Owner-operated · Cody Flynn 5.0 on Google (5) Asheville (828) 490-3623
Flynns Painting Company

Asheville Local

Masonry Work in Asheville

Retaining walls, brick, block, and stone from an insured Asheville tradesman with 14 years of hands-on experience.

5.0 from 5 Google reviews Call (828) 490-3623

Owner-operated. The person who answers is Cody Flynn.

Masonry Work in Asheville

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Asheville Masonry Work That Holds Up

Flynn's Painting Company handles masonry work in Asheville and across Western North Carolina, brick, block, stone, retaining walls, chimneys, and more. I'm Cody Flynn, and I've been working in and around Asheville's homes and commercial buildings for 14 years. If you've got a masonry project that needs a straight answer and a real start date, call me directly at (828) 490-3623.

Asheville's climate is rough on masonry. The freeze-thaw cycles we get in the mountains open up mortar joints faster than most homeowners expect, and the rainfall here isn't forgiving on improperly drained retaining walls or chimneys without good flashing. Material choice matters: natural stone handles the WNC climate well when it's set right, brick is durable if the mortar mix suits our temperature swings, and CMU (concrete masonry unit) block is cost-effective for structural applications like foundation walls and large retaining systems. What drives cost up on any masonry job is scope, access, the condition of what's already there, and the finish level you're after. A small brick repair is a different conversation than a full stone retaining wall on a sloped lot. Every job is different, contact Flynn's Painting Company for an accurate estimate.

Masonry Services We Handle

From structural block work to decorative stonework, here's where we spend most of our time.

  • proper masking and surface protection work, illustration in Woodfin, NC

    Retaining Walls

    Asheville's terrain means a lot of sloped lots that need real structural support. We build retaining walls in stone, brick, and CMU block, with proper drainage behind the wall so the hillside doesn't push it apart in two winters.

  • chimneys work, professional service in Asheville, NC

    Brick and Block Work

    Repairs, new construction, columns, garden borders, brick masonry and CMU block are workhorses. We match existing brick on older Asheville homes where we can, and we'll tell you straight if a repair isn't worth doing versus a replacement.

  • driveways work, professional service in Asheville, NC

    Stone Work

    Natural stone is the right call for a lot of Asheville properties, especially in historic neighborhoods or on homes where the existing stonework sets a standard. We work with field stone, cut stone, and veneer for walls, steps, and facades.

  • freeze thaw cycles work, illustration in Horse Shoe, NC

    Chimneys

    Mortar joints on chimneys take the worst of the freeze-thaw cycle because they're fully exposed. We repoint chimneys, repair damaged crowns, and rebuild sections that have deteriorated past the point of simple patching.

  • steps and walkways work, professional service in Asheville, NC

    Walkways and Steps

    A heaved or cracked walkway is a tripping hazard before it's an eyesore. We set stone and brick walkways and steps on a proper base so they don't shift when the ground moves, and in Asheville, the ground moves.

  • Concrete Contractor in Asheville

    Concrete Work

    For projects where poured concrete makes more sense than block or stone, we handle that too. Footings, slabs, and flatwork are part of the full-scope approach. You don't need a separate contractor.

brick and block work work, professional service in Asheville, NC

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Why Asheville's Climate Changes Every Masonry Decision

Most masonry failures I see in Asheville come down to one of two things: the wrong mortar mix for our freeze-thaw range, or no drainage behind a wall that needed it. We get real winters up here, and the mountains don't give masonry an easy life. Stone and brick expand and contract with temperature, and when water gets into a joint and freezes, it opens that joint up further every season. Repointing with the right mortar type, matched to the original material, not just whatever's cheapest at the supply house, is what separates a repair that holds for 20 years from one you're calling about again in three. For retaining walls especially, drainage isn't optional. A wall on a Black Mountain lot or anywhere on a slope in WNC that doesn't have a gravel backfill and a drain outlet is going to fail. I'd rather have that conversation up front than after the fact.

WHAT TO EXPECT

How a Masonry Estimate Works With Cody

  1. 01

    Call and Describe the Job

    Call me at (828) 490-3623 and give me the basics, what you've got, what's wrong or what you want built, and where you're located. I'll tell you on the phone whether it sounds like something we handle.

  2. 02

    On-Site Look

    I come out, look at the actual conditions, and figure out what the job really involves. For masonry especially, what you see on the surface isn't always the whole picture, I need to see the base, the drainage situation, and what's surrounding the work.

  3. 03

    Written Estimate, No Pressure

    You get a clear estimate in writing. No vague scope, no surprise add-ons after we start. If the job changes once we're into it, say, the footing underneath a wall is worse than it looked, I'll tell you before I do the extra work, not after.

stone work work, professional service in Asheville, NC

One Contractor for Paint, Masonry, and Prep Work

A lot of masonry jobs have a painting or prep component attached. Repointing a chimney and then painting the surround. Repairing a stucco section and finishing the wall. Building a block retaining wall and then painting the fence above it. Because Flynn's handles both masonry and painting work across WNC, you're not coordinating two separate contractors and two separate schedules. I do both, and I know how the masonry side affects the painting side, which matters when you're dealing with moisture, cure times, and the right primers for concrete or brick surfaces. Customers in Waynesville, Woodfin, and throughout the Asheville area have found it's a simpler process when one person handles the whole scope.
retaining walls work, professional service in Asheville, NC

