Heritage masonry • trusted local craft

Stone and brickwork that stands the test of time.

Marty Vandenberg brings decades of hands-on masonry expertise to heritage repairs, structural rebuild and premium stonework across Hamilton and Oakville.

35+ years of experience Fully insured and safety focused Serving the local region directly

Direct line: 289-682-1800

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Start with a project brief.

35+ Years

In Masonry Trade

Marty knows nearly all there is to know about the trade.

~30 Years in business

Business Owner

Serving local communities with stable, direct accountability.

Business Insurance

Fully Insured

Protecting your property and structural assets completely.

Expert Masonry Contracting

MJV Masonry and Contracting provides specialized residential and commercial brick, stone, and structural repairs. Marty does not offer quick cosmetic patches—he does structural, heavy-duty work meant to last.

1. Brick Repair & Repointing

Crumbling mortar and spalling bricks invite serious water damage. Marty grinds out failing paths and replaces mortar or bricks cleanly to maintain your building's structural health.

  • Brick repair & replacement
  • Custom brick repointing
  • Color & mortar profile matching

2. Chimney Repair & Rebuilds

High winds and freeze-thaw cycles break down chimneys first. From small brick mortar tune-ups to complete structural chimney tear-downs and rebuilds, Marty handles it safely.

  • Chimney tuckpointing & repairs
  • Complete chimney teardowns
  • Crown repairs & flashing prep

3. Stonework & Custom Masonry

Professional application of natural or manufactured stones for a high-end architectural look. Includes fireplaces, custom brick installations, and complex outdoor living spaces.

  • Natural stonework layouts
  • Manufactured stone veneers
  • Indoor fireplaces & outdoor kitchens

4. Restoration & Heritage Masonry

Historic structures require lime-rich, soft mortars. Using heavy Portland cement on old brick causes catastrophic crushing. Marty understands old-world heritage matching.

  • Heritage-approved lime mortars
  • Careful non-destructive cleaning
  • Historical detail matching

5. Steps, Porches & Walkways

Unstable, shifting front steps are major slip-and-fall hazards. Marty builds heavy stone steps, level walkways, concrete block structures, and reinforced retaining walls.

  • Front steps & porch masonry
  • Structural retaining walls
  • Flagstone & heavy block work

6. Parging, Foundation & Water Repairs

Moisture and earth pressure crack and degrade block and concrete walls. Structural damage to the basement wall needs proper rebuilding with engineer approved reinforcement. We apply clean sand-and-cement parging coats for aesthetic upgrades. We fill and seal concrete cracks to keep water out.

  • Smooth decorative parging
  • Concrete block foundation repair
  • Water intrusion & spall protection
Tradesman Standard

MJV Core Principles

"After working in this trade for 35+ years, you learn there is simply no shortcut to a solid mortar matrix. I match materials properly, keep structural foundations level, and charge fairly."

1
High-Grade Mortar Formulations

We verify structural brick vintage to ensure correct aggregate levels and flex strength.

2
Direct Contractor Accountability

Marty is the master mason on your site. You will not deal with high-turnover subcontracting crews.

3
Meticulous Joint Cleaning

We grind cleanly to an even, stable depth to guarantee modern sealing compounds bond thoroughly.

Honest Masonry Built on Real Experience

Marty Vandenberg has spent 35+ years working with trowels, hammers, and chisels. He learned much of his trade from his father, and after operating his own contracting company for about 30 years, Marty values solid materials, accurate structural foundations, and reliable communication.

Precise Detail Matching

We match historical patterns, custom color profiles, and brick densities where possible so repairs integrate seamlessly.

Clean, Safe Work Sites

Safety is prioritized. Debris is thoroughly swept away and hauled off daily to keep your walkways safe.

Marty's Portfolio

After view of brick-to-stone exterior transformation with new stone facade
After
Before view of original grey brick exterior before stone transformation
Before

Brick-to-Stone Exterior Transformation

Original grey brick refreshed with a custom stone exterior finish.

