Masonry is a specialty trade where a 10% error in material estimation means hundreds of units short — or hundreds left over. Masonry estimate software calculates brick, block, and stone quantities with the precision your bids require.
What masonry contractors need in estimate software
- Unit count with waste — brick (7 per sqft standard bond), block (1.125 per sqft for 8×16), stone varies
- Mortar calculation — approximately 7 bags Type S mortar per 100 sqft of brick
- Foundation work — footing dimensions, rebar schedule, block courses
- Scaffold and equipment — scaffold rental, mixer, saw
- Tuckpointing vs. new work — very different labor rates
Masonry pricing quick reference (2026, installed)
- Brick veneer installation — $15–$30/sqft
- Concrete block wall — $10–$20/sqft
- Natural stone veneer — $25–$50/sqft
- Tuckpointing (repointing) — $5–$15/sqft
- Retaining wall (natural stone) — $30–$60/sqft face
- Retaining wall (block/CMU) — $15–$30/sqft face
- Fireplace masonry — $3,000–$10,000+
- Chimney rebuild — $1,500–$4,000+
How to estimate a masonry project
- Calculate face area: length × height for each wall section
- Count units: multiply face sqft by units-per-sqft for your specific brick/block size
- Calculate mortar: use 7-bag rule per 100 sqft or your supplier's calculator
- Add scaffold: typically $300–$600/week for a crew-sized setup
- Estimate labor hours: standard brick = 1–1.5 hrs/sqft (includes scaffolding)
Common masonry estimating mistakes
- Not confirming footing depth with engineer before bidding foundation work
- Forgetting lintel costs over openings ($50–$200 each)
- Under-quoting tuckpointing — it looks simple but is slow, methodical work
The ConstruMate masonry calculator handles unit counts, mortar, and scaffold costs automatically. Generate a detailed proposal and close the job before competitors respond.
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