16 Mason Skills for Your Career and Resume

Masons are construction workers who specialize in working with stone, brick and concrete. They have a variety of skills that they use to build and repair structures like walls, floors and sidewalks. If you’re interested in becoming a mason, it’s important to understand the skills that are necessary for the job.

Bricklaying

Masonry construction requires bricklaying skills, which involve the installation of bricks to form walls. Masonry masons use these skills when building structures and foundations for buildings. Bricklayers typically work with a team of other masons who specialize in different aspects of construction.

Hand-Eye Coordination

Hand-eye coordination is the ability to use your hands and eyes together. This skill is important for masons because it allows them to accurately place materials on a wall or other structure. It also helps them when they are using tools like trowels, chisels and hammers so that they can build structures with precision.

Stamina

Masonry requires stamina, or the ability to work for long periods of time. You may need to spend several hours a day working outdoors and lifting heavy materials. Masonry also involves attention to detail, so you should be able to focus on tasks for extended periods of time.

Stone Setting

Stone setting is the process of placing and securing stones in a wall or structure. This skill requires attention to detail, as masons need to ensure that each stone is placed correctly so it can support the weight of other stones and materials above it. Masonry work also involves building structures with natural materials like sandstone, limestone and granite, which means masons must know how to set these types of stones for maximum durability.

Work Well Under Pressure

Masonry work often requires working under pressure to meet deadlines. You may need to complete a project before the end of the month or by a certain date, and you can use your ability to work well under pressure to help you finish on time. Masonry also involves working with other people who have different skill levels, so being able to work well under pressure can help you manage any challenges that arise during projects.

Roofing

Roofing is a skill that masons use to install and repair roofs. Masonry contractors often need to know how to build and repair roofs, so this skill can be very beneficial for your career as a mason. Roofing involves installing shingles on the roof’s surface and securing them in place with nails or screws. You also may need to repair sections of the roof by removing old materials and replacing them with new ones.

Mortar Mixing

Mortar is the substance that masons use to hold together building materials like bricks and stones. It’s important for them to be able to mix mortar correctly so they can build sturdy structures. They also need to know how to apply mortar properly so it holds the building materials in place. This skill involves measuring, mixing and applying substances accurately.

Attention to Detail

Masonry requires attention to detail, as the quality of your work depends on it. You need to be precise when measuring materials and mixing mortar so that you can build structures with straight walls and level floors. Masonry also involves working with many different types of materials, including stone, brick, concrete and wood, so you need to know how to use each material properly.

Electrical

Electrical skills are necessary for masons to have, as they often work with electrical equipment and wiring. This is especially true if you’re working on a construction site where the building’s electrical system may be in place already. You need to know how to read electrical schematics and understand what different types of wires do so that you can install them correctly.

Concrete Finishing

Concrete finishing is the process of applying a surface to concrete. This can include adding texture, coloring and sealing the concrete. Masonry professionals often use concrete finishing skills when working on projects like driveways or sidewalks. You may also need these skills if you work in construction management, where you oversee masonry crews that build structures.

Plumbing

Plumbing is a skill that masons use to install plumbing systems in buildings. Masonry skills are necessary for installing plumbing, and plumbers often have strong masonry skills. Plumbing involves working with pipes, valves and other components of water supply systems. You can learn plumbing by taking classes or by observing experienced plumbers at work.

Safety Consciousness

Safety is an important aspect of masonry work, as it ensures that you and your coworkers can complete projects without sustaining injuries. Safety skills include knowing how to use the right tools for a job, understanding safety protocols for working with certain materials and following industry standards for scaffolding and other equipment. You can also develop safety awareness by taking courses on workplace safety or attending workshops on topics like first aid and CPR.

Physical Strength

Physical strength is an important skill for masons to have because it allows them to complete their work efficiently. Masonry requires physical labor, so having the ability to perform tasks that require a lot of effort can help you advance in your career. You may also need to lift and carry heavy materials when working on construction sites, so developing physical strength can be beneficial for this type of job.

Tuckpointing

Tuckpointing is the process of applying mortar to masonry and filling in any gaps between bricks. This helps ensure that your brickwork is sturdy and prevents water from entering the structure. Masonry contractors often hire masons who have experience tuckpointing because it’s an important part of building a strong wall.

Tuckpointing requires precision, so you should practice this skill on small projects before working on larger ones. You can also learn by observing experienced masons at work.

Carpentry

Masonry requires carpentry skills, as masons often build structures and other architectural elements. Masonry involves the construction of walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces, chimneys, arches and more. Masons use tools like hammers, chisels, saws, levels, plumb bobs and trowels to create these features. They also need to understand how to read blueprints and building plans so they can interpret them correctly and build what their clients want.

Landscaping

Landscaping is the process of designing and maintaining outdoor spaces. This can include creating gardens, building retaining walls or installing irrigation systems. Having knowledge in landscaping can help you find work as a mason because it demonstrates your ability to create functional outdoor spaces. It also allows you to provide maintenance for existing structures that have been built by other masons.

How Can I Learn These Mason Skills?

There is no one answer to this question as everyone learns differently and at different speeds. However, some suggestions on how to learn masonry skills would be to take a masonry class at a local community college, or to find a masonry apprenticeship program in your area. You could also look for online tutorials or videos that show you how to do specific masonry tasks. Another option would be to find a masonry contractor who is willing to let you shadow them or work with them on a project to learn the ropes. Whichever route you choose, be sure to be patient and take your time to learn the skills properly so that you can be safe and do a good job.