Our Legacy Residential Services Commercial Portfolio Call (847) 542-9558

Est. 1976 — Lakemoor, Illinois

Where Family Builds for Family

For five decades, the Rivard family has crafted bespoke stone and brickwork across Chicago's North Shore. From hand-laid limestone retaining walls to century-old brick restoration, we bring generational mastery to your home.

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Rivard Masonry craftsman at work on a residential stone project
Our Philosophy

Building Legacy Into Every Stone

A Half-Century of North Shore Craftsmanship

Based in Lakemoor, Illinois, Rivard Masonry is more than a contractor — it is a family legacy built one stone at a time. For 50 years, we have been the trusted name for discerning homeowners in Glencoe, Wilmette, Barrington, and throughout Chicago's North Shore.

When you hire Rivard Masonry, you are not hiring a faceless crew. You are welcoming the Rivard family into your home. We personally oversee every project from the first consultation to the final cleanup, ensuring that the stonework we leave behind will stand as a testament to your family's taste for generations.

Read Our Full Story
What We Do

Residential Master Services

From the ground up and inside out, Rivard Masonry handles the full scope of residential masonry. Whether you are building a new outdoor kitchen, restoring century-old brickwork, or wrapping your home in natural stone, our family brings the same level of care to every project.

Outdoor Living & Hardscaping

Your Backyard, Reimagined in Stone

The North Shore's landscape deserves masonry that works with its natural topography. We design and build outdoor spaces that are as structurally sound as they are beautiful.

Natural stone retaining wall with tiered landscaping
01

Retaining Walls

Structural retaining walls that do more than hold back earth — they define your landscape. We engineer gravity and reinforced walls using premium natural stone, segmental block, and brick to create terraced gardens, level usable yard space, and prevent erosion on sloped North Shore lots.

  • Natural stone retaining walls (limestone, bluestone, fieldstone)
  • Segmental block and engineered retaining systems
  • Tiered garden walls and terraced landscaping
  • Engineered drainage and waterproofing behind walls
  • Permit handling and structural engineering coordination
Plan Your Wall
Bluestone patio with limestone walls
02

Patios, Walkways & Steps

The foundation of outdoor living. We lay patios, front walks, garden pathways, and entry steps using materials chosen for both beauty and durability under the harsh Midwestern freeze-thaw cycle. Every surface is graded for proper drainage and set on a compacted base built to last.

  • Natural bluestone and flagstone patios
  • Brick paver walkways and front entry paths
  • Custom stone steps and terraced stairways
  • Cobblestone and paver driveway aprons
  • Proper base preparation and drainage grading
Design Your Patio
Custom outdoor stone fireplace and kitchen
03

Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Pits & Fireplaces

The outdoor hearth is where family gathers. We build custom outdoor kitchens with grill stations, pizza ovens, and stone countertops, along with fire pits and full outdoor fireplaces that anchor your backyard living space. Gas or wood-burning, every installation is built for safety, draft, and decades of use.

  • Custom outdoor kitchens with stone countertops
  • Wood-burning and gas fire pits with stone rings
  • Full outdoor fireplaces with hearths and chimneys
  • Brick and natural stone pizza ovens
  • Gas line coordination and safe firebox construction
Build Your Outdoor Space
Natural stone garden waterfall and pond feature
04

Water Features, Seating Walls & Pillars

The details that make a landscape unforgettable. We craft stone waterfalls, fountain walls, and pond surrounds that bring the sound of moving water to your garden. Complement them with curved seating walls, entry pillars, and gate piers that add structure and permanence to your outdoor design.

  • Natural stone waterfalls and fountain walls
  • Pond surrounds and water feature basins
  • Curved and straight stone seating walls
  • Entry pillars, light post bases, and gate piers
  • Pool decks, coping, and diving rocks
Add the Details
Exterior Building & Chimneys

Curb Appeal Built to Last

From full exterior veneers to chimney repairs, we handle the masonry that protects and beautifies the outside of your home.

Full exterior brick veneer on a residential home
05

Brick & Stone Veneers

Wrap your home in enduring elegance. We execute full exterior stone and brick masonry for new residential builds and extensive renovations, providing unmatched curb appeal and weather resistance. Our veneer systems are engineered with proper moisture barriers and masonry ties to last decades against the harsh Midwestern elements.

