coming attraction: masonry

We have talked to a few different folks over the last week about subcontracting some masonry work - specifically, the chimney and the floor and "backsplash" for the woodstove. As it turns out, one of the masons we randomly got in touch with lives just down the street. His work also happens to be fantastic, and he can start Saturday... what a match, eh?

He has provided some pictures of previous projects including this shot of a stone backsplash, and the more budget-freindly alternative drawing from his stash of antique bricks. In either case we are likely to opt for fieldstone flooring under the stove. I am not sure that we can make a bad choice... (Although, in my honest opinion, the homeowner with the brick backsplash should have spent a little more time considering his site constraints - door, outlet - before trying to cram the backsplash in.)