Bricklayers and masons are among the oldest construction trades.
Masonry is the craft of building a structure with brick, stone, or similar materials, often bound together with mortar. Common materials used in masonry are bricks and building stone; rocks such as marble, granite, and limestone; cast stone, concrete blocks, glass blocks, and adobe.
A person who constructs masonry is known as a mason or a bricklayer, both of which are classified as construction trades.
Rocks are one of, if not the oldest building product, and brick is the oldest manufactured building product. Some of the world's most impressive structures, such as the Egyptian pyramids, the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Great Wall of China, were all built by masons. Architects and builders have chosen masonry for its beauty, versatility, and durability. Masonry structures can withstand the wear and tear of centuries.
Masons use bricks, concrete blocks, concrete, and natural and synthetic stones to construct fireplaces, arches, foundations, columns, beams and entire buildings.
The use of materials such as bricks and stones can increase the thermal mass of a building. Masonry is a non-combustible products that can protect the building from fire, amd masonry walls are more resistant to projectiles, such as debris from hurricanes or tornadoes.
The work is physically demanding because masons regularly lift heavy materials and often must stand, kneel, or bend for long periods of time. Poor weather might reduce work activity because masons typically work outdoors.
A high school diploma or equivalent is often required for masons. Many technical schools offer programs in masonry. Some people take courses before being hired, while others take them later as part of an on-the-job training program. Some workers start out as construction lborers and helpers before becoming masons.
Most masons learn the trade through apprenticeships and on the job, working with experienced masons. Unions and contractor associations often sponsor apprenticeship programs. Apprentices learn the basics of construction, such as reading a blueprint, mathematics for measurement, building code requirements, and safety practices.
Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, masons are considered journey workers, and are able to perform tasks on their own. The Home Builders Institute (HBI) and the International Masonry Institute (IMI) offer pre-apprenticeship training programs for eight construction trades, including masonry.
While requirements may differ by jurisdiction, licensure or certification is typically not required for masons.
Many bricklayers and masons join the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). The national trade association representing masons in the United States is the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA).
Recommended Resources
Located in Nampa, Idaho, AB Masonry offers masonry and hardscaping services, including brick, thin brick, stone, block, pavers, walkways, fireplaces, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, xeriscaping, and sprinkler systems in an area that includes Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Eagle, Middleton, Star, Kuna, Garden City, Fruitland, and Melba. A profile of the company is provided, along with its services, a portfolio, client reviews, quote requests, and contact details.
https://www.abmason.com/
The Masonry Association of Florida and the Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation merged to form Florida Masonry, consolidating resources for education, workforce development, and industry growth. It is a non-profit trade organization representing masonry contractors in Florida that promotes masonry as a safe, durable material, and provides education and resources for design and construction professionals, including industry-sponsored apprenticeship programs.
https://www.floridamasonry.com/
International Masonry Institute
The IMI is a labor management cooperative that supports the masonry industry through training, technical assistance, and workforce development. IMI operates apprenticeship programs, regional training centers, a national training center, and mobile training units that deliver hands-on and classroom instruction, all of which are featured on its website, along with its certification and continuing education programs for BAC trowel trades craftworkers and related training.
https://imiweb.org/
Mason Contractors Association of America
The MCAA is a national trade association representing mason contractors. Formed in 1950, the MCAA provides continuing education, advocating for fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials. Its constitution and bylaws, policies, board, and contact details are provided, along with an overview of the trade, a member directory, a buyer's guide, events, and career information.
https://masoncontractors.org/
Masonry Industry Training Association
MITA is a non-profit that develops masonry workforce training and apprenticeship programs, partners with high schools and adult education providers, and connects contractors with trained apprentices. As stated on its website, its mission emphasizes workforce development, student outreach, and industry support. MITA runs apprenticeship classes and pre-apprenticeship programs to prepare job-ready masons. It also sponsors career fairs, masonry competitions, and classroom projects.
https://trainmason.org/
Published by the Mason Contractors Association of America, Masonry Magazine is a trade publication for masonry professionals. It covers industry news, technical features, restoration case studies, safety and training, product trends, and multimedia content, such as podcasts and videos. Key sections include in-depth articles on notable projects and restoration work, how-to pieces, risk management guidance, and coverage of manufactured stone veneer, tools, and materials.
https://masonrymagazine.com/
Representing Holmund Masonry, which provides chimney repair services, tuck pointing, brick veneer repair, rebuilding, building restoration, water damage repair, stone repair, concrete steps and walks, fireplaces, foundation waterproofing, and color matching. Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas, the firm's website highlights its use of in-house employees (no subcontractors) and states they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Free estimates are available.
https://masonry.com/
New England Trade Show of Masonry
Situated in Avon, Maine, the New England Trade Show of Masonry is a postsecondary trade school focused on hands-on training in brick, block, and stone masonry. Its program is described as a 1,200-hour masonry curriculum emphasizing brick, block, and stone, and the school is listed as a postsecondary institution eligible to receive Title IV funds and approved as a training provider in Maine. Its curriculum is designed so students "learn by doing" with real-world projects and practical shop time.
https://www.masonryschool.org/
Patriot Brick Mason is a Richmond, Virginia masonry contractor offering residential and commercial brick and stone work, emphasizing craftsmanship, licensed crews, and free estimates. According to its website, its key services include retaining walls, patio pavers, driveway pavers, brick mailboxes, masonry repair, brick veneer installation, tuckpointing, and repointing, serving Richmond and nearby communities, such as Bon Air, Glen Allen, Innsbrook, Mechanicsville, and Short Pump.
https://brickmasonrichmondva.com/
Operating since 1966, WASCO is a commercial masonry contractor specializing in commercial masonry, restoration, and sitescapes. The company's website emphasizes engineered masonry solutions for new construction and complex renovation projects, serving sectors such as universities, banks, churches, government, medical facilities, and performance halls. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, its portfolio shows a long history of commercial projects and complex restorations.
https://wascomasonry.com/
