STONEMASON IN LANDSCAPING

A stonemason in landscaping is a career professional who works on construction and landscaping sites to build foundations, patios, walkways, and other structures. Stonemasons must be able to read plans and specifications for each unique project and be able to work with a variety of different materials, such as manufactured stone, natural stone, tiles, brick, concrete and concrete blocks. While masonry is foundational and structural, it can also be very creative work. At the end of a project, a stonemason can see their work laid out on the ground in front of them, offering an element of great satisfaction.

WHAT ARE OTHER COMMON NAMES FOR A STONEMASON?

BRICK SETTER, MAINTENANCE BRICKLAYER, PERMASTONE INSTALLER, STONE SETTER, HARDSCAPE INSTALLER, BRICK MASON, CONCRETE FINISHER

What will you do?

Stonemasons play an important role in landscape design and construction. In general, they:

Read sketches and blueprints to calculate materials required
Prepare the site for work (clear the area for the base)
Cut and trim stone and concrete blocks to specification using hand and power tools and equipment
Prepare and lay concrete blocks, stone, structural tiles, and similar materials to construct or repair walls, foundations, and other structures in residential, industrial, and commercial construction
Lay stone or other masonry items to build residential or commercial chimneys, fireplaces, patios, garden walls, and other decorative installations

Where will you work?

Stonemasons are in demand across many industries. They are mostly employed by:

What advancement opportunities are available?

A stonemason is a provincially regulated but voluntary trade in Ontario, and as such, they can advance their skills and expertise through an apprenticeship program, further education, and on-the-job training. With enough experience, stonemasons may advance to management positions at landscaping or construction companies. Some start their own companies or work as consultants.

Future employment prospects for Stonemasons in Ontario are positive. In 2020, there were 384 job postings for stonemasons across Ontario.

What can you expect to earn?

In Ontario, the median annual wage for a Stonemason In Landscaping is $72,800. Pending experience, responsibilities, location, hours of work, and qualifications a Stonemason In Landscaping can expect to make between $45,760 and $88,920.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT?

Work Context

Wear protective or safety equipment while working

Work outdoors, exposed to weather

Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls

Freedom to make decisions

Work with high noise levels that can be distracting or uncomfortable

Work Attributes

Attention to detail

Dependability

Initiative

Leadership

Integrity

Independence

Creativity

What education and certifications do I need to do this work?

HOW DO I BECOME A STONEMASON IN LANDSCAPING IN ONTARIO?

Similar to many other landscaping occupations, there is no singular path to becoming a stonemason. In Ontario, some people will begin as landscaping labourers and learn the skills of masonry on the job. It is possible to acquire additional training and experience to become a certified stonemason. Many employers look to hire new people who are interested in landscaping, regardless of their experience, so long as they are hard working and eager to learn.

Stonemason is a regulated trade in Ontario. Upon completing the necessary apprenticeship training program, individuals are issued a Certificate of Apprenticeship, which confirms that someone has the skills, knowledge and experience that meet industry standards. The apprenticeship takes approximately three to five years to complete and consists of on-the-job and in-school training.

HOW DO I BECOME A CERTIFIED STONEMASON?

The Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship requires a candidate to have three to five years of experience through a combination of on-the-job and in-school training.

Examples of in-school training can include, but is not limited to:

Wall systems
Grout and mortar
Structural masonry
Fireplace and chimneys
Water proofing
Restoration
Health and safety
Use of tools and equipment

Programs and Apprenticeships

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