The Kelly Masonry Blog
Join us as we share useful posts about outdoor living spaces, backyard projects, and home repairs
Do Paver Patios Really Need Maintenance? Here’s Why a Maintenance Plan Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve invested in a paver patio, you already know how beautiful, durable, and timeless it can be. But here’s a question that comes up
Why Drainage Makes or Breaks Your Patio
Poor drainage is one of the silent killers of patios. If water sits, seeps, freezes, or is forced under the surface, over time it damages the structure, destabilizes the base, causes shifting, and shortens the useful life of your hardscape.
Why Install a Fire Feature in My Backyard When I Could Buy a Fire Pit?
If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting around a warm fire in your backyard, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: “Why should I spend thousands of dollars on a custom fire feature when I could just buy a fire pit at the store for a few hundred bucks?”
How Do I Prepare My Patio for Colder Weather?
It’s a smart question to ask. Your patio is a major investment, and with a little preparation in the fall, you can protect it from winter damage, extend its lifespan, and make sure it’s ready to enjoy again when warm weather returns. Whether your patio is made of brick, natural stone, or concrete pavers, the right fall maintenance steps will help it stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
Questions You Should Ask a Masonry Contractor Before You Hire Them
Hiring a masonry contractor is a big decision. Whether you’re planning a new patio, retaining wall, outdoor kitchen, or stone façade, the quality of the craftsmanship will directly impact your home’s beauty and value for years to come.
Hardscaping Ideas That Fit Main Line Historic Home Styles
The Main Line is known for its stunning historic homes—stone Colonials, Tudor Revivals, Victorian mansions, and elegant farmhouses that date back over a century. Living
The Truth About Dry Stack Walls: What You Need to Know Before You Build
If you’ve ever admired a retaining wall made of carefully stacked natural stone, you’ve probably seen a dry stack wall in action. With no mortar
How to Keep Weeds from Growing in Polymeric Sand (and What to Use Instead)
If you’ve invested in a beautiful new patio or walkway using pavers, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing weeds pop up between the joints. You chose polymeric sand for a reason—durability, strength, and weed prevention. So why do weeds still show up? More importantly, how do you stop them?
What Can a Masonry Contractor Do That a Landscaper Can’t?
When it comes to outdoor projects, many homeowners are unsure whether they need a landscaper or a masonry contractor. While both professions work to improve your exterior spaces, they bring very different skill sets to the table.
Why Does My Backyard Get So Muddy? (And How to Fix It)
At Kelly Masonry, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners across Delaware County, the Main Line, and Greater Philadelphia solve one of the most common backyard headaches: “Why is my backyard always so muddy — and how do I fix it?”
How to Design a Dream Homestead Garden at Your Suburban Home in Delaware County, PA
Whether you want to grow fresh vegetables, cut down on grocery costs, or just enjoy time outdoors with your hands in the soil, this post will walk you through how to design a suburban homestead garden that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Retaining Wall in Delaware County, PA?
One of the most common questions we get when a customer starts planning a retaining wall project is: “Do I need a permit for this?”
Pros and Cons of Techo-Bloc for Outdoor Hardscaping
Homeowners across Delaware County and the Main Line are asking: Is Techo-Bloc worth the investment? At Kelly Masonry, we get this question all the time. Our clients want something beautiful and high-end, but they also want to make a smart long-term decision. That’s where this article comes in.
Outdoor Lighting Systems: A Review of Low-Voltage vs Solar Options
Outdoor lighting isn’t just about visibility—it’s about safety, curb appeal, and extending your living space beyond four walls. Whether you choose a plug-and-play solar system or invest in a professionally installed low-voltage design, the key is choosing what works best for your space and your lifestyle.