The Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The industrial look has got a lot to answer for. Centuries ago, ...

Q. I recently wrote to you and sent pictures of my brick front steps, which are an eyesore. I subsequently took a wire brush to scrub them, both dry and wet, with no measurable results. Should I now ...

Question: My brick house was built in 1921. The bricks are a mixture of brown, various shades of red, beige and black. I had some deteriorating mortar replaced, and the handyman smeared the mortar on ...