Day by day, human needs become diverse and complex. Yet, the basics remain the same. And sometimes they might also become a little complex. In fact, each and every person needs houses. So, the world needs masons to build them. If the world runs out of masons, we would not be having new buildings any further. Thus, masonry is that important. And perhaps you would also like to become a mason. If so, you must follow the most productive procedure to become one. That is the most efficient way to become stable. So, in this article, our primary focus is on how to become a mason.
How Good is it to be a Mason?
If you are sorting out career opportunities, you would like to know the pros and cons of each career. In fact, there are many fields that you may like to engage in. Sometimes, you may want to be a carpenter. You might also have an interest in becoming a plumber. Also, you would like to be an electrician. If it is a masonry worker that you would want to become, you would have the enthusiasm to know all about it. Of course, you must know all that.
Is masonry a good career? This could be a question that you might have. The simplest answer is yes. Currently, masonry is in high demand. And there is very good pay for masonry workers as a whole.
All the same, the population of the world is increasing daily. And there should be houses for everyone to live in. So naturally, the demand for masonry workers should also increase without question. And it does.
Likewise, more and more companies, factories, and organizations are established in the world every day. The world has to build up new buildings to cater to this development.
Apart from all that, it is not just building buildings that masons do. It is up to the masonry workers to construct most of the infrastructure facilities. Hence, the demand for masons never dies. Whenever there are new projects, masons have to work on them. Simply, the world needs masons for each and every edifice.
Moreover, masonry is a decent career opportunity with a good reputation. Hence, many people in the present world opt for masonry. If we consider all these, the ultimate conclusion we can arrive at is that masonry is a good career.
Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods 7th Edition
For almost thirty years, thousands of professionals and students of architecture, engineering, and construction technology have relied on Edward Allen and Joseph Iano’s Fundamentals of Building Construction. The materials and procedures detailed in this book have been completely revised to match the most recent industry developments. Topics ranging from fundamental construction procedures to the concepts of structure and enclosure are carefully chosen and logically organized to assist readers to develop a practical understanding of the area in a pleasant, easy-to-understand way. So, we think that this would be a great book for you to refer to.
What kind of work is Masonry?
If you have an interest in this profession, you might sometimes have a clear idea of what they do. Even if not, do not worry about that. We are ready to tell you.
Basically, a mason is a person who builds structures and edifices. Yet, it covers a wide range. Fences, chimneys, walkways, walls, and buildings are mason’s areas of expertise. The world would keep on needing masons as long as the world uses human labor for such tasks.
Generally, a mason has to deal with concrete blocks, bricks, or natural stones when carrying out construction tasks. So masons are also referred to as bricklayers.
However, masonry is not just this. Masons have got much more to do. Mainly, it is up to the masons to do the calculations of how much material is needed for the construction. Of course, they must have the capability of reading blueprints and drawings. And they must be able to layout a foundation in accordance with a plan. Also, cutting materials to the proper measurement is also a part of masonry. Further, masons must know to mix mortar or grout and spread it onto a foundation or a slab properly.
In fact, constructing walls with proper alignments with the use of equipment like levels and plums are important tasks of a mason. Perhaps, masons may have to use certain hand tools to polish various surfaces.
Nevertheless, there are different types of masons who carry out different types of tasks. So, apart from the above tasks, masons may have various other work based on the field they are specialized in.
Anyway, you may have gotten a good understanding of what masons do. Now, let us take a look at how you can be a mason.
Steps to be a Mason
Well, this must be your sole concern. If you want to be a mason, you must consider how you must proceed step by step. You can do nothing in a split second. Of course, you need time for whatever you do. And you cannot do something just because you have the desire. Firstly, you need to have a plan. Then, you must implement it. Meanwhile, you have to work hard. That is how you can achieve your goal to be a mason. So, let us get into the facts. What are the main steps that you have to follow?
- Get a high school diploma or an equivalent.
- Complete a program in masonry.
- Become an apprentice.
- Be employed as a journey worker.
- Get work experience.
- Advance to higher positions.
- Become an independent contractor.
You must be curious to know all that in detail. Yes, that is fair enough. And that portrays how passionate you are to be a mason. Let us not waste words. Right away, let us get to know each of them from top to bottom.
