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Stonemason

Stonemasons work with stone and rock to make structures such as houses, walls and paving. They may also work on renovations and restorations of historic building, churches and cathedrals.

Tasks & duties

Stonemasons may do some or all of the following:

discuss requirements with clients
design or examine plans based on the client's requirements
obtain material from quarries or stone mines
construct and use special tools for working with stone
work with various types of stone, including limestone, sandstone, schist, granite, slate and rubble
select, split, cut and shape stone to make structures
set stone in place using different techniques such as dry-stone walling, concreting or reinforcing
set stone panels to the exterior and interior of buildings
check the quality of the finished product
lay and polish stone floors

Skills & knowledge

Stonemasons need to have:

skill in working with all types of stone
stone cutting skills
knowledge of polishing techniques
design skills
problem-solving skills
maths skills
communication skills
knowledge of safe work practices

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a stonemason. Most people learn under the supervision of an established stonemason or undertake an apprenticeship.

For those doing a formal apprenticeship a completion certificate is issued by the Masonry Industry Training Organisation after completing 8,000 hours of work.

Secondary education

A minimum of three years of secondary school education is recommended.

Tertiary education

A qualification in stonemasonry is offered by Otago Polytechnic.

Training on the job

Skills are gained through on-the-job training. It is important for stonemasons to keep up to date with the latest materials, brands and additives being used in products.