S2 E59 - The Future of Masonry: Robots, Prefab & Glass Brick
About this episode
The episode discusses the future of masonry with insights from expert Zach Easley on automation, education, and design trends.
In this episode of Beers with Contractors, hosts Will and Terry sit down with fourth-generation mason and Trinity Brick sales pro Zach Easley. They discuss why brick usually shouldn’t be painted, how masonry has evolved amid labor shortages, and efforts to rebuild interest in the trades through programs like Construct My Future, OU Construction Science, and Mid-Del Tech. Zach shares how hands-on training builds confidence and career pathways for students, from local competitions to nationals. The conversation also covers automation trials like the SAM bricklaying robot, prefab trends, and the growing use of thin brick for cost and logistics, while full-depth brick remains strong. They explore high-strength glass brick, its extreme cost and precision installation, architect-driven creative designs, and close with Zach’s brick-themed artwork, including massive brick-count pieces, and a shout-out to those supporting masonry education. 00:00 Introduction 01:37 Zach’s Background & Industry Role 04:22 Should You Paint Brick? 06:49 Masonry’s Future: Labor & Tools 09:18 Masonry Robots on the Jobsite 11:52 Training the Next Generation 17:23 Masonry as Art & Design 20:52 Thin…
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