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The Carolinas Concrete Masonry Association is a leading trade association that is dedicated to promoting concrete masonry. It is focused on helping its members with research, marketing, and government relations as well as networking opportunities. This association enhances the product knowledge and visibility of masonry block applications within the industry for concrete commercial buildings and retaining walls. The CCMA website is an important resource for engineers, builders and architects.

The common materials that are used in masonry construction are marble, brick, limestone, concrete block and stone. With these kinds of materials, masonry contractors build durable brick patios, steps, walkways, masonry structures and stone walls. Although masonry construction is highly durable, the quality of workmanship, material and the mortar used and the way the materials are laid greatly affect the durability and overall look of masonry construction. Stone walls can add great value to your home, by creating scenic boundaries for your landscape.

Residential masonry contractors also build retaining walls that are required for appropriate drainage and also maintain a level grade for the landscape. With concrete, cement blocks, or any kind of rock and filed stones, masonry contractors are able to provide a wide variety of landscaping options. Concrete block masonry is utilized in retaining walls because retaining wall blocks have hollow cores that offer great compressive power. Some concrete blocks have cores with steel reinforcement that provides greater lateral power for masonry structures.

Masonry is basically the building of different structures from individual parts that are bound together by mortar. Stone masonry that uses dressed stones is called ashlars masonry. Masonry utilizing irregularly-shaped stones is known as rubble masonry. Rubble masonry and ashlars masonry can be laid in courses by the cutting of stones. Sometimes, river rock is utilized as a veneer. The large rectangular blocks used in construction are known as concrete masonry units. These units are much larger than bricks, which makes laying block walls much faster. Concrete blocks also have lower water absorption rates than bricks. They are utilized as a structural core used for the walls of garages, industrial buildings and factories.

Ronald Jeff is an architect who has been in the industry for more than 15 yrs. He also works on row house design and concrete paving design. You can find his advice here on CCMA. He is an active participant in the online community, offering advice on green building materials, such as concrete masonry units and brick and mortar.