TLC in Braintree, MA, Participates in Historic Preservation Month Workshop, Highlighting the Value of Traditional Craftsmanship

Team member, Rolanda, is learning the hands-on craft of brick restoration and preservation at the recent Historic Preservation Month Workshop.

This past May, one of our TLC team members had the opportunity to attend a hands-on Historic Preservation Month workshop in Providence, Rhode Island. This event was focused on preserving the traditional building methods and craftsmanship that shaped New England’s historic homes and masonry structures.

Hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Heritage Restoration, the event brought together preservation professionals, skilled tradespeople, and craftspeople for an evening centered around historic building techniques, traditional materials, and the enduring value of quality craftsmanship.

Learning the Skills Behind Historic Masonry & Building Restoration

The workshop celebrated the idea of building “by hand and by tradition,” giving attendees a closer look at the techniques that built our region and were once standard across New England construction.

The opportunity provided hands-on demonstrations, including:

• Traditional masonry techniques

• Historic carpentry methods

• Plastering and finishing work

• Welding and metal fabrication

• Window making and restoration

• Historic building materials and tools

  
  

Rather than simply discussing preservation, attendees had the chance to experience these trades firsthand, learning directly from professionals who are doing the important work of keeping these methods alive today.

For a company like TLC Supply in Braintree, MA, events like this reinforce something we believe strongly: quality craftsmanship never goes out of style.

Why Historic Preservation Still Matters Today and How TLC in Braintree, MA, Supports It

Across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, many homes, hardscapes, stone walls, and masonry structures were built using techniques designed to last for generations. Understanding those methods remains incredibly valuable today, especially for contractors and homeowners working on restoration projects, natural stone installations, or custom masonry work.

Historic preservation isn’t just about maintaining old buildings. It’s about respecting craftsmanship, understanding materials, and building with long-term durability in mind.

Grand Masonry Preservation Workshop Poster

For instance, historical brick found in older architecture is typically softer and needs a softer mortar used in the joints when repairing. For this, Type N mortar mix would be an ideal fit.

Tuckpoint Mortar is typically used for repointing existing joints, as it is designed to match the original mortar's appearance and will maintain the historical facade.

Lime is important in historic work because much of the remaining historic masonry was built with lime-based mortars. Adding lime makes the mortar softer and more breathable. Historic lime mortars behave differently from modern cement mortars, so the addition is needed to ensure a long-lasting end result.

2” restoration brick, which is often associated with older masonry construction seen throughout New England and is commonly used for restoration projects to maintain a building's historical integrity.

Fine Sand #80 Grit. This sand sieve size is smaller, which means a smaller grain. Some masons may mix their own ratio of mortar and use fine sand to do smaller joints or “penny” joints. Penny joints are thin mortar joints (think the thickness of a penny), and these joints were common in brownstones, older buildings, and restoration brickwork.

Historic masonry, stone, brick, and architectural details require specialized cleaning methods that remove years of dirt, staining, and environmental buildup without damaging the original materials. Using improper cleaning techniques or harsh chemicals can permanently alter historic surfaces, accelerate deterioration, and compromise the integrity of the structure. Instead, a product such as Prosoco Heavy Duty Restoration Cleaner is needed.

At TLC Supply, we work with contractors and homeowners throughout the South Shore and Greater Boston area who are looking for high-quality masonry supplies, natural stone, pavers, veneer stone, and hardscape materials that combine timeless aesthetics with modern performance.

Experiences like this workshop help our team continue learning from the tradespeople and preservation experts who have dedicated their careers to mastering traditional construction methods.

Supporting Contractors & Homeowners with Expert Guidance

Whether you’re restoring a historic property, building a new patio with natural stone, or planning a large-scale masonry project, material selection and installation methods matter.

That’s why TLC Supply focuses on more than simply stocking products. We’re committed to helping homeowners and contractors make informed decisions with guidance rooted in real industry knowledge and hands-on experience.

Our team is constantly learning, staying connected to evolving industry trends, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind masonry and hardscaping throughout New England.

Historic Preservation & Masonry Expertise in Massachusetts

New England has a rich history of stonework, brickwork, and traditional masonry craftsmanship. From historic homes in and around Boston to coastal properties across the South Shore, preserving and understanding these materials remains an important part of the construction and hardscaping industry.

As a trusted masonry and hardscape supplier in Braintree, MA, TLC Supply is proud to support projects that value craftsmanship, durability, and timeless design.

Whether you’re a contractor sourcing materials for a restoration project or a homeowner looking for inspiration and expert advice, our team is here to help.

Visit TLC Supply in Braintree, MA

TLC team member, Rolanda, in the process of repointing a newel post cap using traditional methods.

Explore our wide selection of:

• Natural stone

• Patio pavers

• Veneer stone

• Masonry supplies

• Hardscape materials

• Retaining wall systems

• Outdoor living products

Visit our 3,000 sq. ft. outdoor display area and see why contractors and homeowners across the Greater Boston area trust TLC Supply for quality materials and expert support.

Great Projects Start with TLC.