TOOLS FOR MASONS, HOMEOWNERS, ARCHITECTS & CONTRACTORS IN HOME DESIGN

The Chief Bricks Journal

Real-world advice replaces fluff here.

Explore expert insights on reclaimed materials, design trends, installation guides, case studies, and the history behind the bricks and stones that shape today’s best projects.

HistoryStones
Cobblestones vs. Belgian Blocks: What’s the Difference?

Cobblestones vs. Belgian Blocks: What’s the Difference?

Learn the real difference between cobblestones and Belgian blocks so you can choose the right reclaimed stone for your driveway, courtyard, or streetscape.

Read moreabout Cobblestones vs. Belgian Blocks: What’s the Difference?

HistoryStones
What Makes the New York Cobblestones So Special?

What Makes the New York Cobblestones So Special?

New York City cobblestones are cherished for their role in the city’s development and the unique aesthetic and character they add to historic neighborhoods. 

Read moreabout What Makes the New York Cobblestones So Special?

BricksHistory
Brick making process in the Hudson Valley 1880s

Brick Making Process In The Hudson Valley In The 1800s and 1900s

Learn how clay from the Hudson River became the bricks that built New York City, and how the process evolved from hand work to industrial production.

Read moreabout Brick Making Process In The Hudson Valley In The 1800s and 1900s

BricksHistory
What Makes The Hudson Valley Bricks So Special?

What Makes The Hudson Valley Bricks So Special?

Hudson Valley reclaimed bricks combine century‑tested durability, rich patina, and New York history, making them a standout choice for character‑driven projects.

Read moreabout What Makes The Hudson Valley Bricks So Special?

BricksHistory
Exploring History at the Haverstraw Brick Museum

Exploring History at the Haverstraw Brick Museum

Situated in the historic Hudson Valley, the Haverstraw Brick Museum tells the story of how Haverstraw, Rockland County, New York, rose to become the brickmaking capital of the world.

Read moreabout Exploring History at the Haverstraw Brick Museum

BricksHistory
Exploring Landmarks Built with Hudson Valley Brick

Exploring Landmarks Built with Hudson Valley Brick

Discover the surprising story behind some of America's most famous structures. Explore a list of iconic Landmarks Built with Hudson Valley Brick.

Read moreabout Exploring Landmarks Built with Hudson Valley Brick

BricksHistory
Women in the Brickyards: An Overlooked Chapter in Haverstraw’s History

Women in the Brickyards: An Overlooked Chapter in Haverstraw’s History

Discover the untold history of women in Haverstraw’s brickyards—their struggles, resilience, and contributions to the brick industry.

Read moreabout Women in the Brickyards: An Overlooked Chapter in Haverstraw’s History

BricksHistory
History of Brick Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley

History of Brick Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley in New York has a rich history of brick manufacturing that stretches back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Read moreabout History of Brick Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley

BricksHistory
10 Facts About Billions of New York Bricks

10 Facts About Billions of New York Bricks

How original New York bricks came to build the area's strongest, most durable and classic-looking architecture and why reclaimed and recycled brick is still widely used in construction today.

Read moreabout 10 Facts About Billions of New York Bricks