Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Stonemason
What stonemasons actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a stonemason?
Sort stone at the site. From there, the day usually includes read plans, cut and shape stone, and mix mortar. Full time, often seasonal in cold regions.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a stonemason working full time.
- Sort stone at the site.
- Mix mortar.
- Set a stone veneer course.
- Split stone with a hammer.
- Point joints.
- Clean the wall.
- Cover work for weather.
Where stonemasons work
Stonemasons work outdoors on homes, commercial buildings and landscapes.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often seasonal in cold regions.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read plans
- Cut and shape stone
- Mix mortar
- Set stone
- Point joints
- Restore historic stone
- Build walls and patios
Tools you’ll use every day
- Mason’s hammers
- Chisels
- Trowels
- Saws
- Levels
- Mixers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Lasting craftsmanship
- Creative work
- Can run your own business
- Restoration niche
What’s hard
- Heavy lifting
- Weather
- Seasonal work
- Declining employment
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like working with my hands
- I like lasting work
- I’m strong
- I have a good eye
- I don’t mind weather
- I might run my own business
Not sure? Take the free Stonemason fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Control silica dust
- Lift with help
- Wear eye protection
- Use scaffolds safely