Colin Clark BuildersEst. 1978 · East Dorset
A Dorset outbuilding on a flint and brick plinth with brick quoins and a stone-slate roof

Service

Brick, flint & stone masonry

Exceptional walling in flint, brick and stone — matching the local vernacular or creating something new — plus structural knock-throughs, steelwork and underpinning.

Our team of skilled bricklayers and masons build to an exceptional standard in flint, brick and stone — to match existing walls or for unique new builds, using reclaimed as well as newly sourced materials.

We can arrange any aspect of architectural features, including stonemasonry, leadwork, cast-iron or copper guttering, hard landscaping and garden structures. Examples of our work can be seen throughout our gallery.

A flint and brick plinth beneath a limewashed Dorset outbuilding, with brick quoins
A flint and brick plinth with brick quoins — matched to the local vernacular.

Structural work

Structural knock-throughs, steelwork, underpinning and the reinforcing of existing buildings — as well as structurally demanding new builds and extensions — can all be undertaken by our team. Structural calculations, with all relevant insurances, are provided by contacts who are among the very best in the area.

Masonry & structural services

  • Flint, brick and stone walling — new build and matching repairs
  • Architectural stonemasonry and feature detailing
  • Leadwork, cast-iron and copper guttering
  • Hard landscaping and garden structures
  • Knock-throughs, steelwork and underpinning
  • Reinforcement of existing buildings, with full structural calculations

Frequently asked questions

Why should an old flint or stone wall be repointed with lime mortar rather than cement?

Traditional flint, brick and stone walls were built to breathe. Lime mortar is softer and more porous than cement, so it lets moisture evaporate out through the joints and flexes with the wall's natural seasonal movement. Hard cement pointing traps damp behind the masonry, which can spall brick faces, detach flints and cause frost damage. We repoint in like-for-like lime to match the original mortar and protect the fabric. Every wall differs, so we assess yours first.

Do I need Listed Building Consent to repoint or repair my wall?

Genuinely like-for-like repair with a matching lime mortar and the same technique usually does not need consent, but the line between repair and alteration is narrow. Larger areas, or changing the mortar type, colour or pointing style, can require Listed Building Consent on a listed building or one in a conservation area. We always recommend confirming with your local conservation officer first, many councils offer free pre-application advice, and we are happy to advise on what your project is likely to need.

What is galleting, and will my repaired flintwork match the original?

Galleting is the traditional practice of pressing small flint chips, stone or tile slivers into the wet mortar joints of flintwork, both decorative and practical, as it reduces the volume of mortar and the risk of shrinkage. Matching old work means assessing the existing flints (knapped, whole or coursed), the mortar colour and aggregate, and the joint finish, then repairing in sympathy. Our masonry team work to blend repairs with the surrounding wall rather than leave them standing out.

What does brick, flint or stone repointing typically cost in the UK?

As a researched guide to the typical UK market, heritage lime repointing often falls in the region of around £60 to £120+ per square metre, varying widely with access (scaffolding), the height and condition of the wall, how much old cement must be raked out, and the type of masonry. These are general market ranges, not our quote, every old building is different. We offer a consultancy visit to assess the wall properly and give you a tailored price, with the visit fee deducted from the final invoice if the work proceeds.

Start a project

Built in flint, brick and stone.

Established 1978In-house team, not subcontractors Fully insuredNo-obligation first conversation