Masonry Inside Out Paperback – November 13, 2020
The authors of this book are Bro. Raul Randle, Bro. Larry Jones, and Bro. Charles Smith. And the illustrator of this book is Lauren Ihle. The authors are all master masons. Masonry Inside Out is a series of lectures from various viewpoints aimed at assisting in the development of masonry workers. You get the ability to learn more about how these three’s journeys have influenced their life and helped them to develop into the people they are today. Therefore, we think that you should go through this book and get to know about this better.
1. Get a high school diploma or an equivalent
This is the first step that you must follow if you want to be a mason. But in actual fact, having a high school diploma is necessary for most professions. Hence, this is of course not a requirement you must have specifically to be a mason.
What is the purpose of having a high school diploma or an equivalent? Well, it shows that you have sufficient skills to read, write, and understand something. Further, having fundamental science and maths knowledge is also a requisite up to a certain extent. So, going through this stage convinces you that you have all the necessary primary skills and knowledge that would be worth having when working in the field.
However, out of all the skills that you master, the most important is your mathematics skills. In the field, you may have to understand a draft, do some simple calculations, and work it out. Also, you may have to make logical decisions considering the circumstances on certain occasions. Hence, having basic math knowledge sufficiently is pretty important for masonry. We do not say that you have to be a math prodigy. But you must have fundamental mathematics knowledge.
Another factor that affects your job is your decision-making skills. When you are following a high school diploma, you would unwittingly get the opportunity to brush up on your intuitive logical thinking skills. You cannot allow mistakes to happen. Making the right decision is always important.
By now, you may have understood how important it is to have a high school diploma or an equivalent in order to be a mason.
2. Complete a program in masonry
If you want to be a mason this is how you should step forward. Mainly, if you are over 18 years and have obtained a high school diploma or an equivalent, you can then follow a program in masonry.
If you go and work as an apprentice without completing a program in masonry, you would lack certain theoretical knowledge and technical specifications. But if you become an apprentice after completing a program like this, you would become quite methodical and skillful.
You can complete a certificate program or a diploma initially. You would then be able to obtain the fundamental knowledge of masonry. Generally, you would have both practical training sessions as well as lectures in such a program. Of course, both practical knowledge and theoretical knowledge are vitally important without question. But anyway, you still can follow a specialized program that may well focus on a particular field like cement or concrete masonry.
If you wish, you can afterward follow an associate’s degree program. There are certain degree programs that are offered specifically for masonry. However, you can also follow a degree program in a related field like building construction technology or construction and building science.
These types of programs provide you with the ability to learn subject matters related to masonry as well as to get on-hand training. Getting on-hand training at this level is also important. So, once you become an apprentice, you can easily follow up with the tasks that you have to perform.
3. Become an apprentice
As for apprenticeship, this is the stage at which you get the professional training. After reading this section, you would understand how important it is, in the path to be a mason.
You would get physical training during the time that you are following a masonry program. Besides, it is not a professional training that you get in a masonry program. You would not be working in the field on real projects. Yet, during the apprenticeship, you get the opportunity to work in the field. You would be able to experience real situations in your job. Further, you would be able to come across practical problems that will probably lead you to find the solutions for them. In other words, although you cannot still practice as a mason, you would be able to practically do everything that a mason has to do in the field.
As an apprentice, you would most probably have to work under the supervision of an experienced journeyman. In fact, you would not be able to engage in masonry work on your own. You have to be under direct supervision and guidance. That is how it goes.
As you would understand, the best is to get professional training from someone who is currently engaged in the field. If not, you would not get sufficient knowledge of how you should apply your technical knowledge in the field.
Also, if you are handling a piece of equipment in the wrong way or carrying out some task in an improper manner, your journeyman mason would show you how to do it. Just think about what would happen if you enter the industry right after a program. Your mistakes would cost lives.
Another good thing about an apprenticeship is that you get a pay even during the apprenticeship.
4. Be employed as a journey worker
Next, you can be employed as a journey worker. Your ultimate goal is to become a masonry worker, right? So, here it is. Mentioned in the previous sections is how you should proceed step by step to be a mason. And now, finally, you will be called a mason.
But what exactly is it to be a journeyman mason or a journey worker in masonry? Well, this is actually the journeyman license. Once you get the journeyman license, you have the authoritative right to be employed as a journeyman mason. So, after all, you have now become an independent mason. You do not have to work under the supervision of anyone any further.
