A and J Masonry

08/06/2026

Most people see Oklahoma River Rock and think of walkways, creek beds, or landscaping not a full masonry fireplace.

When I picked up this stone, I was actually told, “You’re going to hate using that on a wall.”

Challenge accepted.

Because Oklahoma River Rock isn’t manufactured for vertical installation, every stone had to be individually selected, shaped, and fitted by hand. Behind the stone, we reinforced the entire structure with CMU, creating a solid fireplace while preserving the natural beauty and character of the river rock.

The variation in every piece is what makes this project special. No two stones are alike, giving the fireplace an authentic, rustic feel that looks like it’s been standing there for generations.

To finish it off, we installed a custom rustic wood mantel that perfectly complements the antique character of the stone.

Projects like this aren’t about taking the easy route—they’re about trusting craftsmanship, solving problems, and creating something unique.

This one definitely pushed us, but seeing the finished product made it worth every challenge. It was 2EZ

A & J Masonry ATX

Masonry StoneMasonry RusticHome Craftsmanship FireplaceDesign TexasMasonry CustomHome NaturalStoneMasonry BuiltToLast MasonryContractor

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

10/18/2025

Most people see a stone arch and think, “How does that even stay up?” 👀

Here’s the secret — it’s not magic, it’s masonry. 🧱💪
For these arches, instead of using full 4-inch-thick stones, we carefully cut each piece from the inside, leaving about 2 inches of stone on each edge. That creates a hollow center that lets us set the stone directly over a steel lintel while keeping the rustic, natural look.

We start by building a solid wood form, laying the stone around it, and letting the mortar fully cure. Once that’s set, the form comes off, and we lock in the final pieces with epoxy and precise mortar joints — giving the illusion that the stone is “floating” in place.

It’s a mix of engineering, patience, and old-school craftsmanship — the kind of detail that makes masonry both an art and a science.

08/11/2025

Matching buff stone to mortar isn’t always as simple as picking the right color.
I’ve learned that even the sand you use can change the outcome.
Using white sand with buff-colored mortar gives a much cleaner match — and avoids the pinkish tint that regular sand can cause.

Honestly, I didn’t think it would make such a big difference, especially since the manufacturer said the mortar isn’t designed with white sand in mind. But this experience proved it matters a lot! Sharing this so homeowners and builders know — little details can make a big impact.