Outdoor fireplaces and hardscapes, built to outlast the trend
MCP designs and builds masonry services in Maryland — patios, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces, and walkways — with the same masons who've kept Montgomery County chimneys standing since 1991. If you searched "hardscape services near me," you found the crew that builds them and stands behind them.
Our Certifications & Awards
Residential hardscapes for the way you actually use your yard
MCP designs and builds residential hardscapes in Maryland — patios, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces, and walkways — with the same masons who've kept Montgomery County chimneys standing since 1991. If you searched "hardscape services near me," you found the crew that builds them and stands behind them.
Brickwork
Whether you need brick repairs, installations, or restoration, our team of skilled masons is equipped to handle it all. We use high-quality materials and advanced techniques to ensure durable and visually appealing results.
Stone Masonry
From natural stone walls to intricate stone features, our experts have the expertise to bring your vision to life. We source premium-quality stones and employ precise craftsmanship to create stunning and long-lasting structures.
Chimney Repair/Restoration
As chimney specialists, we offer comprehensive chimney repair and restoration services. From mortar joint repair to chimney crown replacement, our team can address all your chimney-related needs, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Masonry Repointing
Over time, mortar joints can deteriorate due to exposure to the weather and age. Our repointing services involve removing deteriorated mortar and replacing it with new mortar, enhancing the structural integrity and appearance of your Masonry/Hardscaping work.
Tuckpointing
The mortar between the bricks can crack and wear away over time. This is a very common problem and a solution that MCP technicians employ on a daily basis.
Firebox Repair
The firebox is the part of the fireplace where combustion of the wood or gas takes place and is often the first part of the system to be damaged since it is exposed to heat reaching temperatures up to 800 degrees.
Custom Chimney
Since 1994, MCP Chimney Services, Inc. has provided the Montgomery County, MD and DC metro areas with exceptional building and installation services. Our team has more than 50 years of combined experience and is more than happy to take on any sized project.
Chimney Crowns
The chimney crown directs water away from the flue and protects the system. Cracks or damage can cause serious water issues, but can be repaired with Masonry / Hardscape or Crown Seal.
Outdoors
Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces and firepits allow homeowners to enjoy their backyards year-round. Additionally, building a fireplace insert in a fire pit can effectively reduce the production of heat to a very small amount, which is safer and less polluting.
Outdoor Living
A new patio can add years of enjoyment to outdoor living at your home. Located in Maryland, MCP offers a variety of design options for patio, walkway and step construction.
Retaining Wall
A more detailed inspection, often required when buying or selling a home, after a chimney fire, or if you’re changing fuel types or installing a new liner. It includes a camera scan of the flue to check for hidden cracks, blockages, or deterioration.
Patios, Walkways, Stairs
A new patio can add years of enjoyment to outdoor living at your home. Located in Maryland, MCP offers a variety of design options for patio, walkway and step construction.
What actually separates one hardscape contractor from another
None of this is marketing filler — it's the specific stuff that determines whether your patio is still flat and your wall is still standing in ten years.
One crew, start to finish
The same MCP employees who consult on your project are the ones who build it — no subcontracted labor handed off partway through.
Masonry-trained, not just paver-trained
Our team's chimney and masonry background means outdoor fireplaces, walls, and steps get built with structural know-how, not just surface-level paver installation.
Licensed, insured, and CSIA certified
Fully licensed and insured for hardscape and masonry work, with CSIA-certified technicians on staff for anything touching fire, heat, or venting.
Written estimates, no vague pricing
You get scope, materials, and cost in writing before excavation starts — not a verbal ballpark that changes once the job begins.
Built for Maryland ground, not generic soil
Footings, base, and drainage planned around Maryland's clay-heavy soil and freeze-thaw winters — the part that decides whether a hardscape lasts.
Family-owned since 1991
Three decades serving the same Maryland & DC metro communities — not a franchise territory or a lead-gen call center.
Ready to talk through your hardscape project?
Free, written estimates — no pressure, no vague pricing.
Chimney Repair and Cleaning — Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery, and Washington County
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in residential hardscape services?
Residential hardscape services cover the built, non-living structures in your yard — patios, walkways, retaining walls, outdoor fireplaces, firepits, steps, and outdoor kitchens. It's distinct from landscaping, which covers plants, lawn, and irrigation.
What's the difference between a hardscape contractor and a masonry contractor?
In practice, the two overlap heavily. A masonry contractor works in brick, stone, and mortar; a hardscape contractor builds outdoor structures using those same materials plus pavers and concrete. MCP does both under one crew, which is why our chimney masonry experience carries directly into patio and retaining wall work.
How long does a patio or retaining wall installation take?
Timeline depends on size, material, and site access — a straightforward paver patio typically moves faster than a retaining wall that requires engineered drainage. We give you a project-specific timeline in writing during your estimate rather than a generic number.
Do I need a permit for a hardscape project in Maryland?
It depends on the county, the structure's height, and whether it affects drainage or property lines — retaining walls above a certain height commonly require permitting. We handle this as part of planning your project rather than leaving you to figure it out.
Why does an outdoor fireplace need a mason, not a landscaper?
An outdoor fireplace hardscape has to manage heat, smoke, and structural load the same way an indoor chimney does. That's masonry work, not landscaping — it's why MCP treats outdoor fireplace builds as an extension of our chimney expertise, not a separate add-on service.