Masonry Skills (softcover) [Paperback]

Richard T. Kreh (Author), Kreh (Author), R. T. Kreh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0827371764 | ISBN-13: 978-0827371767 | Publication Date: January 28, 1997 | Edition: 4

Written by a Master Mason with over 40 years of professional masonry and construction experience, this all-new edition of today's best-selling guide to understanding and learning how to do masonry work is approved by The Brick Industry of America! Extraordinarily complete, the author draws upon more than 25 years as an instructor to provide users with a reader-friendly, comprehensive guide to basic information and advanced skills- from materials, bonds, brick, and concrete block, through advanced work such as building fireplaces, arches, and more! All technical and safety information has been thoroughly updated to reflect current industry practices and federally mandated guidelines. An all-new unit on glass block masonry developed in conjunction with Pittsburgh Corning Company, the leading manufacturer of glass block in the United States, has also been added to this edition to equip masonry students and professionals with the expertise they need to respond to rising demands for this material in home and commercial applications. In addition to featuring a wealth of helpful illustrations, all projects have been field-tested in masonry shops to guarantee their usefulness in developing the competencies required of today's professionals.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Member National Assoc. of Home & Workshop Writers

Product Details

• Paperback: 596 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Thomson Learning; 4 edition (January 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0827371764
• ISBN-13: 978-0827371767
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,469,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive text book of masonry building techniques, November 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Masonry Skills (softcover) (Paperback)

A text book aimed at persons studying to become professional masons. The writing is clear and readily understandable by professional and non professional alike. The technical information presented goes far beyond that found in most books in this field which are aimed at DIY and semi professional builders. It makes a wide range of tasks such as arch and fireplace construction accessible to anyone able to mix cement and position a brick.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Novice mason learned much from this book, June 27, 2005

By 

Bradley C. Rinehart "Bradley Rinehart" (New Freedom, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Masonry Skills, 5E (Hardcover)

I am a craftsman skilled in telephone, electrical and concrete work. Masonry is a new skill that I am working to acquire.

We renovate rental properties. Recently, we purchased several older properties which require substantial work. We are also adding space for bathrooms and laundry areas. The exterior of these properties is brick. We wish to use brick veneer for the addition to blend the addition into the original structure.

We understand the need to do things right the first time. I also have a great love for high quality craftsmanship. This book emphasizes both.

The book is well written and illustrated. The information is applicable to masons working for large contractors or mom and pop shops. The author coaches the reader and describes how to develop job skills. The author also warns the reader of potential problems and how to avoid them.

The experienced masons that I work with have also learned from this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Little Outdated, August 14, 2007

By 

T. Jones - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Masonry Skills (hardcover) (Hardcover)

I've been a mason for 15 years. And there are alot of benefits to the brick portion of the book. But the impression they leave, which is why I bought the book in the first place, lacked. Their blueprint reading section leaves much to be desired. Granted it does show some symbols, but it never explains what those symbols are or how they are used in a commercial setting. I was also under the impression that I was getting the 5th ed. and was sent the 4th edition. I don't know how much more they updated their book, but the block they use in their pictures, and the legends they use for the prints are way out of date. Perhaps they were masons in the 1950's or something. I really wouldn't recommend this book unless you know nothing about masonry, block, brick or print reading. But if you are green, this book is for you. You could build something successfully by the instructions of this book. But if you are serious about progressing in masonry as a career...find another book.