Stonemason

Also known as:

Mason, Stone

Introduction

Stonemasons cut and shape stone using hand and power tools. Work may take place in stone yards or on-site. Some stonemasons specialise in stone carving.

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Work Activities

Stonemasons create shapes from blocks of stone, and fix it to buildings. Some specialise in working with different materials such as granite or marble.

There are two kinds of mason: bankermasons and fixermasons. Bankermasons are mainly based in workshops or stone yards. They cut and prepare stone from the quarry for use. They first mark an outline on the block of stone, then carefully cut and smooth it into shape, using hand and power tools such as mallets, chisels and drills. They can make complex patterns and produce a variety of finishes.

In some stone yards, bankermasons use cutting machines. These cut blocks of stone following a set pattern. The machines can be programmed to work on their own, leaving the masons free to do the skilled cutting or carving.

Some bankermasons specialise in monumental masonry: carving stone for garden ornaments, fireplaces or the headstones of graves. Some specialise in restoring old carved masonry, working from templates or moulds of the original stonework. They either carve the complete piece by hand or use a machine.

Fixermasons assemble the finished stone on-site, following the architect's drawings, and attach the stone to the building. They lift the heaviest pieces carefully into place using ropes and pulleys.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a stonemason you will need good practical skills and be able to work patiently and carefully. Some of the work is heavy, particularly for fixermasons lifting large finished pieces, so you need to be physically fit.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Stonemasons earn in the range of £280 - £380 a week, rising to £440 - £530. Top earners can make around £560 a week.

Stonemasons work a 39-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

You may work for specialist stonemason contractors, monumental masons and building contractors throughout the UK. Some stonemasons are self-employed and work independently.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities, for example building operative skills, are useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available.

• 49% of people in occupations such as stonemason work on a self-employed basis.
• 1% work part-time.
• 4% work on a temporary basis.

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