Stone masonry in San Rafael CA - a wall with no gaps behind it for water to sit in
Loose stones, crumbling joints or damp veneer? We rebuild the stonework solid, so it stays put and keeps water out.
Stone masonry means setting natural stone or thin stone veneer in mortar for walls, steps and foundations. We find out why the old stonework let go before we rebuild it, because patching only the part you can see usually means paying twice.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Free on-site estimates.
- We respond within 1 business day.
Stonework fixed at the source, not patched
The owner sees every job
I come out to look at your stone myself and stay on site while our own masons do the work.
Licensed and insured for stonework
We're fully licensed and insured, and you're welcome to check both before any work starts.
What does stone masonry work in San Rafael involve?
Stone masonry in San Rafael means building or repairing walls, steps, veneer and foundations with natural stone set in mortar, so the stone stays put and water stays out. Most natural stone lasts a long time when it suits the site, but not every stone holds up outdoors, so I'd rather use one with a good record around here than one that just looks nice in a catalog. The price moves with the stone you pick, whether it's real stone or veneer, how much wall there is, how easy it is to reach, and whether old work has to come out first. The schedule mostly turns on whether a permit is needed and on what we find once the old stone is open. Your written estimate lays out what's included, so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
What are the signs your stonework needs a mason?
Loose or missing stones
A stone that rocks when you push it, or a gap where one fell out, means the mortar behind it has let go, usually because water got in.
Cracked or sandy mortar joints
Mortar that's cracked, powdery or falling out of the joints lets rain into the wall, and once water's inside, the damage keeps going where you can't see it.
Damp patches or white powder
Dark wet patches that hang on long after rain, or a white chalky film on the face, mean water is moving through the stone or sitting behind it.
Veneer bulging or sounding hollow
Thin stone that bows out, sounds hollow when you tap it, or cracks along its edges often has water trapped behind it, and it won't fix itself.
How a stone masonry job runs, call to finish
You call or send a message
- Call (628) 234-2038 or use the form
- Tell us what's wrong and where
- Send photos if you have them
- We get back to set a visit
I come out and look
- I look at the stone myself
- You hear my take on the spot
- I explain what I'd do and why
- Written estimate shows what's included
Our crew does the work
- We check city or county requirements
- We set a start date with you
- Old work comes out, new stone goes in
- Our own masons do the work
Final check and walk-through
- I check the work before we pack up
- We clean up the site
- You walk the finished job with me
- Satisfaction guaranteed on every job
Get a free stone masonry estimate
Send photos of the wall, veneer or foundation, its rough size and whether your lot is on a hillside. We reply within one business day, and the on-site estimate comes with no obligation.
Stone masonry questions we hear
Here are straight answers to what people ask before hiring a stone mason in San Rafael. If your question isn't here, call (628) 234-2038.
Do I need a permit for stone work in San Rafael?
Most projects in San Rafael need a building permit, and the city's permit list names repairs, new structures and additions rather than stone work by name, so it's worth checking for yours. We check with the office that covers your address and, when a permit's needed, handle the paperwork and inspections. New applications go through the city's online permit system.
Is real stone or manufactured stone veneer the better choice?
For a wall that takes the weather, I'd pick real stone with a good local record, though manufactured veneer costs less. One veneer maker says manufactured veneer is significantly more economical and easier to install than real stone. The same maker says moisture problems behind adhered veneer, thin natural stone included, have grown, so either one needs careful water control.
Why do stone veneer walls fail and come loose?
Water getting in is the most common cause, one veneer maker says, and small gaps in the mortar behind a stone can hold it. We set each stone in a full bed of mortar so there's nowhere for water to sit. Keep cleaning gentle, too, because aggressive pressure washing can loosen veneer.
Is an old stone foundation safe in an earthquake?
Often not, since unreinforced stone foundations often can't resist earthquake shaking, and a house can shift off one, damaging walls, floors and utility lines. That's general guidance, not a verdict on your house. The most common fix replaces all or part of it with poured reinforced concrete, and earthquake guidance points owners to a licensed engineer or architect for it.
Does a small stone job in California need a licensed contractor?
Yes, unless it's minor work, and California's exemption for minor work tops out at $1,000 and doesn't apply if the job needs a permit or uses hired help. So any stone job that needs a permit calls for a licensed contractor, whatever the price.
Can I build a tall stone retaining wall on a hillside lot in San Rafael?
Sometimes, since San Rafael may allow taller retaining walls on hillside lots through an administrative environmental and design review. That path applies when the community development director finds it necessary to limit grading or tree removal. If you're on a slope, tell us when you call so we raise it with the city first.
Other masonry work we do
- Service
Stone veneer installation
Choose veneer when you want the look of stone on a house front, chimney or column without building a full stone wall from the ground up.
Read more Stone veneer installation - Service
Retaining wall construction
When a stone job is really about holding back a slope, a retaining wall needs its drainage and footing planned from the start, not added later.
Read more Retaining wall construction - Service
Masonry restoration
For an older stone or brick house where the walls, steps and chimney all show wear, restoration repairs the lot in one plan instead of piece by piece.
Read more Masonry restoration
Get a free estimate on your stonework
Request an estimate- VisitSan Rafael, CA 94901
- Call(628) 234-2038
- Emailteam@sanrafaelconcreteandmasonry.com
- HoursMon–Fri: 8 AM–9 PM, Sat–Sun: 6 AM–9 PM
Stone masonry around San Rafael
We're based in San Rafael and work in the cities around it, including Mill Valley and Novato. Choose yours below, or call (628) 234-2038 if it isn't listed.