From 1920s brick bungalows in Palo Alto to stone chimneys in Woodside, Peninsula homes deserve masons who match the original materials. We restore, remove, convert and maintain chimneys, and build stone and brick work that fits the house.
Real Peninsula projects, told in texts
Whether you're restoring a 90-year-old chimney, removing one for a remodel, or just keeping one clean, we handle it with care for the house around it.
Period-correct mortarWorn joints raked out and refilled with mortar matched in strength and color to the original, so the brick lasts and the repair disappears.
Remodels & additionsTaking a chimney down during a remodel, or rebuilding the top to suit a new roofline. We work with your architect and general contractor.
All-electric homesGoing all-electric? We prepare the firebox for an electric insert and seal the flue. Prefer a real flame? We prep for a gas insert instead.
Wood-burning fireplacesCleaning plus a careful check of the flue, damper and crown. Common before listing a home or after buying one.
Oaks & redwoodsUnder big oaks and redwoods, caps clog with leaves and needles. We fit caps with the right mesh and repair the crown underneath.
Winter rainsStains on the ceiling beside the fireplace after a storm usually start at the flashing. We trace the leak and fix it for good.
Brick from the 1920s–40s is often softer than modern brick. Hard cement mortar can make it crack and flake, so we use mortar that's compatible.
Smeared gray patches and mismatched joints are common. We undo them and redo the work so it blends in.
Character brick and stone are hard to match. We source reclaimed brick and blend stone so new work sits next to old.
Older chimneys usually have no steel inside. We check for movement and explain reinforcement or rebuild options.
Restoration takes more care than a quick patch. Here's how we approach every older chimney and wall.
We check the brick, joints, crown, flashing and flue, and photograph what needs attention.
Mortar color and strength, joint profile and replacement brick are matched and shown to you first.
Joints raked by hand where needed, damaged units replaced, the top rebuilt if it has to be.
Crown sealed, cap fitted and a breathable repellent applied so the work lasts.
Clogged mesh blocks the draft and sends smoke back into the room. We clean caps and fit leaf-resistant designs.
Shaded, north-facing brick stays damp and grows moss that holds water. We clean it gently and treat the brick.
Overhanging limbs drop debris and are a fire risk near a working chimney. We'll flag what needs trimming.
In Woodside, Portola Valley and Emerald Hills, a spark arrestor screen is a must if you burn wood.
Dry-stacked and mortared stone walls for gardens, terraces and sloped lots.
Loose or rocking flagstone reset on a solid base, and new patios and garden steps laid.
Herringbone and basketweave paths, lifted by roots or settling, relaid level.
Brick and stone columns for driveways and front gates, repaired or built new.
Our yard on Warrington Avenue sits right off 101 and Woodside Road, so we reach both the bayside towns and the hill towns quickly. Choose a town.
Typical drives from 815 Warrington Ave when 101 is moving. We set your appointment window on the phone.
Older brick is often softer than modern brick. Mortar should be weaker than the brick so it, not the brick, takes the stress from movement and moisture. Repointing soft brick with hard cement mortar can cause the brick faces to crack and spall, so we match the mortar to the original.
Yes. Chimneys can be taken down partly, usually below the roofline, or removed entirely. It's best planned with your architect and contractor so framing, roofing and any permits are handled together.
Yes. Electric inserts fit into most existing fireboxes and only need an outlet nearby. The flue is then sealed or capped so you don't lose heat or let in rain. It's a popular choice for homes going all-electric.
Moss holds moisture against the brick and mortar, which speeds up wear. It should be cleaned off gently, never pressure-washed on soft brick, and treated so it doesn't come back quickly. Trimming overhanging branches helps too.
We look for reclaimed brick of the same size, color and texture, and blend stone from similar sources. Mortar is mixed and tested for color before we start, so you can approve it.
Yes. Much of our work is part of larger remodels, and we coordinate scheduling and details with your design and building team.
Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 7 PM. Closed Sunday.
San Mateo to Los Altos, and from the bayside towns up into the hills.
Restoration, removal, conversion or a new stone wall. Call Mid Peninsula Masonry & Chimney and we'll set up a visit.
(650) 326-2727 Call our masons| Monday | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM – 7 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |