TrueMasonry

If you live in Madison, AL, you’ve probably seen puddles forming after a long rain. Some driveways flood, side yards stay muddy, and patios stay slippery for days. More homeowners are now choosing brick pavers because they solve drainage problems in ways concrete and asphalt can’t. And recently, this trend exploded in the news, especially around stormwater and flooding concerns. In the last few days, engineers and paving companies have been pushing the idea of using permeable paver systems to help control runoff and reduce flooding from heavy storms. They say cities and homeowners must rethink how they build outdoor spaces as rain becomes stronger and more frequent. That idea caught attention fast, and now more people are asking how pavers can help in Madison. The New Trend: Permeable Brick Pavers Across the country, more companies are talking about permeable paving systems for driveways, patios, and walkways. The message is simple: instead of letting water run off, we should make ou...

If you own a home with a brick fireplace , you probably think of it as a solid and reliable feature. Yet a recent event in New York has many homeowners rethinking the condition of their masonry. A large brick chimney collapsed without warning, and while the situation happened far away, the lesson is very close to home. Even strong brick structures can hide serious problems. A Wake-Up Call From New York A giant brick chimney suddenly fell from the upper floors of a building. Thousands of pounds of brick crashed down, destroying part of the structure below. People were shocked because no major warning signs were reported before it happened. Events like this remind us that masonry problems often start quietly. They might grow slowly, then fail all at once. Your home fireplace may not be as large or dramatic, but the key message is the same: age, neglect, and hidden weaknesses can lead to serious issues. Why Should Pay Attention Huntsville has many older houses, especially in established n...

If you’ve been thinking about building an outdoor kitchen, 2026 might be the best time to make it happen. Over the past few days, two major reports—one on home and garden spending and another on home-service growth—revealed something surprising: Americans are planning to invest more money in their backyards than inside their homes next year. And outdoor kitchens sit right at the top of that list. This trend isn’t just happening in big cities or warm coastal states. It’s happening here in North Alabama, and homeowners are set to feel the impact more than most. With demand rising fast, the next twelve months will shape how people plan, budget, and schedule their outdoor upgrades. Why Outdoor Kitchens Are Surging in 2026 The Home & Garden Spending Report 2025–2026 showed that people aged 55 and older are putting more of their home-improvement budgets toward outdoor living. That group makes up a growing part of Madison’s population, especially in new subdivisions and established neighb...

If you’ve been on Instagram, Pinterest, or even scrolling through home design news lately, you’ve probably noticed one thing: the farmhouse trend is back in full force for 2025. And leading the comeback is the stone hearth. It shows up in new builds, remodels, and older brick homes all across Alabama. Homeowners want a warm, grounded look that feels cozy during cold snaps and stylish all year long. The stone hearth checks every box, which is why it has become the main focal point in so many living rooms. Recent design articles highlight full-stone fireplaces, chunky mantels, soft whitewashed finishes, and rustic textures. At the same time, Alabama has seen quick shifts in temperature, making fireplaces a real heat source again instead of just decoration. When you mix this trend with the practical reality of our weather, it becomes clear why the stone hearth has returned as the centerpiece of the home. Why Stone Hearths Are Winning in 2025 The farmhouse style for 2025 isn’t the old hea...