  • Full exterior stone and brick veneers
  • Gable accents, wainscoting, and trim details
  • Moisture barrier and masonry tie installation
  • Window and door lintel replacement
  • Foundation parging and stucco repair
Upgrade Your Exterior
Stone chimney construction and repair
06

Chimney Construction & Repair

Your chimney is exposed to the worst weather your roof sees. We build new chimneys from the footing up, rebuild failing stacks, repair crowns and flashing, and install stainless steel liners for safe, efficient drafting. Whether it is a historic rebuild or a new installation, we ensure it is safe, waterproof, and built to code.

  • New chimney construction from footing to crown
  • Chimney teardown and structural rebuilds
  • Crown repair, flashing replacement, and cap installation
  • Stainless steel flue liner installation
  • Chimney waterproofing and vapor-permeable sealers
Inspect Your Chimney
Interior Stonework

The Heart of Your Home

Stone and brick bring warmth, texture, and permanence to interior spaces. We design and install custom fireplaces and accent walls that become the focal point of your home.

Custom floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace
07

Custom Interior Fireplaces

The fireplace is the heart of the family home. We design and construct custom natural stone and brick focal points that anchor your living spaces with warmth, texture, and timeless beauty. From grand river rock installations to sleek marble surrounds, every detail is shaped to your vision.

  • Floor-to-ceiling custom stone fireplaces
  • Firebox and flue construction with certified drafting
  • Marble, limestone, and granite surrounds
  • Gas, wood-burning, and hybrid fireplace systems
  • Custom hearths, mantels, and stone archways
Design Your Fireplace
Interior stacked stone accent wall and fireplace feature
08

Interior Accent Walls & Features

Add architectural interest and natural texture to any room. We install stacked stone, ledgestone, and brick feature walls that transform ordinary spaces into memorable ones. From basement bars to wine cellar walls, our interior stonework brings the permanence and beauty of natural materials inside.

  • Stacked stone and ledgestone feature walls
  • Exposed brick accent walls
  • Stone bar fronts and wine cellar walls
  • Basement and entertainment room stonework
  • Custom stone archways and niches
Transform Your Interior
Repair & Restoration

Preserve What Matters

The North Shore is home to decades of beautiful brick and stonework. We repair, restore, and protect masonry so it lasts for generations to come.

Historic brick tuckpointing restoration
09

Tuckpointing & Repointing

Crumbling mortar joints are the first sign your masonry needs attention. We grind out deteriorated mortar to the proper depth and replace it with color-matched, structurally appropriate mortar that restores both strength and appearance. Many contractors simply smear new mortar over old joints — a temporary fix that traps moisture and destroys brick. We do it correctly.

  • Historic mortar analysis and color matching
  • Precision grinding and joint preparation
  • Period-appropriate lime-based mortar blending
  • Full-wall and spot tuckpointing
  • Waterproofing and sealing after repointing
Restore Your Mortar
Exterior masonry wall repair and restoration
10

General Masonry Repair

Brick and stone are durable, but they are not indestructible. We repair cracked and spalling brick, bulging walls, damaged lintels, and failing expansion joints. Our repairs address the root cause — not just the symptom — so the problem does not return next season.

  • Crack repair and spalling brick replacement
  • Bulging wall stabilization and rebuilding
  • Window and door lintel replacement
  • Caulking and expansion joint repair
  • Parapet wall and coping stone repair
Get a Repair Quote
Cleaned and sealed commercial masonry facade
11

Masonry Cleaning & Sealing

Sometimes masonry just needs a fresh start. We safely clean brick and stone surfaces to remove years of dirt, algae, and efflorescence. Then we apply breathable, vapor-permeable sealers that protect against water intrusion without trapping moisture inside the wall — a critical distinction that many contractors get wrong.

