What Does a Restoration Mason Do?

A Restoration Mason (244H) does similar work to a cement mason or a bricklayer. However, their work is done on structures years after the original work was performed. Specialized Restoration Masons could repair and restore heritage buildings and monuments. Some structures that a Restoration Mason works with include chimneys, smokestacks, foundations, furnaces, kilns and forges.

Job Related Skills, Interests and Values

preparing, mixing mortar
using and maintaining power and hand tools
cutting out and filling masonry joints in ashlar, rubble and brickwork
cutting out and indenting new stone pieces
repairing, replacing or resetting bricks, stone and terra cotta blocks
drilling, grouting and pinning fractured stones, resetting copings
performing washing, including mechanical and chemical cleaning of masonry surfaces
observing safety in accordance with government and company standards

Additional information on training standards for this particular trade in the Construction sector can be found on the Ontario College of Trades website at: www.collegeoftrades.ca/trades/training-standards1/construction.

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

Restoration Mason is a voluntary certified trade in the construction sector, which means that it does not require a valid Certificate of Apprenticeship to work in the trade. However, apprenticeship training is recommended.

Grade 12 may be required by employers and unions but grade 10 is required as the legal minimum to be apprenticed in this trade. Completion of a 6000 hour apprenticeship will include a combination of on-the-job and in-school training. At present, no in-school training is currently available in the province of Ontario. Restoration Masons' skills are transferable to other masonry trades and the majority of new entrants are signed under the broader Brick & Stone Mason trade.

What’s Your Future as a Restoration Mason?

Restoration Masons are employed in the construction sector. They could work on a project-by-Project basis or be employed by a construction or restoration company. Restoration Masons may work indoors and outdoors and may be required to bend or stoop, lift and carry heavy objects. They may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions, and generally work a 35-40 hour week, often in shifts and must be prepared to travel to where work is available. Employers who hire Restoration Masons include:

Building construction companies
Residential building developers
Masonry Contractors
Exterior construction firms

Wage Rate

An Apprentice earns less than a Journeyperson, but as your skills and expertise improve, your wage increases
Wages for fully qualified Restoration Mason vary in the range of $17-$30/ hour, depending on the size of the shop they work for and if they are self-employed
Potential exists for overtime during busy periods

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Restoration Mason For You?

Self-Rating

Do you mind being exposed to water, noises, and vibrations?	Yes No
Can you stand on your feet for long periods of time, bend, stoop, lift heavy objects?	Yes No
Do you enjoy problem-solving?	Yes No
Do you have some artistic ability and pay attention to detail, often to exacting standards?	Yes No
Are you willing to travel to work, or to work overtime?	Yes No
Do you like working outdoors in various weather conditions?	Yes No
Can you work well independently or as a member of a team to get the job done?	Yes No

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Restoration Mason may be for You!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

Cement (Concrete) Finisher
Bricklayer
Stone Cutter
Tile, Terrazzo and Marble Setter
Floor Covering Installer
Drywall Finisher and Plasterer