Restoration Masons do similar work to cement masons and bricklayers; however, their work is done on structures years after the original work was performed. Specialized Restoration Masons may repair and restore heritage buildings and monuments, including chimneys, smokestacks, foundations, furnaces, kilns, and forges.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Preparing and mixing mortar
- Using power and hand tools to cut out and filling masonry joints in ashlar, rubble, and brickwork, as well as to cut out and indent new stone pieces
- Repairing, replacing, or resetting bricks, stone, and terra cotta blocks
- Drilling, grouting, and pinning fractured stones; resetting copings
- Carrying out mechanical and chemical cleaning of masonry surfaces
- Observing safety in accordance with government and company standards
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Grade 10 is the legal minimum, but grade 12 is usually required by employers
- While not mandatory, completion of a 6,000-hour apprenticeship, including a combination of on-the-job and in-school training, is recommended
What's Your Future as a Restoration Mason (244H)?
- Work a 35-40 hour week, often in shifts; must be prepared to travel to where work is
- May work project-by-project or be employed by construction or restoration company
- May work in or outdoors; often required to bend, lift, and carry heavy objects
- Often hired by building construction companies or developers, masonry contractors, and exterior construction firms
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $25.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Restoration Mason (244H)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have some artistic ability and pay attention to detail, often to exacting standards? | ||
| Are you able to travel for work? | ||
| Can you lift 50lbs comfortably? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Can you look at a diagram or blueprint and visualize how things come together? | ||
| Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done? | ||
| Do you have excellent time-management skills? Are you an organized person? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Restoration Mason (244H) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Cement (Concrete) Finisher
- Bricklayer
- Stone Cutter
- Tile, Terrazzo and Marble Setter
- Floor Covering Installer
- Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
Brick & Stone Masons prepare and lay bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other masonry units to construct/repair structures like walls, patios, arches, fireplaces, and chimneys. They may also lay materials used in the construction of industrial furnaces, retorts, and boilers.
Domestic & Rural Electricians lay out, assemble, repair, maintain, connect, and test electrical fixtures, apparatus, control equipment, and wiring in just about every type of residential and commercial building you can imagine.
Construction & Maintenance Electricians lay out, assemble, repair, maintain, connect, and test electrical fixtures, apparatus, control equipment, and wiring in just about every type of residential and commercial building you can imagine.
Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setters cover interior and exterior walls, floors, and ceilings with decorative and/or protective terrazzo, tile, or marble finishes. The job is varied – a setter could line a swimming pool with mosaic floors one day and tile a kitchen backsplash the next.
A Cement (Concrete) Finisher finishes exposed surfaces of poured concrete floors, sidewalks, curbs, and many other structures. They also smooth and finish freshly poured concrete; apply curing or surface treatments; and restore, repair, or replace hardened concrete structures.
Floor Covering Installers plan, prepare, install, and repair various types of floor covering, including tile, resilient sheet goods, carpet, ceramic, and wood.