What Do Masonry Contractors Do?
Masonry contractors are tradesmen who are experienced in a number of construction and building techniques. The trade is one of the oldest construction professions in the world, with masons helping to build some of the earliest known homes and structures in history. Today, masonry contractors are hired to complete a wide range of home building projects, including building brick walls, stone patios and fireplaces.
Brick Masons
Masonry contractors typically specialize in a particular material or type of project. Brick masons are one such category. These professionals work primarily with brick and mortar. Virtually any structure that can be built with brick is within the realm of an experienced bricklayer – from garden walls and patios to complete housing structures. While the process of laying brick may seem simple, the truth is that much skill is required to evenly lay brick and ensure a stable, long-lasting structure.
Stone Masons
Stone masons work with a variety of natural stone products to build such rustic structures as walls, benches, pillars, patios and bridges. Their job tasks may involve measuring and cutting stone, setting stone according to a pattern and using mortar or grout to set the stones into place. Like brick masonry, a fair amount of planning is required to ensure that a stone mason contracting project is completed with accuracy.
Stone masons may also be called upon to perform repair work on existing stone structures.
Tilesetters
Tilesetting is another subcategory of masonry. These contractors work largely in bathrooms or kitchens, laying tile to cover walls, ceilings and floors. Tile may be constructed from ceramic, marble or quarry – all of which provide unique appearances. An experienced tilesetter should be able to give you advice on which types of tile best accentuate your home’s decor. After consultation, the contractor will then purchase the materials and install the tile with the help of grout. To ensure even spacing and a constant pattern, it is recommended that you select a tilesetter with years of experience.
Concrete Masons
Concrete masons work with poured concrete or concrete bricks to fabricate a wide variety of home structures. Beyond laying the concrete itself, these masonry contractors may also be experienced in coloring concrete, texturing concrete and other finishing processes that improve upon the natural appearance of concrete. When pouring concrete, the mason must also level the foundation to ensure proper hardening.