Stonemasonry, an ancient and revered craft, blends the artful shaping of natural stone with meticulous human skill to create enduring structures. From building iconic landmarks like the Egyptian pyramids to restoring medieval cathedrals, stonemasons today continue to craft intricate features for homes and restore historic buildings.
Their work, a fusion of creativity, technical prowess, and historical significance, ranges from the construction of simple garden walls to the meticulous restoration of ancient monuments and the shaping of stone blocks into functional and artistic marvels.
What Does a Stonemason Do?
A stonemason is a skilled tradesperson who specializes in cutting, shaping, and installing stone for construction and architectural purposes. Stonemason work involves preparing and fitting stone into various structures, such as buildings, walls, and monuments. This profession requires a keen understanding of different stone types, as well as the technical knowledge to manipulate these materials for both functional and aesthetic applications in construction projects.
The core duties of a stonemason revolve around:
- Shaping Stone: Contouring stone to the required shape for specific architectural designs.
- Cutting Stone: Precisely splitting or carving stone into the desired sizes.
- Fitting Stone: Skillfully installing stone pieces into their designated positions in a structure, whether in new construction or restoration projects.
What Types of Stone Does a Stonemason Use?
Image Source: gharpedia.com
A stonemason will be working with a variety of modified or natural stones, each chosen for its unique properties and suitability for different applications:
Granite
Known for its hardness and durability, granite is widely used for countertops, flooring, and outdoor structures.
Marble
Prized for its elegant veining and smooth finish, marble is a favourite for decorative elements, sculptures, and high-end finishes.
Engineered stone
This is a composite slab made of about 90% crushed quartz, bound together with a polymer resin. It may also include materials like metals, mirrors, shells, or coloured glass for aesthetic purposes. Engineered stone is predominantly used for bathroom and kitchen benchtops
Porcelain stone
Porcelain combines durability with beauty, often used in floor and wall coverings. It is made from pure clays and minerals, shaped by dry pressing and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a fully vitrified tile.
Caesarstone
A leading brand of quartz surfaces, Caesarstone leverages the qualities of quartz minerals to create highly durable, hygienic, and safe countertops.
Australia’s Stonemason Trade: Industries and Regions
Main Industries Employing Stonemasons
Construction
Dominating the stonemasonry landscape, the construction industry employs 79.4% of stonemasons. This sector is central to the trade, involving a wide array of projects from residential to commercial buildings.
Manufacturing
Representing 19.3% of the employment, the manufacturing sector also plays a significant role, engaging stonemasons in the production of stone products and materials.
Employment Distribution Across Australia
New South Wales (NSW)
Leading in employment numbers, NSW houses 30.6% of Australia’s stonemasons, closely reflecting its overall occupational distribution.
Victoria (VIC)
Following closely, VIC accounts for 25.7% of stonemason employment, mirroring its proportion of overall occupations.
Western Australia (WA)
Notably, WA employs 19.9% of the country’s stonemasons, a significant figure given its overall job market size.
Queensland (QLD)
Home to 14.2% of stonemasons, QLD contributes notably to the trade, albeit at a lower rate compared to its overall occupational distribution.
South Australia (SA)
SA employs 6.4% of stonemasons in Australia, aligning with its general occupational landscape​.
Industries Where Stonemasons are Hired
Image Source: attilasnaturalstone.com.au
| Industry/Job | Workspace | Specialization |
| Site Measure | Outdoor/Indoor Construction Sites | Technical Drawing & Measurements |
| Stonemasons | Construction Sites, Heritage Sites | General Stonemasonry, Restoration |
| Installers/Fabricators | Residential & Commercial Properties | Installation of Stone Products |
| Draftspeople | Design Offices, Construction Sites | Technical Design & Planning |
| CNC Operators | Fabrication Workshops | Machine Operation & Stone Cutting |
Each role within the table shown above represents a unique blend of skills and environments, showcasing the diverse opportunities available within the stonemasonry industry.
Industry Description
Site Measurer
These professionals are crucial in the initial phase of stonemasonry projects. They are responsible for conducting precise on-site measurements and creating templating for construction projects, as well as skills in developing accurate 2D/3D drafting drawings using software like AutoCAD.
They collaborate with various professionals, including architects and engineers, review architectural plans for discrepancies, generate detailed measurement reports, assist in material preparation, and coordinate with installation teams for project execution.
Stonemasons
Stonemasons specialize in shaping, trimming, polishing, and cutting natural stones like marble and granite, using both hand and power tools while ensuring accurate measurements and alignment according to project plans and specifications.
They apply necessary adhesives and sealing agents, resize stones to specific dimensions, and focus on securing and leveling the stone by detailed project requirements.
Installers/Fabricators
These workers specialized in the hands-on aspect of stonemasonry, dealing with the actual installation of stone components in both residential and commercial settings. Their expertise encompasses a range of tasks from precise placement to secure fastening, ensuring each stone piece is perfectly aligned and aesthetically integrated into the overall design.
Draftspeople
They specialize in the technical drawing aspect, translating architectural concepts into detailed plans for construction. This role requires a deep understanding of technical design and the ability to interpret detailed architectural plans.
CNC Operators
Operators of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery use advanced technology to cut stones precisely. This specialization demands knowledge of machine operation and computer-controlled cutting.
Certificates, Academic Requirements, and Vocational Training
Image Source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au
Embarking on a career in stonemasonry tends to prioritize vocational education over academic degrees. The data indicates that formal vocational qualifications are commonly held and likely favored among stonemasons. Here are the recommended educational prerequisites for those considering stonemasonry:
High School Education: While not always mandatory, having a high school diploma or equivalent is beneficial. A foundational knowledge of math, science, and communication skills helps pursue a career in stonemasonry.
