If you want to be a mason and aren't lucky enough to have a contact in the business who can teach you how to become a brick layer, you'll need to search for other avenues of masonry contractors education and training. Whether you'll be looking for work at masonry restoration companies or if you're thinking about becoming a self-employed masonry contractor, you'll need proper training and education.

While no formal degree is required for masonry contractors, you can get a certificate from an accredited trade school. Seminars and conferences are also great training tools. Apprenticeships with masonry companies or local masonry contractors provides invaluable hands-on experience. So if you're ready to make your living doing professional brick work or work with concrete masonry contractors or stone masonry contractors, here's how to get started:

1. Attend a trade or vocational school and get a masons certificate.
2. Apprentice with masonry contractors and get on-the-job training.
3. Sign up for seminars and conferences as part of masonry contractors education and training.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Enroll in a program for masons at a technical or trade school

You won't need a bachelor's or master's degree to become a masonry contractor, but a certificate from a trade school certainly wouldn't hurt. Many of these programs will teach you about brick laying, stone work, how to read blue prints and how to use masonry tools. Enrolling in a trade school can even lead to apprenticeships.

I recommend: The Maine School of Masonry offers a one-year apprentice certificate for stone, brick and block masons in a program that includes classes and lab projects as well as involvement in community masonry projects. The School of Masonry at the Vocational Career Institute has pre-apprentice, apprentice, journeyman and master mason programs to fully prepare students for careers as masonry contractors.

Learn under the guidance of an established masonry contractor through an apprenticeship

Since being a masonry contractor involves working with one's hands, then perhaps the best way to get masonry contractors education and training is with hands-on experience. You can get involved in a mason apprentice program through trade schools, masonry organizations or even by working with local masonry contractors who are willing to take on an apprentice.

I recommend: The Masonry Association of Georgia offers an apprenticeship program which includes over 400 hours of classroom and lab training as well as on-the-job training. The apprentice program at Lakeshore Technical College provides over 4,000 hours of on-the-job training that teaches apprentices how to read blueprints, how to lay out a masonry job and more.

Take advantage of seminars and conferences for masons as part of your continuing education

One of the top benefits in joining a professional masons organization or association is the continuing education opportunities made available to members. Ongoing seminars, conferences, lectures and classes will provide you with the most recent masonry information that can prove vital to your business.

I recommend: The Mason Contractors Association of America has a diverse educational program which includes seminars, online courses and an annual convention where you can attend many different seminars. The National Concrete Masonry Association offers educational programs, seminars and certification programs through its Concrete Products University.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For additional masonry education, subscribe to a professional trade magazine aimed at masonry contractors.

Masonry companies are specialized contractors. One may be an expert brick layer, while another is specifically a concrete masonry contractor. Not all general contractors can—or should be—the first people you contact when you are looking for masonry work done. The homeowner can usually tackle the easier, small-scale jobs. Leave the large-scale work to the professionals.

Finding a reputable masonry contractor may not be easy. Most states do not have laws that require contractors to hold any kind of license to call themselves a contractor. It isn’t fun being ripped off by a contractor and unfortunately it is all too common these days. Here are some ways to protect yourself when looking at masonry contractors:

1. Narrow down your specific scope of work.

2. Research local masonry contractors.

3. Collect multiple estimates.

Action Steps
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Decide the specific scope of work you are looking for before looking at masonry companies

Do you want a field stone retaining wall built or do you want the sidewalk in front of your house replaced? Just as every auto mechanic has his specialty, masonry companies also have their specialty. The last thing you want to do is search through page after page of concrete masonry contractors when you are looking for professional brick work. Narrowing down your project scope will narrow down the field of contractors to choose from, making it more likely that you will find an honest one to meet your needs.

I recommend: The DIY Network website, while providing instructions on how to complete the project yourself, also offers photos of many different kinds of masonry work for you to refer to when deciding specifically what kind of style you are looking for. If you want to do more in-depth research on the different types of masonry available, The Masonry Advisory Council offers a library of information pertaining to masonry products and projects.

Research local masonry contractors extensively

Ask any person ripped off by a contractor what one of their biggest regrets was, they are likely to tell you they didn't research enough. Consumers are savvier these days, but that doesn't mean that every victim performed exhaustive research into a prospective brick layer.

I recommend: Ask former customers and the masonry contractor himself if you can see examples of work. Don’t settle for just one example either. Even one unhappy customer is a red flag. A great place to start is Angie's List to check for reviews, both good and bad. Contractors.com is a one-stop shop when it comes to finding contractors in your area. You can search by zip code and a list of contractors as well as contact information comes up.

Collect at least 4 estimates from prospective masons and don't assume anything

You want to get the best deal possible and contractors know this. Beware of estimates that seem too good to be true. It is important to gather as much masonry information as you can ahead of time so you have a ballpark figure in your head of what the job will cost. Many times a contractor will want to show you a lower price, so he won't include everything in the estimate such as the cost of disposing of the refuse, container rental or specific licenses you may need to have the work performed.

