Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Brick and Stone Mason

🎯 Role Definition

A Brick and Stone Mason constructs, repairs and restores structures made from brick, concrete block and natural or manufactured stone. This role includes reading blueprints and specifications, setting lines and profiles, mixing and applying mortar and grout, cutting and shaping masonry units, and installing anchors, flashing and waterproofing. The Brick and Stone Mason enforces safety regulations, collaborates with contractors and trades, documents quality control, and often mentors apprentices. This position is central to residential, commercial and historic masonry, including tuckpointing, veneer installation, retaining walls, chimneys and ornamental stonework. Keywords: bricklayer, stonemason, masonry contractor, tuckpointing, repointing, stone veneer, masonry restoration.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Masonry Apprentice or Laborer (on-the-job training)
Construction Laborer with masonry exposure
Trade school / vocational program graduate in masonry or construction

Advancement To:

Lead Mason / Foreman
Masonry Supervisor or Project Superintendent
Historic Restoration Specialist or Stone Conservator
Estimator or Project Manager for masonry/contracting firms
Small Business Owner / Masonry Contractor

Lateral Moves:

Bricklayer (specializing in commercial brickwork)
Stonemason (specializing in natural stone carving and installation)
Concrete Finisher or Form Setter
Tuckpointer / Repointing Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lay brick, concrete block and natural or manufactured stone in horizontal, vertical and decorative patterns, ensuring units are plumb, level and aligned using string lines, spirit levels and laser levels to meet plan specifications and aesthetic standards.
Interpret and work from blueprints, architectural drawings, shop drawings and masonry specifications to lay out walls, arches, lintels and openings and to determine material quantities and phasing.
Mix mortar, grout and adhesives to project-specific ratios and consistency—adjusting mix for weather conditions, substrate absorption and mortar color matching for restoration projects.
Cut, shape, dress and trim bricks and stone with hand tools (chisels, hammers) and power tools (masonry saws, grinders) to fit joints, create clean reveals, and fabricate custom pieces for sills, coping and corners.
Install reinforcing steel, anchors, ties, dowels and weep systems for veneer and load-bearing masonry; set flashing, thru-wall flashings and water management systems to prevent moisture intrusion.
Construct footings, starter courses and bonding patterns; set ledgers, temporary supports and forms for proper alignment and load transfer in walls, piers and columns.
Perform tuckpointing, repointing, patch repairs and complete brick or stone replacement for deteriorated mortar joints and units—matching historic mortar color, texture and tooling on restoration work.
Build and repair chimneys, fireplaces, retaining walls, stairways, patios, facades, columns and decorative masonry features from both new construction and renovation scopes.
Apply waterproofing membranes, sealants, caulks and protective coatings to masonry surfaces and joints; perform vapor barrier integration and flashing tie-ins at transitions.
Remove damaged or failed masonry and mortar safely using mechanical and manual methods; clean substrates with pressure washing, low-pressure soft wash, or abrasive techniques as appropriate for preservation work.
Install stone veneer systems including adhered and mechanically anchored assemblies; monitor substrate flatness and bracing, and grout and backfill per manufacturers’ instructions.
Set sills, lintels, thresholds and coping stones, ensuring correct bearing, bearing plates and expansion joint detailing in coordination with structural requirements.
Perform on-site layout and measurement checks for dimensional control, coordinate with surveyors and carpenters on opening locations, and adjust work to as-built conditions.
Operate material-handling equipment (hoists, forklifts, cranes and scaffolds) safely to place heavy stones and palletized masonry and to access elevated work areas.
Prepare work areas, manage staging of materials, protect finished work and adjacent surfaces, and maintain neat, safe jobsite housekeeping at all times.
Conduct regular quality inspections of finished masonry, document work with photos and reports, complete punch lists, and ensure compliance with project specifications and building codes.
Estimate material needs, perform basic takeoffs, provide input for bids and change orders, and collaborate with supervisors and estimators to track material usage and waste.
Mentor and train apprentices and junior masons in best practices, safety procedures, proper tool use and finishing techniques, reviewing their work and providing constructive feedback.
Coordinate with general contractors, brick suppliers, stone fabricators, stonemasons, concrete crews and inspectors to ensure sequencing, delivery windows and code compliance.
Adapt construction methods to weather and site conditions—protect new masonry from freezing, excessive moisture or heat, and schedule work to minimize environmental damage.
Maintain, calibrate and secure masonry tools and power equipment, arrange for repairs, and maintain an inventory of consumables (tuckpointing blades, chisels, anchors, mason line).
Install temporary shoring, bracing and protection around openings and partially completed walls to maintain structural stability during construction and demolition phases.
Provide professional client-facing communication on-site—explain repair options, material selection and maintenance guidance, and document client requests and approvals for change work.
Follow and enforce OSHA and company safety policies, attend safety meetings, complete required training (scaffold, fall protection, confined space where applicable), and use PPE consistently.