Masonry Programs and Certifications: In Australia, the cornerstone of stonemasonry training is the Certificate III in Stonemasonry (CPC32320). This program is offered by various institutions, such as
- TAFE NSW
- TAFE Queensland
- TAFE Holmesglen, among others​​​​​​.
Discover your ideal job match!
Salary Expectations
Here’s a tabulated summary of the salary range for stonemasons in Australia, depending on their experience level:
| Experience Level | Average Salary (AUD) |
| Entry-Level (<3 years) | $42,880 |
| Mid-Level (4-9 years) | $58,300 |
| Experienced (10-20 years) | $82,700 |
| Overall Average | $69,844 |
Safety Practices in Stonemasonry
Image Source: stonespecialist.com
Occupational Hazards and Health Risks:
- Noise-induced hearing loss from stone-cutting operations.
- Upper limb disorders due to the use of vibrating hand tools.
- Lung problems, including asthma, silicosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, from inhaling stone dust.
- Risks associated with working at heights, such as on scaffolds.
- Handling and Storing Large Stone Slabs
Preventive Measures and Best Practices:
- Undergo construction health and safety training specific to stonemasonry.
- Use dust masks and breathing equipment when cutting stones.
- Ensure working environments are well-ventilated.
- Choose ergonomically designed power tools to reduce vibration transfer.
- Wear hearing protection to guard against work-related hearing loss.
Conclusion
Engaged in the field of stonemasonry in Australia, the stonemason work embodies a tradition-rich and opportunity-filled career, operating at the intersection of artistry, craftsmanship, and technical skill. Their proficiency centres on the precise shaping of stones, including granite and marble, where a fusion of creativity and technical skill is paramount.
Playing a critical role across diverse industries, these craftsmen contribute to the construction of robust outdoor structures and the refinement of interior designs. The selection of stones, each chosen for its distinct properties, facilitates the creation of enduring structures with aesthetic appeal. This pursuit stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and resilience.
At Dayjob Recruitment, we specialize in connecting skilled tradespeople, including stonemasons, with premier manufacturing and construction companies across Australia. Our services are designed to streamline your job search, offering access to new opportunities daily. If you’re a stonemason seeking your next career move, or an employer looking for top talent, we’re here to help.
Explore the possibilities with us at Dayjob Recruitment and take the next step in your professional journey.
Is this the role you’ve been waiting for?
FAQs
What are the most common types of stonemasons?
Here are the various types of stonemasons found within the stone industry:
Banker Mason: Work in workshops, using tools to shape stones based on predefined designs. Their work is primarily preparatory, crafting stones for later use in construction.
Fixer Mason: Travel to construction sites to install stone or cladding. Their work involves fitting, repairing, and restoring stonework, often in challenging and hazardous conditions.
Memorial Mason: Specializes in carving stone for commemorative purposes like headstones and memorials, often employed by funeral services and governments.
Carver Mason: Carver masons are highly skilled artists focusing on detailed stone carvings. They use tools like chisels and hammers to craft ornate designs, working on elements such as sculptures, reliefs, and architectural details to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings.
Restoration and Conservation Mason: These masons are experts in repairing and preserving old or damaged stone buildings. They evaluate the stone’s condition, fix or replace damaged parts, and ensure the original character of historical sites and landmarks is retained.
Dry Stone Waller: Specializing in mortarless construction, dry stone wallers build stable walls and other structures by carefully stacking and interlocking stones.
How does the training for stonemasonry in Australia prepare individuals to work on stone structures in different settings?
In Australia, training for stonemasonry, such as the Certificate III in Stonemasonry (CPC32320), equips individuals with the necessary skills to develop limestone, marble, and sandstone creations for various settings. This includes learning to shape stone for use in residential and commercial projects, as well as gaining an appreciation for the historical and artistic aspects of the trade. Apprenticeships are a key component of this training, requiring employment in the industry and support from an employer​.
What are the key skills required for shaping stone blocks and creating stone structures in stonemasonry?
Key skills in stonemasonry include cutting and shaping stone blocks using machines or hand tools, selecting the best stone for the job, and constructing walls and other structures using stone slabs. Stonemasons also need to be skilled in laying marble tiles, repairing stone facades, and carrying out detailed masonry work such as headstone lettering. These skills are crucial for creating both functional and aesthetic stone structures in various types of projects​.
How do Stonemasons prepare stones for construction projects, particularly in the restoration of historical buildings?
Stonemasons meticulously prepare stone materials for historical building restoration. Their process involves selecting suitable stones, cutting, and shaping them with precision to ensure structural integrity while maintaining the historical authenticity of the structure.
What role do Stonemasons play in laying stone paving, and how does it contribute to architectural aesthetics?
Stonemasons are integral to the process of laying stones for paving. They expertly arrange stones to create visually appealing and durable pavements. Their skills in proper alignment and craftsmanship enhance the architectural aesthetics of spaces, be it in historical settings or modern construction projects.
Can you explain the significance of masonry slabs in construction and how Stonemasons utilize them in various projects?
Masonry slabs hold significance in construction, serving as foundational elements. Stonemasons leverage these slabs for diverse applications, including building walls and pathways. Their expertise ensures the proper utilization of masonry slabs, contributing to the stability and longevity of different construction projects.
Are you a job seeker looking for your next big opportunity? Click below to see how we can assist you in finding the perfect role.
