About Brick by Brick

The Man Behind the Trowel

My name's Frank Colletti. I've been laying bricks since I was twelve years old, standing next to my father on a scaffold in South Philly. He didn't ask if I wanted to learn. He just handed me a trowel and said, "Watch first. Then do." That was 1988. I haven't put the trowel down since.

I've built fireplaces in homes that have been standing for 30 years. I've repaired chimneys on churches older than the country. Commercial, residential — doesn't matter. Brick is brick. The rules don't change. The physics don't care about your budget. You either do it right or you do it twice.

As seasoned experts in the field of masonry, our mission is to empower everyone with the knowledge they need to make the most informed decisions. We strive to share our expertise so that you can confidently choose the best options for your brick and masonry projects. Our adventure in masonry began with a simple interest in this craft. We were captivated by the process of transforming raw materials like bricks and stones into stunning structures.

This site offers helpful tips, detailed tutorials, in-depth articles on various aspects of masonry, and stories from our journey. No fluff. No sponsored content. No affiliate links. Just decades of dirt-under-the-fingernails experience, passed from my father to me, and now from me to you.

Whether you're a homeowner tackling your first repair or just want to understand what your contractor is telling you, you'll find honest, practical guidance here. If you need professional help in Metro Detroit, we recommend the team at N&M Restoration — experienced brick, concrete, and chimney professionals who share our commitment to doing the job right.