Masonry Glossary — Terms Explained for Homeowners
Key masonry and hardscape terms explained plainly, each on its own page — so you can have an informed conversation with any contractor.
Batter
Batter is the intentional backward lean built into a retaining wall to resist soil pressure.
Read →Bedding sand
Bedding sand is a thin, screeded layer of coarse sand that levels pavers during installation.
Read →Compacted sub-base
A compacted sub-base is the crushed-stone layer beneath a patio or wall that carries the load.
Read →Edge restraint
An edge restraint is the border that locks the perimeter pavers of a patio or walkway in place.
Read →Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the white, powdery salt deposit that can appear on new pavers, concrete, or stone.
Read →Fieldstone
Fieldstone is natural, uncut stone gathered from the surface, used for walls and veneer.
Read →Flagstone
Flagstone is irregular, flat natural stone used for patios and walkways.
Read →Frost heave
Frost heave is the upward movement of soil and structures when ground water freezes and expands.
Read →Frost line
The frost line is the depth to which ground moisture freezes in winter — about 36 inches locally.
Read →Geotextile fabric
Geotextile fabric is a permeable layer placed between soil and base stone to stop the two from mixing.
Read →Hardscape
Hardscape is the built, non-living portion of a landscape — patios, walls, walkways, and fire features.
Read →Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is water pressure that builds behind a wall when drainage is inadequate.
Read →Mortar joint
A mortar joint is the filled space between stones or masonry units.
Read →Paver
A paver is a manufactured concrete or stone unit set on a prepared base to form patios and walkways.
Read →Pennsylvania bluestone
Pennsylvania bluestone is a dense, regional sedimentary stone prized for patios and steps.
Read →Polymeric sand
Polymeric sand is a jointing compound that sets firm to lock paver joints and resist weeds.
Read →Repointing
Repointing is renewing the mortar joints of existing masonry by removing and refilling them.
Read →Segmental retaining wall
A segmental retaining wall is a mortarless wall built from interlocking concrete block units.
Read →Stone veneer
Stone veneer is a thin layer of natural or manufactured stone applied to a structural surface.
Read →Weep hole
A weep hole is a small drainage opening that lets water escape from behind a wall.
Read →