Crafts / Stonemasonry

Stonemasonry

Stonemasonry is one of the oldest and most enduring building crafts.

About Stonemasonry

Stonemasonry is one of the oldest and most enduring building crafts. Stonemasons working in heritage conservation shape, cut, and fix natural stone using techniques passed down over centuries - from repairing Gothic cathedral facades to restoring country house balustrades. Conservation stonemasonry demands an intimate knowledge of how stone was originally worked, how it has aged, and how to respond to decay without causing further damage.

Typical earnings

Entry level: £22,000–£28,000 | Experienced: £35,000–£45,000+ | Self-employed specialists: higher

Practitioners in this craft

Practitioner interviews are in production. At least one practitioner featured in each craft will be a woman working in that trade. If you know someone still practising this craft, or would like to be featured, get in touch.

office@craftgate.org

Career pathway

Apprentice Mason

Mixing mortars, preparing stone, assisting on site

Hand tools, mortar prep, CSCS card, site safety

Banker Mason

Shaping and carving stone blocks in the workshop

Hand tool mastery, precision measurement, reading drawings

Fixer Mason

Installing stone on site - cladding, lintels, copings

Working at height, lime mortar bedding, manual handling

Conservation Mason

Repointing, stone consolidation, like-for-like repair

NVQ L3 Heritage Skills Mason, lime mortar, stone pathology

Carver

Decorative carved stonework - foliage, figures, heraldic detail

Advanced chisel technique, drawing, art history

Site Supervisor / Contracts Manager

Managing heritage masonry contracts

NVQ L4 Construction Site Supervision, SMSTS

Master Craftsperson / Trainer

Complex contracts, specifying repairs, training apprentices

Full craft mastery, NVQ assessment, report writing

Getting qualified

✓Level 2 NVQ in Stonemasonry (Banker) or Level 2 Apprenticeship
✓Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills - Mason (Gold CSCS card)
✓Level 3 City & Guilds Assured Stonemasonry Heritage qualification
✓SAP Heritage Mason programme
✓Specialist training at Building Crafts College London and City & Guilds of London Art School

Find a placement

Ready to try Stonemasonry for yourself? Browse available placements with verified hosts.

View Stonemasonry placements ← All crafts

Ready to learn?

Start the Stonemasonry Foundation Pathway - 6 modules covering conservation philosophy to career qualifications.

Start Learning →