Is stone masonry a qualified trade?

The art of stone masonry is many hundreds of years old, with many wonderful pieces being made by skilled stone masons from many different eras.

But, in the twenty-first is stone masonry an actual qualified trade? Or is it a skill of times past? We took a look at whether you can become qualified in stone masonry and what kind of work you'd do. If you'd like to know more about the work that our stonemasons can complete for you, give MMS Memorials a call on 07 3265 5433 and we can discuss your requirements.

What is a stonemason?

Stonemasons work with stone to create different objects for varying needs. From kitchen benchtops to floor tiles to statues and lots more, a stonemason uses both large and small tools to cut and polish materials and create intricate detailing and carvings.

What does a stonemason do?

A stonemason does many many things, including:

• Creating kitchen and bathroom bench tops: Polishing and cutting stone, such as marble, to create benchtops for various rooms in your home.
• Lettering: Using sandblasting techniques and/or handheld tools to cut different types of lettering into stone.
• Floor tiles: Laying floor tiles/stone pavings.
• Archways: Constructing/repairing archways.
• Repairs: Fixing the stonework of old buildings/churches.
• Facades: Set out/anchor facades.
• Waterproofing: Apply/install waterproofing and damp-proofing for stonemasonry.

And this is just the beginning! A stonemason does do much more - some stonemasons specialise in a particular area, whereas others work broadly within the industry.

Are there different kinds of stone mason?

Yes! There are 3 kinds of stonemason:

• Memorial Mason: Carves memorials, statues and gravestones.
• Banker Mason:Generally based in a workshop and uses varying tools to shape stones or pieces of rock into different designs.
• Fixer Mason: Generally works outdoors and completes stone installations, involving placing stones that have been banked by a banker mason into place.

A stonemason generally doesn't fit within one 'category' and, depending on their skillset, transfers between stonemason types depending on the circumstances.

Is stone masonry a qualified trade?

Yes! The qualifications to become a stonemason depend on where you are located in Australia, however, you generally have to go to TAFE, a trade college or complete an apprenticeship in stone masonry. If you are in Queensland, the QBCC website will have all the information you need on how to become a stonemason.

The stonemasons you can rely on

If you would like to know more about what MMS Memorials can offer you when it comes to stone masonry, give us a call on 07 3265 5433 and we would be more than happy to discuss our stone masonry services.