Before & After
Commercial stone sign pillar with natural stone veneer and capstone
Commercial Stone Signs and Pillars Commercial Stonework
Custom stone entrance and facade on a residential exterior
Custom Stone Entrance & Facade Exterior Stonework
Custom stone porch renovation with layered stonework and repaired porch wall
Custom Stone Veneer Porch Stonework
Flagstone walkway and steps repair with wet stone surface and renewed mortar joints
Flagstone Walkway & Steps Repair Stone Step Repair
Stone porch base and foundation details below a residential front entrance
Custom Home Stone Porch & Brickwork Porch Foundation
Natural stone exterior wall with white window trim and a round accent window
Natural Stone Exterior Wall Exterior Stonework
Custom stone chimney built with mixed natural stone on a residential roofline
Custom Stone Chimney Stone Chimney
Brickwork in progress with concrete block wall alignment and fresh mortar
Brickwork In Progress Active Brickwork
Brickwork in progress around an outdoor masonry fireplace and stone surround
Brickwork In Progress Active Brickwork

See MJV Masonry on Facebook

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Serving Hamilton & Surrounding Communities

Marty primarily operates within a 1-hour maximum travel radius from his core bases. Projects of significant scale or historical heritage value that sit outside this standard travel radius are reviewed manually.

Hamilton
Burlington
Stoney Creek
Oakville
Grimsby
Dundas
Mississauga
Brantford

*Note: Travel fees may sometimes apply depending on total commute and overall job scale.

Do You Have Urgent Structural Damage?

If your property shows signs of active structural decay, please flag it immediately. Marty reviews safety-related issues first. We cannot promise instant emergency services, but we do prioritize these serious cases.

Damaged brick chimney with cracked mortar and loose masonry requiring urgent repair
Falling brickwork
Loose facade stones
Leaning chimneys
Severe foundation water intrusion
Crumbling or shifted basement walls
Unsafe masonry steps
Settling structural cracks

Describe Your Masonry Project

Marty provides accurate estimates after reviewing photos and project details.

Google Form

Marty's Quoting Rules:

MJV Masonry provides phone estimates only after photos have been shared. Site visits depend on project type, and a site visit fee may apply. To receive a response, you must provide your address, phone number, and a thorough project description.
Upload Project Photos PNG, JPG formats supported. Photos are highly preferred before quoting.
Please note: MJV Masonry has a standard minimum charge of $250 per project.
Complete the official quote request form Open Quote Request Form

By submitting this quote request, you agree that MJV Masonry & Contracting may collect and use the information you provide, including your name, contact details, project address, project description, photos, and preferred timeline, for the purpose of reviewing your request, preparing a quote, contacting you about your project, scheduling a visit if needed, and providing related customer service.

MJV Masonry & Contracting will not sell your personal information. Your information may be shared only with trusted service providers, subcontractors, or business partners when reasonably necessary to respond to your request, assess the project, provide a quote, schedule work, complete services, maintain records, or comply with legal requirements.

By submitting this form, you confirm that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge and that you have permission to submit any property photos or project information included in your request.

Review the Quote Form Privacy Consent for more details.

Marty Vandenberg on site with masonry tools and brickwork
Master Mason Owner

Behind the Trowel: Marty Vandenberg

In the masonry trade, experience is the only textbook that matters. I have spent 35+ years working with natural stone, structural foundations, and heritage brick work. I founded MJV Masonry and Contracting about 30 years ago, focusing entirely on high-quality restorations and heritage brick work.

"After being in the business for a long time, you know a good deal of what there is to know about masonry. I ensure your chimney, steps, porches, and fireplaces are built on verified foundations."

If you are looking for an experienced trade specialist who values clear communication, structural integrity, and honest customer service, I am ready to review your project description.

Fully Insured Trade Business

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, direct answers about MJV Masonry services, quote requests, service areas and project expectations.