  • Pressure washing and chemical cleaning
  • Efflorescence and stain removal
  • Vapor-permeable silane / siloxane sealing
  • Graffiti removal from masonry surfaces
  • Preventive maintenance programs
Clean & Protect
Historic brick facade on a North Shore home
12

Historic Restoration

Preserving the North Shore's architectural heritage requires a master mason who understands history. We are experts at working with reclaimed materials, matching century-old mortar blends, and restoring landmark homes to their original character while ensuring modern structural integrity. When exact matching is impossible, we source the closest alternative and blend strategically for a seamless appearance.

  • Historic mortar analysis and replication
  • Reclaimed Chicago brick sourcing and installation
  • Period-appropriate tuckpointing for heritage homes
  • Ornamental stone and terra cotta repair
  • Consultation for historic preservation compliance
Preserve Your History
Our Materials

Master Materials Sourced With Care

Great masonry begins with exceptional stone. We source only the finest materials from quarries and reclamation yards across the Midwest, ensuring every project is built from stone that is as beautiful as it is durable.

Indiana Limestone

The gold standard for architectural trim, fireplace surrounds, and exterior veneer. Quarried from the heart of Indiana, this dense, durable limestone weathers beautifully and carries a warmth that synthetic materials cannot replicate.

Best for: Fireplaces & Veneers

Reclaimed Chicago Brick

Salvaged from the demolition of historic Chicago buildings, these "Old Chicago" bricks bring unmatched character and patina. We are experts at working with reclaimed materials, understanding how to integrate aged brick with modern structural requirements.

Best for: Restoration & Accents

Natural Bluestone

A dense, fine-grained sandstone prized for its rich blue-gray color and exceptional slip resistance. Ideal for patios, walkways, and pool surrounds where both beauty and safety underfoot are paramount.

Best for: Patios & Walkways

Flagstone

Irregular, natural stone slabs that create organic, rustic pathways and terraces. Each piece is unique, laid by hand to create a living surface that feels centuries old from the moment it is set.

Best for: Garden Paths & Terraces

River Rock & Fieldstone

Rounded, water-worn stones that bring an organic, naturalistic feel to fireplaces and accent walls. Sourced from riverbeds and fields, these stones create textural depth that catches light and shadow beautifully.

Best for: Fireplaces & Accent Walls

Natural Stone Veneer

From rugged mountain ledgestone to smooth, modern ashlar cuts. We meticulously manage moisture barriers, flashing, and masonry ties to ensure your veneer hangs flawlessly and withstands decades of freeze-thaw cycles.

Best for: Exterior Facades
Our Process

The Rivard Approach to Your Home

Every Rivard project follows a proven four-phase process designed to eliminate surprises, ensure clear communication, and deliver results that exceed expectations.

1

Initial Consultation & Vision

We begin by visiting your property to understand your family's needs, your home's architectural style, and the structural requirements of the project. We bring material samples — from quarried limestone to reclaimed Chicago brick — so you can see and feel the stone that will define your space. We take measurements, assess structural conditions, and discuss your timeline and budget openly.

On-site consultation with Rivard Masonry
2

Design & Engineering

Great masonry relies on what you cannot see as much as what you can. We engineer structural footings for retaining walls, design drainage systems, and specify moisture barriers for veneers. For custom fireplaces, we calculate flue dimensions and draft requirements to ensure safe, efficient operation. We provide detailed drawings and written specifications before any stone is lifted.

Masonry engineering and design planning
3

Master Execution

Our family is on-site. We do not subcontract our masonry. Our master masons lay every brick, shape every stone, and mix every batch of mortar by hand when the project demands it. We maintain a clean, respectful job site at your home from day one until completion, protecting your landscaping and keeping dust and debris contained.

Master mason executing a custom fireplace installation
4

Final Inspection & Walkthrough

Before we consider a project complete, we conduct a rigorous inspection against our own standards — which exceed industry requirements. We walk through every detail with you, explain ongoing maintenance, and provide a written warranty. We leave your property cleaner than we found it, and we stand behind our work for years to come.

Completed masonry project inspection
Client Stories

Words From North Shore Families

We are proud to have built lasting relationships with families across the North Shore. Here is what they say about working with the Rivard family.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The Rivards treated our 1920s Glencoe home as if it were their own. The tuckpointing is invisible — you cannot tell where the old mortar ends and the new begins. Their attention to historic detail is unmatched."

