The Kelly Masonry Blog
Join us as we share useful posts about outdoor living spaces, backyard projects, and home repairs

Landscape Lighting Ideas for Main Line Outdoor Spaces
Key Points At sunset, a well-designed Main Line property should not look like a brightly lit parking lot. It should reveal the front walk, give

Outdoor Kitchen Layout & Workflow: Designing for Function & Entertainment
The short answer: A functional outdoor kitchen is designed around the cook’s workflow first, then arranged so guests can gather without blocking it. Start with

Outdoor Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid Before You Build
Key points An outdoor kitchen should make hosting easier, not create a second set of problems to manage. The common outdoor kitchen mistakes homeowners regret

Fire Pit vs. Fireplace: Which Outdoor Feature Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Choose a fire pit when you want an open, social setting where people can sit around the flame. Choose an outdoor fireplace when

7 Common Patio Problems and What They Could Mean
If your patio is sinking, cracking, holding water, growing weeds, or developing loose stones, the visible damage doesn’t always tell you what’s actually wrong. A

Patio Installation Timeline: What to Expect in Delaware County, PA
How long does it take to install a patio? A straightforward patio installation may take around one to two weeks of active construction, but larger

Patio Base Preparation: Why It Matters More Than Your Material Choice
When planning a new patio, homeowners naturally spend a lot of time choosing what they will see: pavers, flagstone, bluestone, borders, colors, and patterns. But

Patio Sealing & Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment Year-Round
Sealing concrete pavers and following a regular patio maintenance schedule prevents water damage, weed growth, and surface deterioration. Homeowners protect their patio investment when they

How to Remove and Prevent Efflorescence on Masonry
If you recently invested in a beautiful new outdoor living space or a stunning stone retaining wall, the last thing you want to see is

What Is Parging, and Does Your Basement Need It?
If you have a basement with unfinished walls, you might be thinking about parging them. You’ve seen other homeowners do it, but you’re not quite sure why. What is parging and does your basement even need it?

The Importance of Tuckpointing in Delaware County
Why Crumbling Mortar Is a Structural Emergency, Not a Cosmetic Flaw Key Points: The Hidden Danger Between Your Bricks If you walk around your home

How to Fix Uneven or Cracked Concrete Steps
Cracked or uneven concrete steps are one of the most common — and most ignored — problems on homes across the Main Line and Delaware

6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Outdoor Living Space Contractor
Key Points: The Anxiety of Choosing the Right Builder If you are planning a significant backyard project in Springfield, Media, or anywhere along the Main

Why Are My Patio Pavers Sinking and How Can It Be Fixed?
The Hidden Causes of Settling Patios in Delaware County Key Points: The Frustration of a Sinking, Uneven Patio If you live in Springfield, Media, or