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Masonry crew building a brick wall on a residential job site

About Chim-Line Masonry LLC

The story, the craftsman, and the standards behind Chim-Line Masonry of Wooster, Ohio.

Our Story

Honest Masonry, Built by Hand in Wooster

Chim-Line Masonry LLC was founded by Merle Hochstedler with a simple idea: do masonry the honest way, and do it right the first time. From the start, that's meant quoting customers what they actually need — never the most expensive option — and treating every property with care.

Merle is hands-on with every project, whether it's repointing a few feet of mortar or rebuilding a chimney from the roofline up. That owner-operated approach is why our customers consistently mention fair estimates, clean job sites, and clear communication in their reviews.

We've quickly earned a 5.0-star rating on Google and an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau by sticking to those values. When you hire Chim-Line, you're not getting passed to a crew of strangers — you're working directly with the craftsman whose name is on the business.

Upscale brick home with masonry chimneys and white trim in Wayne County, Ohio

5.0★

Google Rating

A+

BBB Accredited

100%

Satisfaction Focus

Free

Estimates

What We Stand For

The Values Behind Every Job

Honesty First

We tell you what your masonry actually needs and quote it fairly. No scare tactics, no upselling — just straight answers.

Craftsmanship That Lasts

We build and repair for Ohio's freeze-thaw climate using the right materials and techniques, so the work holds up for years.

Seamless Mortar Matching

Matching brick and mortar color, texture and type is our specialty — repairs and tuckpointing that blend in instead of standing out.

Respect for Your Property

Clean, tidy job sites and clear updates from start to finish. We leave your home better than we found it.

Owner-Operated

You Work Directly With the Craftsman

There's no layer of project managers or rotating subcontractors at Chim-Line. Merle is personally involved from the free estimate through the final walkthrough, so decisions are quick and accountability is real.

That personal investment is the difference between a job that just looks finished and one that's genuinely done right. We don't consider a project complete until you're completely satisfied with it.

Technician in a safety harness working on a brick chimney on a roof
Our Process

How Every Project Works

A simple, honest four-step process from free estimate to final walkthrough.

1

Free On-Site Estimate

Call or request a quote and we'll come out to look at the actual work, diagnose the real cause of the problem, and answer your questions — at no cost.

2

Clear, Honest Quote

You get a straightforward estimate covering exactly what's needed, the materials we'll match, and fair pricing — never a pushy upsell.

3

Skilled Masonry Work

Merle gets to work with matched mortar, proven techniques built for Ohio winters, and a clean, respectful job site throughout.

4

Final Walkthrough

We review the finished work together. The job isn't done until it's done right and you're completely satisfied.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

“Had issues with my chimney for years! He came out, reasonably priced and no more leaking! Problem solved! Highly recommend!”

Chris H

Chimney leak repair · 2 weeks ago

“Merle was first class all the way. Very honest and did a great job! Fair estimate. Best experience with a contractor. Would use again.”

Max Long

Masonry project · 2 months ago

“I contacted Chim-Line to repair a chimney damaged by lightning. The schedule was delayed by weather but I was kept informed of the status throughout the project. Chim-Line did an excellent job in a short amount of time and kept a clean work site. The price was very competitive and I highly recommend them.”

L Trase

Lightning-damaged chimney repair · 3 months ago

“My back porch steps were pulling away from the house. Merle was able to determine the cause of the problem when he pulled the steps away from the house. He then properly repaired the bricks and steps. Merle went above and beyond to get the job done efficiently and professionally. I will call him for help again as needed.”

Katherine McGuire

Brick steps repair · 3 months ago

“Did great work on our chimney restoration! A hard worker who is honest and easy to work with.”

Thaddeus Metzger

Chimney restoration · 7 months ago

“The quoting process was simple and easy and covered the project very well. The work commenced in stages as there were several different areas we needed addressed. All four projects were done in a timely manner with great attention to detail. At all times we were kept updated on the progress and timeframe. Highly recommend Chim-Line Masonry for their professionalism and quality of work.”

Michael Peck

Multiple masonry projects · 8 months ago

“Great work! I was looking to have brickwork done on my front porch, but everyone else was booked out 8–10 months. I called Chim-Line Masonry, and they came out and repaired the broken bricks in just two days. I really appreciate that they were able to do it on such short notice. Highly recommended — professional and efficient work!”

SUO Family

Brick porch repair · 11 months ago

“They were very honest and easy to work with. They gave us a fair estimate based on what was essentially needed to do the job and let us decide if we wanted more, rather than proposing the most expensive option first. Would highly recommend. Plan to use them again for our masonry needs in the future.”

Judy Jones

Masonry estimate & repair · 11 months ago

“Merle and the crew did exactly what they said they would. They kept me informed of their progress and any changes that were necessary based on my chimney's construction. They did a great job and even cleaned out my gutters while they were up there!”

Bill Ludwig

Chimney repair · Jun 2025

Ready to Work With Us?

Start with a free consultation. No pressure, no obligation — just an honest conversation about your project.

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Contact Details

Prefer to reach out directly? We're here to help.

Phone

(419) 971-7166

Email

ChimlineMasonaryLLC@gmail.com

Address

1010 East Clark Road, Wooster, OH 44691

Hours

Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM · Sat 8 AM–6 PM

Service Areas

Wooster, Akron, Medina, Ashland, Mansfield, Canton, Wayne County, Holmes County, Richland County, Crawford County, Morrow County, Knox County, Coshocton County, Tuscarawas County, Stark County