Restoring Houses of Brick and Stone (Paperback)

~ Nigel Hutchins (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this unusual book, Hutchins, a preservationist and author of the excellent Restoring Old Houses (Firefly, 1997), seeks to show not only the history of North American stone and brick building styles but how to restore them properly so that they will be intact for future generations. The subjects covered include inspection, maintenance, building techniques, and finishes. The author assumes that the reader has some experience, so he does not provide step-by-step instructions. Formulas for a variety of stuccos, whitewashes, and plasters are provided as well as lists of tools. Excellent line drawings as well as current and historical photos of numerous types of structures help explain tools and terminology. This book will appeal to readers with an interest in architecture and historic preservation as well as those who are active restorers. Libraries that own the first edition (1982) can easily pass on this revised edition, because they are very similar.AJonathan N. Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Akron, OH
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Restoring Houses of Brick and Stone is the definitive guide to all facets of the frustrating, expensive and satisfying business of restoring and rehabilitating old stone houses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books; Rev Upd edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552092224
• ISBN-13: 978-1552092224
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,073,018 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not specifically stone/brick house restoration, December 6, 2002

By	Thomas T. Amlie (Cold Brook, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Although this is a nice picture book, it doesn't really deal with the restoration of stone houses per-se. Some info. on interior restoration which applies equally well to frame houses, some sketchy information on general building with masonry. HOWEVER, if you're specifically looking for a reference on repairs/restoration of structural stone/brick problems, look elsewhere. I've got a stone/brick house with bowed walls, collapsed foundation, collapsed arches above windows, etc., and none of these items was touched upon in the remotest fashion.

If you're searching for something similar to what I'm looking for, look elsewhere. If you find something good, LET ME KNOW!!!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Restoring House of Brick and Stone, October 13, 2000

By	j. bond (Montreal QC Canada) - See all my reviews

This book has one of the most thorough treatments of masonry techniques I've encountered. It covers subjects for which information often proves difficult to find, e.g. restoration of antique stone fireplaces. It has lots of detail yet covers a wide range of pertinent subjects. All this and the author has a readable style and interesting stories. I would enjoy meeting these people.

5.0 out of 5 stars A resource for owners of old brick houses, December 22, 2004

By	Z*lda (Dubuque, IA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Restoring Houses of Brick and Stone (Hardcover)

I think this book is a marvelous resource for homeowners who wish to better understand their old brick homes. I bought it for a future resource & reference, because just we purchased a 130+ year old brick house.

This book is stuffed with practical information about how to maintain and restore these old structures. Sure, the language can be complicated, and it's sort of like following along at the shoulder of a building inspector as he ruminates about construction techniques.

Suggestions range from cheap to authentic restoration, and there are mortar and other recipes in the back. There are also many good black and white photos thoughout the book.

There's good discussion of old plastering techniques, and you can see in the photo what plaster and lathe looks like without having it fall from your own walls.

I think this book would help other owners of old brick houses to figure out the reasoning behind what's inside their interior and exterior walls.