Steel City Arborist

Basements

Dry. Strong. Sealed. And Built to Stay That Way

A basement shouldn’t smell like regret. It shouldn’t leak, sweat, or grow things you didn’t intentionally plant. Most waterproofing companies treat basements like a nuisance. We treat them like part of the foundation of your entire investment. We build and waterproof basements with concrete, block, sealing systems, and drainage strategies designed to keep water out for good—not for now. When we’re done, your basement isn’t just dry… it’s defended.

What makes us different?

  • What makes us different is simple: we solve the water problem before it becomes one. We plan for groundwater pressure, exterior runoff, interior moisture migration, drainage efficiency, sump strategy, vapor control, and proper sealing systems from the outside in. Most leaks happen because someone hoped a coating would do the job. Hope isn’t a system. We use real systems.
  • We’re also material and method obsessives. The right concrete mix. The right block. The right sealants, membranes, footer drains, weep strategies, interior drainage, and moisture barriers. We don’t use what’s cheapest—we use what works longest. Because a dry basement isn’t a luxury, it’s a requirement. And shortcuts here turn into very expensive puddles later.
  • Then there’s the install: no gaps, no excuses, no weak links. Proper consolidation, sealing at the right cure time, correctly pitched drains, clean tie-ins, tested sump operation, and layered protection that makes water look for an easier house to bother.
  • And unlike companies that send random subcontractors who disappear after payday, we do it ourselves. Same team, same accountability, same standards. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing once—and doing it right.
  • A basement is more than square footage underground. It’s storage, safety, structure, and future value. We keep it dry, strong, and protected. Permanently.
Terraced garden beds with stone retaining walls and a small statue in the background beside multi-story houses, and a gray building wall with address number 3955 next to a glass door.

Photos Of Our Work

Check out some our latest basement projects helping folks just like you.

Our Easy Process

At Kelley's Masonry, our process is simple and straightforward...

calendar icon

Schedule Your Appointment

1
people talking icon

Onsite Consultation

2
tree icon

Build and Cleanup

3

FAQ's

What paints do you use on interiors?

For walls: We use Benjamin Moore Scuff-X and Fine Paints of Europe Eurolux. Scuff-X is a dependable, durable product with built-in scuff resistant technology. Scuff-X is recommended for homes that receive higher than usual wear and tear, and for clients who like having a bit of sheen to their wall finish. Eurolux is recommended for homes that will be painted with deep, bold colors or clients that prefer a flat/matte finish. Eurolux is the only paint on the market with a flat paint that is truly scrubbable. 

For trim: We use Benjamin Moore Scuff-X and offer Fine Paints of Europe Eco and Hollandlac. Scuff-X is our standard trim paint as it is beautiful and durable, designed to be scuff resistant. In high finishes it can be kicked with a work boot and it will be difficult to leave a scuff. For premium trim packages, Fine Paints of Europe is recommended as it evokes a wow factor like no other, while having unrivaled durability. 

For ceilings: We use Benjamin Moore ultra flat ceiling paint unless requested otherwise. The more sheen that is in paint, the more it highlights imperfections and draws your eye to it. Ceilings should rarely be what your eye should be focusing on, and an ultra flat finish provides the brightness while not drawing your eye to the ceiling.

What is Fine Paints of Europe?

Fine Paints of Europe is an importer and distributor of paint from Holland known for their luxury enamels, particularly their mirror-like, “brilliant” gloss finishes. They also sell various premium wall paints, primers, and varnishes.

Their products do not contain many of the fillers and deadeners of domestic products, while also using premium pigments. The result is higher quality and a dangerously attractive finish.

What is the benefit of Fine Paints of Europe?

For trim: There is no product in the market that can evoke a “wow” factor like Fine Paints of Europe while providing unrivaled durability. For premium trim packages, options can can range from traditional brushed oil enamel, brilliant gloss, silky satin.

For walls: Besides being similar in cost to Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin Williams Emerald, it has greater advantages. Because Eurolux has less fillers and deadeners, their flat is the only truly scrubbable and washable “flat” on the market. Coupled with higher quality pigments, the finish is simply more attractive.

What sheen should I choose for my project?

A general rule of thumb is flat/matte/eggshell on walls and satin/semi-gloss/high gloss on trim, and flat on ceilings. Rooms that have many imperfections (old, wavy plaster walls), a flat or matte is recommended as to not highlight imperfections even more. Some rules are also meant to be broken as well! Ask our interior designer during your complimentary color consultation if you are looking to make a statement!

Do you do drywall or plaster repair services?

Yes, we offer drywall and plaster repair, however we are not drywall or plaster contractors meaning we will not take on full drywall/plaster projects.

Do you offer interior wood staining/refinishing services?

At the moment, we do not focus on interior wood staining, but will consider each one and decide on a project to project basis.

Do you paint kitchen cabinets?

At the moment, we are selective with kitchen projects we take on. Feel free to tell us more about your kitchen if you are interested.

Do you offer wall covering services?

We do not offer wall covering installation services at this time.

What do your different packages look like?

Unlike exterior painting, the real difference in packages comes down to aesthetics, level of craftsmanship and amount of prep.

For the discerning clients, there is truly a tremendous difference between trim that has been lightly prepped and brushed, and trim that has gone through extensive prep and has a sprayed, furniture grade finish. There is a difference between a wall with light prep and a wall that has been skim coated with all textures and uneven surfaces removed. Our interior packages are as follow:

- Base interior
- Premium interior
- Luxury interior

Please inquire if you are interested in hearing about our packages which may be right for you!

Do you help with selecting colors?

Yes! With every project, we offer a complimentary color consultation with an interior designer. It is very important to us that you LOVE the final result of your project!

Before & After Transformations

Our Simple Process

Yellow number 1 centered on a black circular background.

REQUEST ESTIMATE - Click the button below to fill out our simple contact form so we can schedule your estimate.

Yellow number 2 on a black circular background.

SCHEDULE - Upon acceptance of your estimate, we'll contact you to schedule your work.

Yellow number three centered on a black circular background.

GET TO WORK - We'll work hard to finish your project in a timely and professional manner.

Other Services

Committed to Extraordinary craftsmanship

Get world-class results alongside an incomparable client experience.
Contact us

Committed to Extraordinary craftsmanship

Get world-class results alongside an incomparable client experience.
contact us

Call Us Today To Get Your Free, No Obligation Quote!

Join the 100's families in the Pittsburgh area to finally experience working with a contractor you can trust.
Get Started