Elizabeth Hartmann Glencoe, IL — Historic Restoration
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"We interviewed five masons for our outdoor living space. Rivard was the only one who brought engineering drawings to the first meeting. The limestone retaining walls and bluestone patio are the envy of our neighborhood."

David & Sarah Chen Barrington, IL — Estate Hardscaping
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Our floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace is the centerpiece of our home. Mr. Rivard personally selected each stone for color and texture. The craftsmanship is extraordinary — every guest asks who built it."

Michael Thornton Lake Forest, IL — Custom Fireplace
Transformations

See the Rivard Difference

Real results from real North Shore homes. These before-and-after comparisons show what master craftsmanship can achieve.

Before: crumbling mortar and deteriorated brick joints Before — Crumbling Mortar
After: Restored brickwork with color-matched mortar After — Tuckpointing Restoration
Before: Unfinished backyard with no hardscaping Before — Unfinished Yard
After: Custom limestone patio and retaining walls After — Limestone Outdoor Living
Before: Deteriorated exterior masonry with staining Before — Weathered Facade
After: Cleaned and restored brick facade After — Cleaning & Restoration
Service Area

Serving Chicago's North Shore

From Lakemoor, we serve discerning homeowners across the North Shore and northwestern suburbs. If you are within our service area, we will come to you.

Glencoe
Wilmette
Winnetka
Kenilworth
Northfield
Deerfield
Highland Park
Lake Forest
Barrington
Lake Bluff
Northbrook
Lincolnshire
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Project timelines vary significantly based on scope. A custom fireplace surround typically takes 2–4 weeks from demolition to completion. Retaining wall projects range from 3–6 weeks depending on length, height, and engineering requirements. Full exterior veneers for an average-sized home generally require 6–10 weeks. Historic tuckpointing timelines depend on the total square footage of wall area and the condition of the existing mortar. We provide a detailed schedule during our proposal phase and communicate proactively if weather or unforeseen conditions affect timing.

Yes. We handle all permit applications and structural engineering coordination for projects requiring them. Retaining walls over four feet, chimney construction, and structural modifications all require permits in most North Shore municipalities. We have established relationships with local building departments and licensed structural engineers, which streamlines the approval process. This service is included in our project management fee — there are no surprise charges for permit handling.

Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with new, color-matched mortar. Signs your home may need tuckpointing include: crumbling or missing mortar joints, visible gaps between bricks, water stains on interior walls adjacent to brickwork, efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on brick surfaces, and loose or spalling bricks. If your North Shore home was built before 1950 and has never had its mortar restored, it is likely due for inspection. We offer complimentary visual assessments.

Matching historic materials is one of our specialties. We begin by analyzing the composition of your existing mortar — many historic North Shore homes use lime-based mortar that is softer and more breathable than modern Portland cement mixes. We can match both the color and the physical properties of original mortar blends. For brick matching, we maintain relationships with reclamation yards and specialty suppliers. In cases where exact matching is impossible, we source the closest available alternative and strategically blend it for a seamless appearance.

We provide a comprehensive 5-year workmanship warranty on all residential masonry projects. This covers structural integrity, mortar adhesion, and material defects related to installation. Retaining walls and exterior veneers carry a 10-year warranty against structural failure due to workmanship. Our warranties are transferable if you sell your home. We also offer ongoing maintenance programs for large installations, including annual chimney inspections and exterior sealant reapplication to protect your investment over time.

Start Your Project

Begin the Conversation

Ready to build the stonework your family will cherish for generations? Contact us for a complimentary on-site consultation and estimate. No pressure, no obligation — just honest expertise from the Rivard family.

Submissions go directly to jesse@rivardmasonry.com. For urgent inquiries, call (847) 542-9558.

Phone & Email

(847) 542-9558

jesse@rivardmasonry.com

Office Address

Rivard Masonry
Lakemoor, IL

Business Hours

Monday – Friday7:00 AM – 5:00 PM SaturdayBy appointment SundayClosed

Licensing & Insurance

Fully licensed in Illinois. Comprehensive general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Bonded for projects up to $5 million.