Secondary Functions

Assist in daily labor allocation, submit basic timecards and material usage logs, and report progress to supervisors for scheduling updates.
Participate in pre-construction walkthroughs and subcontractor coordination meetings to confirm site access, deliveries and staging areas.
Maintain and organize on-site inventory, accept material deliveries and verify shipment accuracy against purchase orders and cut sheets.
Prepare and submit field reports, defect logs and photo records for warranty, insurance claims and client documentation.
Support sustainability goals by minimizing material waste, recycling pallets and packaging and recommending long-term maintenance solutions.
Participate in continuous improvement and skills training programs, attend product training for new masonry systems, and stay current on code changes and best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in laying brick, concrete block and various natural/manufactured stone types with precise bonding and pattern execution.
Skilled in mortar and grout mixing, color matching and consistency control for both new construction and historic restoration.
Blueprint and technical drawing reading, with the ability to translate drawings into on-site layouts and dimensional controls.
Stone and brick cutting, shaping and dressing using chisels, masonry saws, grinders, and hand tools to tight tolerances.
Tuckpointing, repointing and mortar joint tooling techniques for restoration and weatherproofing.
Installation of flashing, weep holes, anchors, ties, lintels and reinforcement within veneer and load-bearing systems.
Experience with scaffolding assembly/dismantling, fall protection systems and elevated work platform operation.
Knowledge of waterproofing membranes, sealants, caulks and masonry coatings; application and compatibility awareness.
Proficient with measuring tools (laser level, transit, spirit level, plumb bob), layout tools and basic surveying techniques.
Safe operation of material handling equipment (forklift, hoist) and experience coordinating crane lifts for heavy stone.
Masonry estimation basics, material takeoffs and the ability to assist in bid preparation and change order documentation.
Historic masonry conservation techniques, mortar analysis and replication for preservation projects (preferred for restoration roles).
Ability to perform quality control inspections and document compliance with building codes, ASTM standards and project specs.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and a high standard for craftsmanship and finish quality.
Reliable physical stamina and endurance for repetitive lifting, kneeling, and work in varied weather conditions.
Clear verbal communication for coordinating with crew members, supervisors and clients on technical details and scheduling.
Teamwork and leadership aptitude; able to mentor apprentices and lead small crews effectively.
Problem-solving skills to adapt layouts and materials to field conditions and unforeseen site challenges.
Time management and prioritization to meet project milestones and maintain production rates.
Customer-service orientation when interacting with homeowners, property managers or site representatives.
Commitment to safety culture, ability to recognize hazards and enforce safe work practices.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing project scopes, weather delays, and phased construction.
Professionalism in appearance, punctuality and documentation (timesheets, reports, job logs).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or relevant on-the-job training.

Preferred Education:

Completion of a masonry apprenticeship program, trade school certificate, or vocational training in masonry/bricklaying.
Certifications in scaffold safety, OSHA 10/30, or specific masonry system training (manufacturer certifications).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Masonry Technology / Bricklaying
Construction Technology / Building Trades
Civil Construction / Architectural Technology
Historic Preservation or Conservation (for restoration roles)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–7 years of hands-on masonry experience for journeyman-level roles; 0–2 years for entry-level apprentice positions.

Preferred:

5+ years for lead or specialty restoration roles; documented experience with tuckpointing, stone veneer systems, structural masonry, and working from complex architectural drawings.
Demonstrated track record of completed residential or commercial masonry projects, ability to provide references or portfolio photos.