How to start a stonemason business

Why choose to start a stonemason business?

As a skilled tradesperson operating in a niche market, such as stonemasonry, you’ll want a steady stream of work. As a result it is useful to know how to start a stonemason business.

Stonemasons can be responsible for some of the most impressive engineering projects. The reason iconic historical buildings like the Colosseum still stand is mostly down to the knowledge and skill of ancient tradespeople.

However, despite being a trade skill that has existed for centuries, there are still plenty of exciting business opportunities for stonemasons in the industry today.

Planning for success

Being a stonemason is a highly skilled trade, but it is one that can bring in a decent average salary. As an example, a stonemason salary as a business owner can be as much as £56,833 per year.

As a stonemason, you could be working on:

• Elegant monuments
• Sculptures
• Water features
• Memorials
• Landscape gardens
• Finishing touches to larger building projects

Making the leap into self-employment grants you the freedom to choose which of these jobs you take on, as well as your working hours. On top of that you get to become your own boss.

If you’re looking to progress your career, this guide will provide everything you need to know to start your own stonemasonry business and make the most of your experience.

What qualifications do you need to be a self-employed stonemason?

Success as a self-employed mason relies on a combination of experience and formal qualifications.

College courses and apprenticeships equip you with a thorough understanding of the sector, while showing you’re able to manage potentially complex jobs from clients.

These are some of the most widely recognised industry qualifications:

• Intermediate apprenticeship in Stonemasonry
• Advanced apprenticeship in Stonemasonry Heritage Skills
• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Stonemasonry

On top of that, the StoneTrain initiative from the Stone Federation of Great Britain also offers additional NVQ Diplomas in Stone Fixing, Facade Preservation and Banker Masonry.

Certification

Stonemasons are highly valued by construction contractors and they will rely on your specialist skills for the completion of certain projects.

However, contractors will only consider employing your services if you hold a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card (CSCS). Completion of the CSCS should be a priority when becoming self-employed. You don’t want to shut yourself off from great opportunities at construction sites across the country.

Accredited memberships

Membership of professional industry bodies provide formal recognition of your expertise through assessments.

Becoming a member among trade associations will enhance your reputation and demonstrate to customers that you are up to date with the latest industry developments.

• The Stone Federation GB
• The Federation of Master Builders
• The Guild of Master Craftsmen
• National Association of Memorial Masons

Being part of an officially recognised trade body shows your commitment to high standards, and is often helpful for potential customers when they’re looking to get work done.

What skills are required to start a stonemason business?

As a qualified and experienced stonemason, you’ll possess a valuable skillset that will match some of most demanding jobs in construction.

However, self-employment requires further qualities to ensure your business succeeds.

These are some of the essential skills you’ll need to have at hand when starting a stonemason business:

• Attention to detail – this includes paperwork as well as the technical aspects of stonemasonry
• Creative thinking – no two jobs are the same and you’ll need to offer clients options
• Dexterity – stonemasons must be comfortable with hand-based work
• Drawing abilities – clients will want detailed technical designs before you begin work
• Methodical approach to work – jobs are often complex and must be tackle stage by stage
• Time management – you’ll need to manage the demands of different deadlines as well as your own staff
• Numeracy skills – some jobs and your finances will require basic mathematical work
• Ability to lead and manage – stonemason will usually work in teams so you’ll need to be organised and delegate work

If you’ve never done it before, then running your own business is a big step to consider.

You’ll need to follow a number of steps, keep on top of your finances, keep your own diary filled, and make sure to pay your taxes. But doing it well, and your wide-ranging skillset could really pay off as an owner of a stonemasonry firm.

What equipment will your business need?

A trusted inventory of equipment is just as important for any new business as a well-rounded skillset.

Here are the basic tools required for typical jobs carried out by a stonemason:

• Chisels
• Hammers
• Wire brush
• Stone files
• Vaneer mortar
• Marking tools
• Measuring tools

Remember that if you’re taking on a new pair of hands for your new business venture, you will need additional tools for them as well.

The equipment your business needs will ultimately depend on the types of services you offer. For example, stonemasons working on construction projects may require more advanced equipment, such as water-cutting machines.

You should also consider the quality of your equipment.

Professional tools will help you work more efficiently and avoid delays from breakages and repairs. Although these will be more expensive at first, they are a worthwhile investment and will save you money in the long run.

How do I start a stonemason business?

It’s important to look beyond the skills you’ll need when starting up your own business. This section will help you do just that.

There are a few key steps to get sorted when you’re venturing out on your own as a stonemason.

Registering your business

First you must choose a structure and register your business as a legal entity. You will have to decide whether you act as a limited company or a sole trader.

Both are great for those starting a new business but you should understand which structure suits your needs best.

You’ll then need to register with HMRC for tax reasons, and with Companies House if you choose to go down the limited route.

Creating a company name and logo

In order to register your business, you’ll need a name for it. Every great start up needs a stand-out name and logo, so it is a good idea to keep this short and relevant to your industry.

Your new stonemason business name needs to be unique, so make sure to use the Government’s availability checker before deciding.

You should also consider hiring a graphic designer, who will create a company logo for a small fee – this will help your business appear more professional. Designers may also be able to help with websites as you become more established.

Devising a business plan

Most stonemasons will want to get stuck-in and do what they do best.

However, it’s important to first draw up a thorough business plan which sets out your business goals, and importantly, how you will achieve them.

A key component of this plan will be the services you choose to offer. Whether it’s restoring historical monuments or working on major new build developments, you should base your decision on your personal experience and existing expertise.

Some key things to include in your business plan are:

• Service offering
• Target areas and key locations
• Finances and strategy for funding
• Ideas for future expansion or development

While working on your business plan, you should also conduct a good level of research to understand your target market and competitors.

It can help you decide what your unique selling points are and if there’s an opportunity to offer any specialist services to gain a competitive edge. For example, working on stonework windowsills could be a profitable niche for stonemasons.

Trade relationships

As a stonemason you will have great skill in manipulating stone to produce impressive and valuable results.

However, you may have to rely on different tradespeople to help carry out certain jobs, such as joiners for projects that involve a combination of wood and stone materials. Or builders if you have a construction focus.

Strong communication skills and teamwork will therefore be key to developing worthwhile trade relationships.

Marketing

Much of your work will come through word-of-mouth recommendations from happy customers and contractors. But you can also use social media to expand your reach and influence.

Using online marketing can bring more visibility for your new stonemason business. You can use adverts and posts on social media to:

• Share photos of ongoing and completed jobs
• Highlight before and after transformations
• Engage directly with customers where appropriate

Signing up to Checkatrade also allows you to do this but to an even greater effect. Membership enables potential customers to view your business profile and any recommendations you’ve received. You’ll also benefit from member discounts on supplies and other business essentials.

With over 9,000 job searches for a stonemason on our website in 2024*, you won’t want to miss out on existing customer interest in your area.

FAQs

How long does it take to become a stonemason?

Completion of a stonemasonry apprenticeship or a relevant NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) takes 2-3 years. However, if you already have experience in a similar trade, you can complete a short training course offered by professional industry bodies.

How much does a stonemason make a year?

The average salary of an employed stonemason in the UK is around £40,102 per year. Experienced and self-employed stonemasons tend to earn more than the average as they can charge premium rates for their expertise.

How much does it cost to start a stonemason business?

The initial cost to start stonemasonry business will vary based on a number of factors, though it will largely depend on the size and type of projects you take on. Business loans are handy if you need an early injection of cash, however be aware of the interest rates before taking one out.

* Internal search data based on users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024