Brick Masons and Concrete Finishers

Masons work with a variety of materials under different conditions. They are employed alongside or with construction companies to build homes, buildings, roads, walkways, and many other things. There are a few different areas of work, depending on what material is used. Brick masons, block masons, or stone masons work with brick and stone for their designs. They usually add the finishing touches to a home, for example with decorative stone work on a patio. Concrete finishers are masons that work with cement. They work on things like parking lots, and road ways to make sure the cement is smooth and does not have any cracks in it. The last type is called a stucco mason, or simply plasterers. They work with the stucco material found on many buildings and homes today. It is commonly found in many areas of the southwest, so stucco masons are popular there.

Different types of masons are employed with construction companies today to build new structures. Also in high demand are masons that can restore and repair damaged brick work or stone work. Today, many people are buying older homes and renovating them. They need to hire brick masons to fix any damage that may be present.

Most workers train on the job site for experience, although there are programs for masonry at vo-tech schools across the country. However, masonry is a type of job that hands on learning and training is probably best. It is also a very labor intensive job. There is a lot of heavy lifting involved. Usually, masons work outside, so they may have to deal with extreme heat or cold. They can independently own their own company, or be contracted by a larger construction company for special work. Depending on what they charge for certain work, the pay will vary. For example, work with an expensive stone such as granite will cost more than with river rock. Usually, the highest paid are the brick masons or stone masons, making on average around $20 dollars an hour. Stucco masons and plasterers make around $16 dollars an hour. Concrete finishers make the least at around $15 dollars an hour.