I recommend: Remodelers-Online lets you submit information about your job to receive no-obligation quotes from contractors in your area. Just type in your zip code to find your area website, click on “consumer information” and request an e-quote. CostEstimator.com will provide you with highly accurate project estimates. They also offer a free 30-day trial run. That should be plenty of time to get the masonry information that you need to make an informed decision.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask for masonry contractor referrals from a general contractor you trust.

Masonry contractors work with stone, brick and concrete to build structures such as retaining walls or hardscaping features like walkways and driveways. They may also specialize in restoration services or cleaning. Some simpler masonry jobs can be completed by a do-it-yourself homeowner or a general contractor. For more complex jobs, it's best to find a mason who specializes in a particular area. Whether you are looking to hire a masonry contractor or work in the masonry field, knowing about some of the key terms in the masonry contractor field can help you make informed decisions.

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Masonry

Masonry refers to structures built from stone, brick or concrete, or can also refer to the individual pieces of the structure. It is a durable form of construction. The quality of the finished structures is determined by the materials and construction practices.

I recommend: The Masonry Contractors Association of America provides a detailed history of masonry, with links to masonry facts and a glossary.

Brickwork and stonework

Brick and stone are two common materials used in masonry work. Bricks are made of either clay or concrete. Stone includes granite, limestone, travertine and flagstone.

I recommend: Acme Brick is the largest supplier of brick. They offer full masonry services and a variety of products, as well as information about brickwork and a comparison of clay to concrete in brick construction. The Stone Foundation promotes stonework and offers research, a directory of masons, suppliers, designers and links.

Concrete

Concrete is another common masonry material. When reinforced, it can be used to build structures. It is also poured as a building material for driveways and patios and can be molded or stamped as pavers and block. Various finishes can be achieved with concrete stain.

I recommend: The Concrete Network includes a series of concrete product buyers' guides, manufacturers and information about countertop, driveway and patio construction. The site also includes facts about concrete and concrete calculators.

Mortar

Mortar is used to fill gaps between concrete, brick and stone construction and hold the components together. Some of the methods used in applying mortar include pointing, tuckpointing and repointing. Mortar is made from a combination of cement -- either Portland cement, polymer, or lime -- and water.

I recommend: Masonry Construction Online includes an article that explains the difference between mortar and grout and other information about mortar.

Masonry tools

Masons use a variety of tools of the trade. While many basic tools can be found at standard home improvement stores, some advanced tools create quality workmanship and make the job easier.

I recommend: Bon Tool sells specialty trowels, slicers, jointers, rakers and other masonry tools. They also provide some instructions, weights and measures and estimating tools.

International Building Code

Most masonry jobs must adhere to local codes, which are derived from the International Building Code. This code sets standards for safety, including measurements, material usage and other requirements.

I recommend: The International Code Council provides a nationwide directory of code adoptions by state. It also has links to current codes and information about certification, testing and safety.

Masonry contractors pricing and costs should reflect the advantages and disadvantages of using masonry. Competition among masonry suppliers has generally kept the cost of the raw materials in check. Collective bargaining efforts, technological advancements and improvements in safety have combined to keep masonry a competitive method of constructing walls. Brick and similar masonry materials typically do not require painting and, therefore, have a lower life cycle cost. However, appropriate sealing can reduce frost damage and concrete may be painted or stuccoed if it is exposed.

Masonry companies should check the following three sources for information on masonry prices:

1. Trade magazines for masons. These publications offer information on masonry costs that generally apply to all masons.
   
2. Professional associations. These organizations provide opportunities for masons to discuss specific topics of interest, including pricing and costs.
   
3. Individual companies. These sources allow customers and other contractors to determine competitive rates.
   

Action Steps
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Find pricing information on masonry companies from brick work publications

A brick layer has many professional sources for ways to reduce the costs of performing masonry. Information from professional publications should reflect current economic conditions in the construction industry.

I recommend: Masonry Magazine has an article on the use of software in identifying costs for more accurate bidding. Masonry Construction Online has an analysis of the recent downturn in the economy on masonry costs.

Look at cost information from professional organizations of masonry restoration companies

Professional organizations may be composed of masons throughout the country or a specific region. They typically provide pricing and costs information that is not specific to any particular company.

I recommend: The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute provides a Q&A on the effects of masonry on the cost of building a home. The Mason Contractors Association of America offers an overview of the cost benefits to using masonry.

Examine prices for specific stone masonry contractors

Masonry contractors frequently provide their pricing methodology and may offer references. Many contractors also offer the specific items that their estimates include.

I recommend: KMS Masonry normally uses unit pricing, which includes the cost of equipment. Seattle Brick Masonry provides free estimates and also offers references.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Concrete masonry contractors commonly use cinder concrete blocks as an economical means of construction. These blocks are typically much larger than ordinary bricks and can therefore build a wall of a given size much more quickly. An additional advantage of cinder blocks is that they absorb much less water than brick and, therefore, suffer less damage from ice. Cinder blocks may be used by themselves to build walls for industrial buildings or covered with a brick veneer or stucco surface for decorative purposes. Surface-bonding cement is often added to the surface of cinder blocks to create a stucco-like surface of any desired color.