Bricklayers and masons
Bricklayers and masons erect and repair structures of stone, brick and similar materials and cut, shape and polish granite, marble, slate and other stone for building, ornamental and other purposes.
Bricklayer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
A bricklayer works in the construction industry. The main role of a bricklayer is to build or repair houses or other buildings’ walls and to renovate stonework. Some bricklayers work on restoration projects. A bricklayer may also be referred to as a mason or a ‘brickie’.
Bricklayer duties and responsibilities
The role of a bricklayer involves multiple tasks. However, the ultimate goal of the job is to construct, build and repair buildings and other structures, such as foundations, walls, chimneys or even decorative masonry work. As such, the responsibilities and duties of a bricklayer are as follows:
- Laying bricks
- Applying or removing grout with a trowel
- Strengthening and sealing foundations with the appropriate material, usually damp-resistant materials
- Repairing building blocks and chimneys
- Refurbishing decorative stonework
- Measuring. Before laying bricks, the bricklayer needs to measure the build area to be able to place the first rows of bricks and damp course
- Measuring. Before laying bricks, the bricklayer needs to measure the build area to be able to place the first rows of bricks and damp course
- Understanding and managing the quantities of material required for the job
- Using tools such as hand tools, brick-cutting machines but also spirit levels and plumb lines to check building alignment