The Kelly Masonry Blog
Join us as we share useful posts about outdoor living spaces, backyard projects, and home repairs
Why Outdoor Living & Patio Estimates Vary So Much (And What You’re Actually Paying For)
If you’re planning an outdoor living space or patio and have gathered a few estimates, you may have noticed something confusing: One contractor quotes $25,000.Another
Pavers vs. Natural Stone: Which Is Best for Your Backyard Patio?
An honest guide for Main Line homeowners When you’re planning a new backyard patio, the first big decision you’ll face is choosing the right material.
How Much Does a Patio Installation Cost in the Main Line Area (2026 Edition)
This is, without question, one of the most common questions we receive at Kelly Masonry. And we believe the only way to help homeowners make smart decisions is to be completely transparent about pricing.
How to Choose a Masonry Contractor in the Main Line or Chester County Area
If you’re planning a new patio, walkway, outdoor living space, or other masonry work in the Main Line or Chester County, you’re making a big
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
Dry-Stack Stone Walls: Benefits, Limitations, Cost, and Construction
A traditional dry-stack stone wall is built by carefully arranging natural stones without mortar or adhesive. The wall relies on gravity, friction, stone placement, an
Why Weeds Grow in Polymeric Sand and How to Fix the Joints
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?”