A Brief History of the Art and Benefits of Masonry Construction

Masonry construction is one of the oldest construction techniques known to man. The birth of masonry dates back to the Neolithic Revolution. According to the oldest known Masonic text, the Halliwell Manuscript, the “art of masonry” began with Euclid in Egypt and reached England during the reign of King Athelstan. From this point on, masonry would become the construction method of choice for civilization. While the advent of wood-based construction would eventually eclipse the popularity of masonry, the craft is still widely used in commercial and residential structures. From installing brick walls and stone patios to bathroom tile and concrete block, there are dozens of viable applications for the art of masonry.

Masonry construction has long been considered a noble trade. During the Middle Ages, a guild of masons was formed and a 7-year apprenticeship program became the status quo to enter the profession. Modern masons are generally required to have at least four years of apprenticeship experience.

In addition to offering natural beauty, there are many functional benefits to masonry work. Brick and stone are well established as excellent insulators and can help lower energy bills compared to other building materials. Masonry proves to be superior in fire and termite resistance categories compared to wood. Masonry, the assembly of larger structures through the use of bricks or stone and mortar, is a green medium for your construction project.

Today’s mason builds, maintains, and repairs surfaces and structures made of concrete, brick, stone, block, and related materials. Masons work with other construction professionals to plan and implement projects. While the masonry process may seem simple, the truth is that it takes a lot of experience to deliver an attractive structure that offers long-lasting strength and durability. For this reason, a master mason is much more skilled than the average mason. Whether you are planning new construction, remodeling, or repair, you want to look for a mason with proven experience and skill in the masonry trade.

The best mason will bring to the table the tradition of the “old school” in addition to the knowledge of modern innovations. Credentials are important to consider when hiring a masonry contractor to ensure your project is completed efficiently and soundly. To minimize problems, interview several masons and review photos of their completed projects to find the contractor that best meets your needs.