Masonry Work in Asheville's Historic Neighborhoods

Asheville has some of the most distinct historic housing stock in the Southeast, Montford, Kenilworth, Grove Park, and Biltmore Village all have homes where the original masonry is part of what makes the property worth owning. Matching existing stonework or brick is not something every contractor bothers to get right. I take it seriously. That means sourcing materials that fit, using mortar color and texture that blends, and not just slapping on whatever's in stock. If you're in a historic district, there may also be permit requirements or review board considerations for exterior masonry changes, I'd rather you know about those before we start than discover them after. The City of Asheville and Buncombe County both have their own permit processes for retaining walls and exterior structural work above certain heights; check with the local building department on your specific project, and I'm happy to talk through what I've seen in practice.

The Flynn's Standard on Every Masonry Job

What you get when you call Cody Flynn for masonry work.

Insured on every job
Confirmed coverage. Ask for proof at any time.
14 years in the Asheville area
Not a franchise, not a call center. Cody shows up.
Free written estimate
See the full scope and cost before any work starts.
Honest scope assessment
If a repair is the right call, I won't pitch a full rebuild.

Masonry Questions Asheville Homeowners Ask

What's the difference between stone masonry, brick masonry, and CMU block: and which is right for my project?
Stone is the most durable and visually distinctive option, but it's also the most labor-intensive to set and match. Brick is versatile, holds up well in Asheville's climate with the right mortar, and suits both historic and modern homes. CMU (concrete masonry unit) block is the practical choice for structural applications, foundation walls, large retaining walls, below-grade work, where appearance is secondary to strength and cost. The right choice depends on what the project is actually doing and what surrounds it.
How does Asheville's freeze-thaw cycle affect masonry, and what should I watch for?
Every winter, water works its way into small cracks and mortar joints and freezes. Frozen water expands, widening those gaps. By spring, the joint is bigger than it was. Over five or ten winters, this compounds, especially on chimneys, exposed retaining walls, and north-facing surfaces that don't dry out as fast. Watch for mortar that's crumbling, joints that look recessed compared to the surrounding brick or stone, and any efflorescence (white salt deposits on the surface), which signals water moving through the masonry.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall or patio in Asheville?
Generally, yes, for retaining walls over a certain height (typically four feet in Buncombe County) and for any structural exterior work that affects drainage or grading. Permit requirements vary depending on whether you're in the city limits, unincorporated Buncombe County, or a historic district with additional review. I'd recommend contacting the Asheville Development Services department or the Buncombe County Planning department directly for your specific address and project type before we start.
Can you match existing stonework or brick on my home?
Often, yes, but I'll be straight with you about what's realistic. Older stone from local quarries can be hard to match exactly, and some brick styles from the mid-20th century aren't in production anymore. I'll source the closest match available and, in most cases, the difference is minimal once the mortar color and texture are dialed in. For historic properties in Montford or Grove Park, I take matching seriously and won't just grab what's available.
How often should a chimney be inspected, and what does repointing involve?
The general recommendation is a visual inspection annually and a full inspection every few years, especially if you use the fireplace regularly. Repointing means removing deteriorated mortar to a depth of about three-quarters of an inch and packing in fresh mortar matched to the original mix. Done right, repointed joints should last 20-plus years. Done wrong, with the wrong mortar type or too shallow a removal, they'll fail again fast because the new mortar can't bond properly to a contaminated joint.
Is masonry non-combustible, and does that matter for building near a fire feature?
Yes, brick, stone, and concrete masonry units are non-combustible materials, which is why they're the standard choice for fireplaces, fire pit surrounds, and chimney construction. That said, 'non-combustible' doesn't mean fireproof in every configuration. Clearances between combustible framing and a masonry firebox still have to meet code, and the mortar and any sealants used need to be appropriate for the temperature range the surface will see.
Is masonry non-combustible, and does it matter for outdoor fire features?
Brick, stone, and CMU are non-combustible materials. That's why they're standard for fireplaces, chimneys, and fire pit surrounds. Non-combustible doesn't eliminate every safety consideration though. Clearances between masonry fireboxes and combustible framing still have to meet code, and any sealants used around a high-heat surface need to be rated for the temperature range.
How long does a typical masonry project take?
Small repairs, repointing a chimney section, resetting a few stones in a walkway, can be a single day. A full retaining wall or a stone patio on a sloped lot with excavation involved is usually several days to a week depending on size, access, and weather. Mortar cure time is also a factor; I won't rush a job past what the materials need. Every job is different, contact Flynn's Painting Company for an accurate estimate.

Masonry Work Across Western North Carolina

Based in Asheville, Flynn's takes masonry jobs throughout Buncombe County and the surrounding mountain communities.

In the field

A look at our work

chimneys work, professional service in Asheville, NC

Ready to Talk Through Your Masonry Project?

Call Cody directly. You'll get a straight answer and a free estimate, no runaround.

Request an estimate Call (828) 490-3623

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By submitting this form you agree that we may contact you about your request and share your name and email address with partner companies for email marketing. We never share your mobile number or text message consent with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.