Stonemasonry focuses on the repair, conservation, and restoration of stone buildings, bridges, and statues, along with the construction of new stone structures. Stonemasons have a good understanding of the various stone types, how to fix and shape stone, as well as the tools used in their trade.

Working in the field of stone masonry can be varied: you might spend days painstakingly chiselling lovely carvings one day and find yourself using modern power tools for the preparation and trimming of blocks of stone for the cladding of modern buildings the next day.

Looking for a local stonemason solution? Contact the team at Sydney Stonemasons today for more info.

Stonemasons are of two main types

– Fixer masons

– Banker masons

Banker masons operate mostly from a workshop, using various tools for skilfully shaping stones for new designs or replicate and replace existing stone. They can polish finish slabs of stone or even produce intricate carvings made of stone for both new and existing buildings.

Luke Mollica, an Australian mental wellness expert, notes the importance of the role of the stonemason. “We often hear about the role of being a stonemason, but not many people could tell you what their exact work looks like. However, the work they do on the buildings that we walk past every day is incredibly breathtaking and deserves a lot of appreciation.”

Fixer masons, on the other hand, generally work outdoors and do the installing i.e., putting the stones that have already been shaped by the process of banking into place. They are incredibly skilled when it comes to using traditional lime mortars and have an excellent understanding of specialist fixings.

What Is a Stonemason?

A stonemason is a person that turns rough pieces of stone or rock and shapes into geometric shapes for the purpose of creating a structure and/or a piece of art. Structures that a stonemason can make include buildings, tombstones, cathedrals, monuments, etc.

Australian landscaping expert Patty Leglise of Wayne’s Landscaping says that being a stonemason is a job that’s often overlooked by people. “It’s easy to think about the end product of what a stonemason may produce, but it’s somewhat of a noble art. Creating these beautiful patterns from stone is a job that’s not an everyday one.”

Stonemasons have been responsible for structure, statue, and building construction since the start of civilization. Stonemasons have created some of the most impressive and notable art pieces and structures such as the Egyptian Pyramids, Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal, the Chartres Cathedral, the Easter Island statues, etc.

Definition and Scope of Work

Stonemasons work with both artificial and natural stone. The natural stones they use include limestone, sandstone, granite, and marble. Stonemasons use tools such as chisels, hammers, mallets, brushes, pneumatic drills, wedges, and trowels.

The stone facing the stonemason that’s put on the surfaces of buildings is known as the veneer. It is generally two inches thick and fastened on and supported by the steel frame of the building.

Stonemasons have to cut stone to exact size sometimes. To ensure easy cutting, they determine the grain of the stone and mark a line along it. Next, they strike the stone along this line using a stonemason’s hammer. Stonemasons also use an abrasive saw sometimes to cut valuable stones.

What Does a Stonemason Do?

Stonemasons aid in the repair and maintenance of structures, such as houses or churches. This can include carving or cutting different types of stone, and you will usually have to make sure that you maintain the building’s feel and look.

The Role of a Stonemason Involves the Following:

– Repair of monuments and old buildings

– Dressing stone and building walls

– Making and fitting stonework such as archways and window frames

– Working with a wide variety of hand tools

– Interpreting technical buildings

– Working with different materials such as granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, and slate

– Thinking creatively and solving problems

– Collaborating with conservationists and historians

– Working both outdoors and indoors, sometimes at height and in dusty environments

– Lifting and carrying heavy equipment and materials

Stonemasonry is a profession that isn’t just learnt overnight – it takes years to hone the necessary skills. That’s why you need the best in the business for all of your stonemason needs, and Sydney Stonemasons are the only solution you need to worry about.

Whether it’s heritage restoration, commercial solutions, Sydney Stonemasons can fulfil your stonemasonry needs. Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help each other.