As you would have to work on your own as a journey worker, it is important that you have proficient knowledge of masonry. Of course, you must definitely be having it. If you have followed the steps to be a mason, how come you do not possess that knowledge?
So, the world would surely recognize you as a mason now. You can either work in a particular company or you can go ahead in the industry on your own.
Professionally, this is the furthest point you can arrive at. Yet, there is a lot more you can achieve. If you have potential, that is it. You do not have to worry about your professional skills. All you have to worry about is your efficacy.
As an apprentice, you would not be able to make much money. But as a masonry worker, now you would be able to make money as a professional. In the latter part of the article, we would be discussing the income of masonry workers as of the present as well.
5. Get work experience
Yes, this is what you need next. You need to be experienced. No doubt, once you become a journey worker, you are a mason. But you have to stabilize yourself in the industry. You have to make sure that your future is assured. In fact, you can advance to higher positions. Because of that, we are not going to stop here. We are going to tell you about how you should climb higher in your journey of life.
The most predominant aspect is that you should get work experience. This is not something special that you have to focus on. Just remain involved in the industry. Unknowingly, you would get the work experience over the course of time.
The professional trends of masonry also change from time to time. So, it is only while you stay involved that you would be able to understand the future trends. Keeping yourself updated is pretty important for you to go to higher professional standards in the future.
Meanwhile, you must also try to gain a good understanding of how masonry is done as an industry. That would be beneficial for you in the future.
You can learn how your supervisors manage the staff as well as the projects. Also, you can try to understand how your seniors carry on the industry. That might be a big help for you to advance further in the future.
Apart from that, you can join a labor union and grow as a professional. There are masonic unions as well. There are of course many advantages to you in being a member of such a union. So, it is also something you can do while getting work experience.
6. Advance to higher positions
Now you know how to become a mason and how to get further work experience. And that is not a place you can stop. You should definitely advance to higher positions. Then only you will be able to attain contentment. It is because you can then reach the maximum level a mason can reach.
So, what are the higher positions that you can reach? You can advance to positions such as supervisor, superintendent, and construction management positions.
Supervisors would have to directly supervise the work of masons, especially in a project. They would have to assign tasks and see if they carry out them properly and efficiently. Of course, you can possibly have a better salary if you become a masonry supervisor.
Also, you can become a masonry superintendent as well. As a superintendent, you would have to plan out projects and make sure that the teams work in coordination to fulfill them. This is something ahead of normal masonry work. So, you need to be much more committed and dedicated. Just the same, you would get a higher income as well.
Further, management positions in construction fields are also perfectly well within your capability. After getting experience as a masonry worker, you can gradually develop in your career. In fact, a management position dignifies you. And it may well give you a good salary.
7. Become an independent contractor
You can become an independent contractor either while you are employed or after securing a high position in the industry. However, this is how you can earn the most as a professional.
If you are an independent contractor, you have the ability to run a business on your own. So, all the profits that you make are totally yours. When you are employed, it is a fixed salary that you get. So, the money that you can make is limited. In other words, it is fixed.
If you want to be a very rich mason, your ultimate option is to run a business for yourself. But keep in mind that you cannot do it in the beginning. You have to work hard, get experience, and get to know how you should run a trade. If you do so, the resultant income would of course be unstoppable.
As a matter of fact, it is not merely professional knowledge that you need to have to be a contractor. Of course, you need to have a good sense of entrepreneurship. Also, you must possess leadership skills. Indeed you may have a lot of workers working for you when you become an independent contractor. And you may need to have the skills to plan out things, schedule tasks, and manage your finances.
Nevertheless, most of the masons do not end up being contractors. Sometimes, they would spend their entire life working for someone else. It is not a problem. The choice is up to you. But we have told you everything in detail, so if you want to keep one step ahead of others, you can surely do it.
Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Concrete & Masonry, 4th Edition: Build with Concrete, Brick, Block & Natural Stone (Black & Decker Complete Guide) Paperback – September 15, 2015
This is a book by the editors of Cool Springs Press. This updated 4th edition of Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Concrete & Masonry includes traditional concrete laying techniques that have been simplified for everyday homeowners, as well as completely modern materials and techniques like tumbled concrete pavers, acid-etching for colored concrete slabs, and important green paving options like rain-garden arroyos and permeable pavers. And this book includes several cutting-edge designs, such as polished concrete worktops and stamped concrete pathways. Considering all these, we think that this would be so useful for you for your profession.
Who offers you pre-apprenticeship training programs?
By now, you know how to become a mason. Still, you must just be having the idea of becoming one. No matter, now you can start. If you already have a high school diploma, you must choose a good training school and training program to master the subject.
In fact, there are many institutions that offer you masonry programs. Some institutions are specialized in masonry. And some offer programs for many construction fields.
Actually, what matters is mainly your convenience. As long as you can complete a masonry program at your ease, you do not have to worry much about other things. The value of this program is as one of your qualifications mainly. So, if you have the ability to engage in a good program, you can choose that institution.
But anyway, completing a pre-apprenticeship masonry program is quite valuable. It not only teaches you theoretical matters but also provides you with the capability to engage in practical work.
However, for you to get an idea of these pre-apprenticeship programs, we thought of telling you a couple of institutions from which you can complete such a program.
1. Home Builders Institute
Home Builders Institute offers programs related to technical education. Mainly, its programs are based on the principles of the building industry. It provides you with a very good foundation for the basics you need to know in the field.
Its programs give you practical knowledge as well as professional skills. And it focuses predominantly on what you need to know about residential constructions.
Also, the home builders institute focuses on personality development as well. That is something very important to uplift your professional status as a professional.
As they have online programs, you can join them and complete a suitable program if you wish to do it online.
2. International Masonry Institute
As we told you, there are institutions that offer you only masonry programs. This is such an institute, which is specialized in offering masonry programs.
The programs of the international masonry institute include many aspects such as training the students for masonry, developing your craftsmanship and design skills, and so on. So, you can get the entire knowledge you hope to get from a pre-apprenticeship program if you join the international masonry institute.
After all, it depends on your choice. You can choose a masonry program that you think would benefit you. And again, your convenience matters.
How long does it take to be a Mason?
Perhaps, this would be a question that matters to you very much. However, the answer to this question depends on your chosen steps.
As you would know, you need to have a high school diploma first. Afterward, you can go through a pre-apprenticeship masonry program. Generally, it would take only a year or two to complete a masonry program. That is not a very long time.
If we consider the apprenticeship, it would usually take three to four years. But you get an income during the apprenticeship. So, you do not have to worry about that much.
After that, you can become a journey worker. Then you are a mason. So, it clearly does not take much time. And yes, after some experience, you can advance to higher positions. But again, getting a good knowledge of masonry is pretty important. You have to work hard for that in the initial stages.
Much precisely, according to the National Center of Construction Education and Research, it takes 432 hours for your training program.
However, it is advisable to put your maximum into your training programs. If you master the art of masonry properly, you can easily become a very successful mason. That is for certain.
How hard is it to be a Mason?
Well, the first thing we want to tell you is that it is not easy. In fact, this would be another concern of yours. You have to be dedicated if you want to be a successful masonry worker.
But just do not think about it very much. Startup your training. Focus and concentrate on what you do. If you take one thing at a time and go ahead with what you have to do, it would not be that hard, to be frank.
Do not take your lessons for granted. Always, try to put your heart and soul into what you learn and do. If your commitment is up to that level, there is absolutely nothing to worry about how hard it is.
As a matter of fact, yes it is hard. But it is not, as long as you stay focused and dedicated. All that matters is your enthusiasm.
Do not think of how skillful you are by birth. That is not a major problem. You can improve your skills over time when you are working in the field.
So, in a nutshell, what we have to tell you is that you have to just keep doing what you do. Then, all will be fine.
What are the types of Masons?
Of course, you can specialize in your field of masonry. Thus, you would also like to know the types of masonry that are currently available if you have the enthusiasm to join this field. So, let us take a look and get to know what they are.
- Brick Masons and Block Masons
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
- Stonemasons
- Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
You would like to know more about each of those categories. Do not worry. We will tell you.
1. Brick Masons and Block Masons
First, let us consider brick masons and block masons. As it happens, brick masons and block masons are the ones who deal with bricks and blocks. So naturally, they work with structures that have walls. Building walls as well as repairing them is part of their work. Apart from bricks and blocks, they would also have to use terra cotta and other masonry materials.
