Stone may be one of the hardest materials to work with, yet one that can give beautiful results if used correctly. There’s a small difference in opinion over how exactly can stone benefit any building given that more advanced materials exist, but their widespread use in renovations and construction hasn’t changed a bit.
From concrete stair treads to brick walls and marble flooring, the practice of stonemasonry has changed since the earliest days. The process is more efficient, thanks to the tools and materials available today. Any renovation or major construction project will most likely require a mason or two to advise or work with the process.
What exactly are masons?
It may be helpful to just give a brief definition of a stonemason. A stonemason has been trained to handle stone in the practice of cutting or shearing it into the desired shape and then using that to build a structure or a fixture. There are many different types of masons, categorized based on their expertise at what stage the stone is in. While they may not the only people you’ll interact with, they’re all essential to the process of working with stone.
If you’re looking to get some work done around your home or workplace, or simply just curious as to who exactly to call, here’s a brief discussion of the different types of workers you can hire for different jobs:
Quarrymen
Responsible for mining the rock itself from the earth, quarrymen use power tools or machinery to split the rock and turn it into workable pieces, as well as extract them from the ground for processing and transport.
Cutters
Sawyers cut these roughly hewn pieces of rock into cubes (the most common form these blocks are worked with) with diamond-tipped saws. These cubes can vary in dimensions according to material and the required amount.
Carvers
If the stone will be used for decorative processes, you may need to hire a carver. These workers are skilled at working in detail into stone sheets or slabs by cutting and carving them in different shapes and designs.
Banker masons
For those looking for a more classical approach to a building’s fixtures, banker masons are the ones they often employ. Named after their historical work on public buildings, such as government offices and banks, these masons specialize in creating stone fixtures that are part of the building’s architecture, such as copings and cornices.
Fixer masons
For those looking for a more general approach to stonework, a fixer mason is a more efficient hire. While their skills and tools may not be as sophisticated as banker masons, fixer masons have a more precise role when it comes to fixing stone structures to buildings or overseeing renovation projects.
Whenever you’re doing a project, it’s important to choose the right people for the job, especially if it’s something as big as a renovation involving stone. Having the right person will the right tools can make the job easier and can yield a faster and better result.
