Mortar Construction: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking to start a construction project that uses mortar construction, you have to educate yourself on everything that using mortar construction means.

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The Advantages of Using Volumetric Concrete Mixers

As a family owned and operated business, Elston Materials is dedicated to providing clients with the best masonry results. As part of our effort to deliver unparalleled service – at a reasonable cost – we depend on volumetric concrete mixers. The advantages are irrefutable.

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Masonry Basics: Bricks, Blocks, and How It's All Made

Bricks are literally the building blocks of masonry. We use them for creating structures and pavement every day. You probably live or work in a building made of bricks, or you walk on streets or sidewalks of them. The brick material is so useful because it’s incredibly long-lasting and strong, but what it’s actually made up of — and what the different kinds are used for — can vary a lot. Here’s the deal. Continue reading

Where Chicago Contractors Go to Buy Supplies &Materials

A lot of time and work go into the making of a business. Here’s what turned us into the premier source for Chicago construction supplies and masonry needs. The contractors go to Elston. Continue reading

6 Construction Facts to Win Friends & Influence Others With

Concrete as a material and construction as a business go back quite a ways. You might say they’re old friends, even. We’ve got some fun concrete and construction facts for anyone who asks, any time. This stuff is our specialty. And it sounds like you’re asking. Continue reading

Brick Tongs: What They Are & How to Use Them Properly

Brick tongs are very important to construction and masonry work. One good tool can last you a very long time. Here we explain what you use them for, and how you can to use them. Continue reading

Water Repellents for Masonry: Different Uses, Different Materials

Water repellents are not actually necessary to set masonry, but we do use them and sell them. We find that some masons (and their clients) depend on these incorrectly. People like to think that they don’t need to maintain their brick and concrete work as much if it’s “protected” with water repellents. But this is not the case. Continue reading

Planning the Patio of Your Dreams

Concrete patios are trending right now. Whether you’re looking to install a brand-new patio or refurbish an old one, here’s a little inspiration to get you started.  Continue reading

What Is Masonry?

We provide thousands of tools, products, and materials for use in masonry. Whether you’re working with a general contractor or an architect, “masonry” may come into conversation. This can confuse the uninitiated. We decided to break down this trade and explain more about our work and the work of our clients, for anyone out there unfamiliar with or new to it. Continue reading

5 Decorative Concrete Projects to Inspire You (Or Just Dream About)

When you’re constantly working with and supplying materials like concrete to general contractors, masons, and other clients, it’s exciting to see what decorative projects others are working on. Sure, we’ve got skin in the game here. We’ve got the concrete and the blocks. But who’s to deny us some possible inspiration? Continue reading