Moreover, there are certain specific categories even in brick masonry. Pointing, cleaning, and caulking workers are such specific brick masons who repair brickwork. Also, there are brick masons who have specialized knowledge in installing heat- and fire-resistant masonry materials in high-temperature areas. We call them refractory masons.
Residential Construction Academy: Masonry, Brick and Block Construction 1st Edition
Robert Benjamin Ham is the author of this book. This book presents and discusses modern residential masonry construction processes, as well as current building and construction industry safety laws pertaining to the subject. The detailed illustrations and step-by-step processes will help beginning masons, designers, home builders, students, and apprentices alike. “This book is a wonderful technical manual and reference guide for masonry. Inside is a wealth of knowledge regarding everything from brick and block laying techniques, tools and equipment, to the basics.” This is how a reader of this book has reviewed it on Amazon. And this explains how good this book is.
Bricklaying Paperback – April 12, 2002
The author of this book is Peter Cartwright. This book covers a wide variety of topics. So, if you refer to this book, you would be able to get a comprehensive understanding of bricklaying. “This book brought everything I wanted to know to the table and more. I just wanted a reference for bricklaying and had heard good things about this book. I feel that it is a pretty comprehensive book.” This is how a customer has reviewed this book on Amazon. So, we think that you would find this pretty useful.
2. Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
As it says, cement workers and concrete finishers work mainly with cement and concrete. So, pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete is in their area of expertise. Further, if there is any work related to concrete beams, columns, or panels, no doubt, they are the tasks of a concrete finisher. Also, it is up to them to take necessary measures to prevent any possible damage that can happen to the concrete structure. Thus, the concrete finishers are responsible to finish them in the most appropriate and optimum manner.
All the same, cement workers have a variety of small jobs. If it is a piece of work related to a sidewalk or something of that sort, it becomes a job for a cement worker.
So, if this is a field of interest for you in masonry working, you can choose it to flourish in the profession.
Ultimate Guide: Masonry & Concrete, 3rd edition: Design, Build, Maintain (Creative Homeowner) 60 Projects & Over 1,200 Photos for Concrete, Block, Brick, Stone, Tile, & Stucco Paperback – September 7, 2009
This book includes a wide range of masonry topics, such as fundamental installations, particular projects, and typical masonry repairs, using concrete, block, brick, stone, tile, and stucco. You can discover all you need to know about tools, materials, and procedures, all described straightforwardly and illustrated with sharp, full-color pictures and comprehensive drawings. Many construction projects, such as laying a brick patio or walkway, building a barbecue, and building a retaining wall, are covered in detail with dozens of step-by-step photographs and large cutaway illustrations to help you do the job right. In this book, you would find hints and special features on alternate project methods that will allow you to adapt the information and strategies given to a variety of structures and places. There is also extensive coverage on masonry repairs and maintenance.
3. Stonemasons
Now it is about stonemasons. Stonemasons have to work on stone floors and exteriors. There are natural stones as well as artificial stones. Marble, granite, and limestone are natural stones. And there are artificial stones that are made from concrete, marble chips, and such masonry materials. Cutting stones into different sizes and shapes are also part of the job of stonemasons.
Art of The Stonemason Paperback – March 15, 2006
Ian Cramb is the author of this book. If you wish to pursue your career as a stonemason, you should definitely read this book. This book is unarguably a comprehensive coverage of all you need to know about stonemasonry. And we think that if you go through this book, you would be able to get to know a lot of things for sure. The readers of this book are so happy with what it had. So, we think that you would find this pretty useful as well.
The Stonemason’s Gospel According to Ian Cramb by Ian Cramb (2011-08-01) Paperback – January 1, 2011
Here is another suggestion from us with regard to stonemasonry. This book has some of the same exquisite illustrations of masonry details. And it shows and discusses a variety of methods and materials. This is the author’s collection of a lifetime of experiences, captured in his drawings, and explanations, which are provided to people who practice sound historic masonry building conservation work and attend to the sacred task of building and repairing masonry in the traditional method. So, we think that this would be immensely useful for you.
4. Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
They are also called terrazzo masons. The work that terrazzo masons do is a little similar to the work that cement workers do in the initial stage. They have to pour, level, and finish concrete for terrazzo first. Then, they set the terrazzo. They also use a grinder to get the finishing by smoothing out the uneven places. Basically, building decorative floors and walls is part of terrazzo workers. So, this is what terrazzo workers have to do. You can choose this field if you are interested.
Terrazzo worker RED-HOT Career Guide; 2580 REAL Interview Questions Paperback – May 11, 2018
This is a book by Red-Hot Careers. And this consists of 2580 real interview questions that you would have to face if you wish to go ahead in this career. You can refer to this book and get good practice. That would certainly help you get ready for the interviews that you would have to face when you are going to get a job. So, you should surely take this read.
What Qualities do you need to be a Mason?
Apart from everything that we discussed, there are lots of important qualities that you must possess as an individual if your ultimate goal is to become a masonry worker. And we think that it is worth telling them to you. Perhaps you might be able to be a masonry worker with professional knowledge and skills. But without certain qualities, you would not be able to grow in the industry. Sometimes, you would not be able to become a mason at the least. Eager to know what they are? We will tell you all about that. And these are what the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says as the qualities that masonry workers need to have.
- Ability to work at heights
- Color Vision
- Dexterity
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Physical Stamina
- Physical Strength
We hope to describe each of them lengthily. That would be easy for you to understand the importance of each of them rather than just reading what they are. In advance, we would like to tell you that having these qualities is immensely important for you. Keep reading! You will get to know how important they are to be a mason.
1. Ability to work at heights
In the simplest terms, if you are suffering from acrophobia, do not even think of joining the profession of masonry. You may have to work at heights in masonry. If you have vertigo, you cannot possibly work at heights.
Just assume that you are going to work in a company and you work at a height. Are you going to tell your boss that you cannot do that because you are afraid of heights? The very next step is you being fired. A fieldworker telling that he or she is suffering from acrophobia is literally non-sense.
Working at heights if you have acrophobia might cause vertigo. Of course, that is extremely dangerous. You might fall from where you are. And you might get serious injuries eventually. Then, you will not be able to work in the field for a long time thereafter.
But anyway, you must be careful when you are working at heights. You might still fall from where you are even if you are perfectly fit and fine. So, do be extra vigilant when you are working at heights. Recklessness can cause serious injuries. That is a small piece of advice from us.
2. Color Vision
Color vision means identifying the variation in colors. If you suffer from color blindness, of course, masonry would not be an ideal choice for you. Color vision is very important.
But anyway, color vision matters mainly for terrazzo workers and finishers. Terrazzo masons do have to figure out even the slightest variation of colors when you are setting up a floor or a wall. For terrazzo masonry, it is very important. It is the right pattern that gives the right finish for terrazzo masonry. Hence, this is an important quality that you must possess if you want to be a masonry worker.
You cannot go back in time and change what you have done if you have finished a particular task in an incorrect manner. If the color patterns that you have put up is not the way that it has to be, that is obviously a mistake.
Failing to set up the right pattern usually does not add beauty to your task. Beyond everything, the expectation of your clients matters the most. So, the pattern should be in the way it should be.
So, color vision is a very important quality if you wish to join the profession of masonry.
3. Dexterity
What is dexterity? You cannot allow mistakes in a field like this. You have to be precise. It is the precision that creates the style and the glamor in masonry. And it is the precision that creates the durability and greatness of your task. Dexterity means the precision of doing a task such as placing bricks or stones if we relate the topic to your field.
So, if you do not have the skills to perform such tasks, that is indeed a problem. You must be able to do such things precisely. It is important to be a good masonry worker.
Nonetheless, you might also be able to improve such skills over the course of time when you little by little get used to masonry work. So, do not worry much about that if you do not possess such skills to a perfect level currently. You can gradually build up those skills and become a successful masonry worker.
4. Hand-eye Coordination
Movement problems and disorders in vision can cause improper coordination of hand and eye. It is a serious problem for masonry.
In the field of masonry, you have to work with a lot of hand tools and equipment. Sometimes, abrupt movements are required when it comes to certain tasks. If you do not act quickly, it can either cause some sort of an injury to you or it might turn your work upside down.
