Our Story
With 34 years of dedicated experience, the owner of Caledonian Masonry brings a unique European craftsmanship tradition to San Mateo. His journey began with a formal four-year apprenticeship in Scotland, where he also volunteered to preserve historic castles and stately homes with the National Trust of Scotland. This deep respect for the craft is supported by ongoing education through workshops and memberships in professional organizations like The Stone Foundation and The Drystone Walling Association of GB, where he holds a Level 1 drystone waller certification. For 19 years, Caledonian Masonry has served the Bay Area, specializing in a comprehensive range of masonry from foundational blockwork and brickwork to artistic stonework. Their expertise covers practical solutions like driveways, patios, and retaining walls, as well as architectural features including traditional drystone walls, brick pizza ovens, fireplaces, and elegant staircases. Every project is approached with the meticulous care and enduring quality learned from a lifelong passion for the trade.
Service Capabilities
- Landscaping building construction
- Exterior wall construction
- Interior wall construction
- Outdoor kitchen construction
- Interior wall repair
- Walkway construction or installation
- Stonemasons
FAQs
Can you help with a sloped yard or poor drainage in my San Mateo garden?
Absolutely. Many San Mateo homes deal with grading and drainage challenges. We specialize in constructing functional and attractive retaining walls, which are essential for managing soil erosion and creating usable level spaces on sloped properties. Properly built retaining walls also help direct water flow away from your home's foundation. Combined with our expertise in grading and installing permeable walkways or patios, we can transform problematic areas into stable, beautiful parts of your landscape.
What is drystone walling, and is it suitable for our area?
Drystone walling is a traditional masonry technique that uses carefully fitted stones without mortar. It's an art form I learned during my apprenticeship in Scotland and through work with historic preservation groups. This method is excellent for our climate, as it allows for natural drainage and flexibility, making it ideal for garden borders, retaining walls, and decorative features in San Mateo landscapes. As a certified Level 1 drystone waller, I build walls that are not only beautiful but also structurally sound and long-lasting.
Do you handle both new construction and repairs for masonry features?
Yes, we offer complete services from new installation to restoration. Whether you're adding a new brick patio, outdoor kitchen, or exterior wall, or need to repair existing stonework, cracked concrete, or a failing retaining wall, we have the skills. With decades of experience in all forms of masonry—including blockwork, brickwork, and stonework—we ensure repairs match the original craftsmanship, preserving the integrity and aesthetics of your property.
























