Masonry is one of the oldest and most enduring construction trades, and accurate masonry estimating requires a detailed understanding of unit masonry systems, mortar, reinforcing, and the labor conditions that drive productivity. Whether the project involves concrete masonry units (CMU), brick veneer, or natural stone, a professional masonry estimate captures every component of the scope.

Here is what goes into a complete masonry takeoff and why precision matters on every project.

What a Masonry Estimate Covers

Concrete Masonry Units (CMU)

CMU block is the most common masonry system for commercial construction. The estimate includes:

• Block count — units by size (8x8x16, 8x4x16, 12x8x16) and type (standard, lightweight, split-face, ground-face)
• Mortar — cubic feet of mortar by joint type (full mortar bed, face shell bedding)
• Grout — cubic feet of grout for filled cells, calculated from the reinforcing schedule
• Reinforcing — vertical and horizontal rebar by size and spacing, from the structural drawings
• Bond beams — special bond beam units at horizontal reinforcing locations
• Lintels — precast or CMU lintels over openings, by span and load
• Control joints — linear feet of control joints with sealant

Brick Veneer

Brick veneer is estimated by square foot of wall area, with unit counts derived from the brick size and the coursing pattern. The estimate includes:

• Brick units — by size (modular, queen, king, utility) and color/texture
• Mortar — by joint width and coursing pattern
• Wall ties — by spacing and type (corrugated, adjustable, seismic)
• Flashing — at base of wall, above openings, and at shelf angles
• Weep holes — at base of wall and above openings
• Shelf angles — steel angles supporting brick veneer at floor lines

Natural Stone

Natural stone (limestone, granite, marble, slate) is estimated by square foot of face area or by unit count for cut stone. The estimate includes stone units, setting mortar or adhesive, grout, and anchors for exterior cladding applications.

Specialty Masonry

Specialty masonry systems include glass block, architectural CMU, and thin brick veneer. These systems carry premium material costs and require specialized labor.

Common Masonry Estimating Mistakes

Wrong unit count — Masonry unit counts must account for the coursing pattern, the mortar joint width, and the waste factor. A 10% waste factor is standard for most masonry work, but complex patterns or curved walls require higher waste allowances.

Missing grout — Grout quantities depend on the reinforcing schedule and the percentage of cells that are filled. Missing grout quantities — particularly on heavily reinforced walls — can result in a significant cost omission.

Ignoring flashing and weep holes — Flashing and weep holes are required at the base of every masonry wall and above every opening. These items are often shown in the details rather than the elevations, and they are easy to miss in the takeoff.

Forgetting shelf angles — On multi-story buildings with brick veneer, steel shelf angles support the veneer at each floor line. These are structural items that must be priced separately from the masonry work.

Underestimating labor for complex patterns — Running bond is the most efficient masonry pattern to lay. Stacked bond, herringbone, and other decorative patterns require significantly more labor and carry higher waste factors.

What to Expect from a Professional Masonry Takeoff

A professional masonry estimating service delivers:

• Accurate unit counts by type and size with waste factors
• Mortar and grout quantities by wall type
• Reinforcing quantities from structural drawings and schedules
• Flashing and accessory quantities from details and specifications
• Labor hours based on current productivity rates and project conditions
• Organized output by wall type or elevation — ready to price

Union Estimating provides masonry takeoff and estimating services for masonry contractors and general contractors across all project types, with 48–72 hour turnaround on most projects.

The Bottom Line

Masonry estimating requires precise unit counts, accurate mortar and grout calculations, and careful review of the structural and architectural details. A professional masonry estimate captures every component — giving you the accuracy to bid competitively and the confidence to execute the work profitably.