Also, proper hand-eye coordination is very important when it comes to applying mortar, lay bricks, and remove the surplus. You must do it with smoothness. If not, the finish would not be good.
Now, you might have understood how important it is to have proper hand-eye coordination for the field of masonry.
5. Physical Stamina
Physical stamina is another important quality that you need to have if you want to become a masonry worker. You must be physically fit enough to work for long periods. That is important as you may have to finish off certain tasks at a flow without a task. It is because there can be issues such as the hardening of the mortar.
You must be capable of setting bricks at a steady pace. And you must be able to keep lifting the bricks for a certain time period when laying bricks.
If you feel irksome after working for some, you cannot engage in fieldwork. You must be able to endure the tires.
Stamina 38-Inch Intone Plus Rebounder
This is an exciting method to improve your cardiovascular fitness, tone your legs, stomach, buttocks, and back, enhance your energy, and simply feel, look, and be fit. It features a bigger rebounding surface, providing greater stability and training choices. The resistance tubes allow you to concentrate on developing arm, shoulder, back, and chest strength. When not in use, the rebounder takes up very little room and is easy to store out of the way. As a consequence, we feel this is a fantastic way to improve your physical stamina.
6. Physical Strength
Yes, physical strength is another vital quality that you need to have. In masonry, you may have to lift certain materials and machinery that are very heavy. You may have to lift bags of mortar and grout also. So, on average, masonry workers should be capable of lifting weights that are around 50 pounds.
In general, physical strength is important for most of the fieldwork. Thus, if you are physically weak, masonry would not suit you. Maintaining physical fitness and strength is important in plenty when it comes to fieldwork such as masonry.
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd edition 3rd Edition
This book is written by Mark Rippletoe. And this book’s illustrator is Jason Kelly. Strength training is the most effective way for increasing physical strength. This walks you through an efficient training regimen using barbells. This book includes easy-to-follow directions, as well as logical explanations, images, and methodologies. You may certainly enhance your physical strength if you devote yourself to working in accordance with the strength training technique outlined in this book. That is without a doubt the resource that you can make use of.
How much does a Mason Earn?
After all, what matters the most is the amount of money that you can earn. Yes, now we are going to tell you about that. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2019, the median annual wage of a masonry worker was $46500. The lowest 10 percent of them of the masons have gotten less than $30250 whereas the highest 10 percent have earned more than $78250.
Now let us have a look at the annual wages for masonry workers in each specific field as of May 2019. Brick masons and block masons have earned $53100. Cement masons and concrete finishers have earned $44810. Further, stonemasons have earned $43280. And terrazzo masons have earned $52180. Also, masonry contractors have earned $51100.
So, now you have a good idea of the salaries and wages of masonry workers in each category. But will they remain the same? Is there a future for masonry?
Is Masonry a dying trade?
Not at all! The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the employment of masons would decline 3 percent from 2019 to 2029. Besides, about 24800 new openings are projected annually on average. Anyway, to meet the demand for new buildings and roads, the world needs more and more masons. Hence, it is not a dying trade. Masonry is a field that has gotten a good future.
Conclusion
Up to now, you have been reading a lot on how to become a mason. We assume that you have a very good understanding of that by now. So, if you have the dream to be a mason, go pursue it. Do not waste even a split second. We will be guiding you throughout your journey. Best of luck!
Modern Masonry: Brick, Block, Stone Eighth Edition, Textbook
The authors of this book are Clois E. Kicklighter and Timothy L. Andrea. In this book, you can get to know a broader aspect of modern masonry. This book is comprehensive coverage of all stone, brick, and block masonry works. “This is the best textbook I’ve ever bought, textbooks should all be made like this… words that the chapter covers, a summary of the chapter, and review questions. I’m in heaven… Thanks so much.” A buyer of this book has reviewed it like this on Amazon. And we do not think that you need any other proof to prove that this is a good book.
Building with Masonry: Brick, Block & Concrete / For Pros by Pros Hardcover – November 1, 1998
Richard Kreh is the author of this book. He is an expert in this field. This totally describes all that you need to know in this regard. So, it would be great if you can go through this book. You can get to know a lot of things through this for certain. That is why we thought of recommending this book to you. Those who have read this book also have rated and reviewed this book positively on Amazon. So, there is no doubt about the content of this book.
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