Here’s a Q&A from Danielle Bach at Kirchner Block and Brick on remodeling your home with masonry materials.

Q:  What are the easiest ways to update a home’s exterior?

A: With less people moving and more people updating their homes, manufacturers have created products that are affordable and suitable for modernizing an existing home.  Thin brick and thin stone materials make it easy for a home that previously used siding to be transformed into a beautiful masonry home.  Each of these materials wighs less than 15 lbs per square foot so they can be applied to any interior or exterior wall system.

Q:  Why choose masonry when updating your home?

A:  Simply put; masonry adds value.  Whether it’s a complete renovation or addition, if you incorporate masonry you’re adding value to your home.  Brick and stone come in a variety of shapes, colors, textures, and sizes and offer a maintenance-free, affordable home.  With endless artistic applications you can re-create a home that suits your individual style.  Whether adding stone waterfalls or creating a dramatic arched entrance way with Cast Stone, you get to choose the overall feel and look of your “new” existing home.

Q:  What are the most current trends when updating a home?

A:  On the interior, we are seeing veneer stone and brick being added in kitchens as back splashes, renovation of older fireplaces, additions of wine cellars in basements, and even media rooms.  Or for the exterior, the combination of natural stone and brick set the standard.  Color combinations are moving away from gray and red to more earthtone shades.

Email trends@kirchnerblock for a link to any of the products mentioned,  You can also reach Kirchner Block and Brick at 314-291-3200 or visit their showroom at 12901 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044, or website at www.kirchnerblock.com.