Masonry is the building material used for the construction of brick, concrete, and rock structures. A stone mason constructs, erects, installs, and repairs structures using brick, concrete block insulation, and other masonry units. Walls, arches, floors, and chimneys are some of the structures that a stone mason builds or repairs.

Part of the responsibility of a stone mason is to cut and trim masonry materials to certain specifications. A stone mason's work tools include a framing square for setting project outlines, levels for setting forms, a line level for making layouts and setting slope, and a tape measure.

Masons need a working knowledge of ratios for mixing concrete and mortar. A foundation in algebra and geometry is helpful for laying out a

Stone masons rely on mathematics and specially designed tools to calculate and measure exact dimensions.

building site, and for building the frames that will contain the object being built. An ability to calculate slope, volume, and area is important for a stone mason. A basic knowledge of trade math is required for most stone mason training programs and apprenticeships.

Bibliography

Masonry Essentials. Minnetonka, MN: Cowles Creative Publishing, Inc., 1997.