wall caps sized to shed rain
BRICK MASONRY
BRICK THAT FITS THE LOOK OF A TEMPE STREET.
Brick carries a warmth that stucco and siding rarely match, and in Tempe it sits comfortably beside both desert landscaping and midcentury ranch homes. We help property owners choose color blends, textures, and bond patterns that complement the architecture already on the block. Running bond keeps a wall simple and clean, while soldier courses, rowlocks, and basket weave accents add detail at entries, planters, and caps without overwhelming a facade.
BRICK WORK SHAPED AROUND DESERT CONDITIONS.
Valley properties face long stretches of intense sun, hard irrigation water, and sudden monsoon downpours, and each one affects brick differently. Sprinkler overspray leaves mineral deposits, so we position walls and planters to keep spray off the face where possible. Heat speeds mortar set, so summer laying moves to cooler morning hours. Drainage gets planned at the base so storm runoff moves away from the footing instead of pooling.
20 YEARS OF LAYING BRICK UNDER A DESERT SUN.
Our crew has spent 20 years learning how brick behaves in Arizona, from the way certain blends fade in full sun to how quickly a mortar joint stiffens on a July morning. That background shapes the small calls we make on every job: when to wet a pallet, how far ahead to strike joints, and which cap profiles hold up best. Planning a new wall, veneer, or patio and want a clear starting point?
WHY CHOOSE US FOR BRICK MASONRY.
Lasting Curb Appeal
Well-laid brick keeps its color and shape for generations, giving your property a finished, established look that visitors notice long before they reach the front door.
Low Upkeep
Fired clay never needs repainting or seasonal resealing. An occasional rinse and a periodic look at the joints keep most brick surfaces looking sharp for many years.
Built-In Fire Resistance
Brick does not burn, which makes it a smart choice for outdoor kitchens, fire features, and walls near grills, where wood or vinyl would need extra clearance.
Steadier Temperatures
Dense masonry absorbs heat slowly and releases it gradually, helping soften temperature swings on shaded patios and in rooms that sit behind thick brick walls.
A Quieter Yard
Solid brick dampens traffic noise, neighborhood activity, and pool equipment hum far better than wood or vinyl fencing, so backyard conversations stay relaxed and easy to hear.
Stronger Resale Appeal
Real brick signals permanence to buyers and appraisers. Veneer, columns, and garden walls built with care add character that helps a listing stand apart from plainer neighboring homes.
our services
OUR BRICK MASONRY WORK.
From a single mailbox column to a full wraparound veneer, our brick projects cover a wide range of sizes. Each one receives the same careful layout, matched materials, and tidy finish before we call it done.
VENEER WORK
Brick Veneer
We install thin and full-depth brick veneer over prepared walls, using proper ties, flashing, and weep spacing. It is a practical way to add a classic masonry face to an existing home or storefront.
GARDEN WALLS
Brick Walls & Fences
Freestanding brick walls define property lines, frame gardens, and screen unwanted views. We pour sound footings, keep courses straight over long runs, and finish tops with caps that protect the core from water.
PAVED SURFACES
Brick Pavers & Patios
Brick pavers create patios, walkways, and borders with a warm, timeless texture. We compact the base, set consistent slopes for drainage, and lock the edges so the pattern stays tight under foot traffic.
ENTRY ACCENTS
Brick Columns & Mailboxes
Columns at driveways, gates, and porches give an entrance real presence. We build them plumb on solid bases, add caps or light boxes when requested, and match the brick to nearby walls.
BRICK REPAIR
Brick Repair & Replacement
Cracked, loose, or spalled units get cut out and replaced with brick matched for size, color, and texture. Surrounding joints are repointed so the repaired section blends into the original wall.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Outdoor Brick Features
Built-in grill islands, planters, and seat walls turn a backyard into a gathering spot. We plan dimensions around appliances and use firebrick wherever a surface will face direct flame or intense heat.
THE WORD ON OUR WORK
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY.
Brick clients often mention the same things once a project wraps up: straight lines worth sighting down, joints that look consistent end to end, and a jobsite left cleaner than we found it. Those details matter to us as much as the finished wall itself.
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Brick raises practical questions about materials, timing, and care. These answers cover what property owners around the Valley ask most before a new wall, veneer, or patio project begins.
How long does a brick wall last?
A properly built brick wall can last 100 years or more, as historic buildings prove. Mortar joints usually need repointing every 25 to 30 years, depending on sun exposure, irrigation spray, and how well water drains away from the base.
What is the difference between brick veneer and solid brick?
Brick veneer is a single layer attached to a structural backup wall with metal ties, leaving an air space for drainage. Solid brick walls carry loads through the masonry itself. Most modern homes use veneer because it is much lighter.
Which mortar type works best for brick?
Type N mortar suits most above-grade veneer and garden walls because it bonds well and stays slightly flexible. Type S offers higher strength for paving, retaining conditions, and below-grade work. Matching mortar to brick hardness helps prevent cracking and spalling.
Can new brick match the brick already on my home?
Usually, it can. Durango Masonry & Tile compares size, color, and texture against currently available supply options and blends several pallets whenever needed. Around Tempe, AZ, strong sun fades older brick, so we test samples beside the original wall before committing.
What are weep holes, and why do they matter?
Weep holes are small openings near the base of brick veneer that let trapped moisture escape from the wall cavity. Blocking them with mortar, soil, or caulk holds water behind the brick, which can lead to staining, rot, and mold.
Can brick be installed over an existing stucco wall?
It can, as long as the wall and foundation support the added weight. Full brick usually needs a ledge or footing, while thin brick adheres directly over a properly prepared surface. We assess the structure, then recommend the better option.
How long does a typical brick project take?
Small projects like mailbox columns often finish in a day or two, while veneer and long garden walls can take one to three weeks. Weather, material deliveries, and summer working hours all affect timing, so we confirm schedules after visiting.
Why hire a masonry contractor instead of a general handyman for brick?
Brick work depends on layout, mortar selection, and flashing details that general trades often skip. Durango Masonry & Tile focuses on masonry every day in Tempe, AZ, so walls stay plumb, joints stay consistent, and moisture always has a planned exit.
HOW WE WORK
FROM FIRST SKETCH TO FINAL COURSE, HERE IS HOW.
STEP 01
We Walk Your Site
We start on your property, measuring the area, checking soil and drainage, and asking how you plan to use the space. That conversation shapes the layout, brick selection, and footing size before any numbers go on paper.
STEP 02
We Pick the Brick Together
You see real samples in daylight, not just catalog photos. We compare blends against your roof, trim, and landscaping, then confirm mortar color so the finished wall looks the way you pictured it from the start.
STEP 03
We Set the Footing
Footings are dug to the right depth and width, reinforced where needed, and given time to cure. A level, solid base is what keeps a brick wall from cracking or leaning years down the road.
STEP 04
We Lay Each Course
Our masons string lines, check level and plumb constantly, and fill bed joints completely. On hot days we wet the brick and mix smaller mortar batches so every joint bonds the way it should.
STEP 05
We Tool and Shield the Joints
Joints get tooled at the right stiffness to compress the mortar and shed water. Fresh work is shaded or misted as conditions require, giving the mortar time to cure rather than drying out too fast.
STEP 06
We Clean Up and Walk It With You
Once the mortar sets, we remove smears, haul away debris, and walk the finished work with you. Any detail that needs attention gets handled before we consider the project complete and pack up our tools.