Bricklayer vs. Mason: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 10, 2023
A "bricklayer" specifically lays bricks to construct brickwork, while a "mason" is skilled in cutting, shaping, and laying various building materials, including stone and brick.
Key Differences
A bricklayer is a tradesperson who specializes in building with bricks. They focus on constructing brick walls and structures using bricks and mortar. A mason, on the other hand, is more versatile, working with a variety of materials like stone, brick, and concrete.
Bricklaying is a specific trade, concentrating on techniques and skills required for brickwork. Masonry is a broader field, encompassing the work of a bricklayer but also including stone masonry and other building techniques.
In terms of skills, a bricklayer is adept in laying bricks in a consistent and stable manner, ensuring structural integrity in brick constructions. A mason possesses these skills but also has the expertise to shape, align, and lay stones, and sometimes even to create intricate designs.
While bricklayers primarily work with bricks, a mason’s work can often be seen in stone buildings, historical structures, and intricate stone carvings, reflecting a wider range of skills and artistic capability.
Comparison Chart
Materials Used
Mainly bricks
Stone, brick, concrete
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Specialization
Brick construction
Various building materials and techniques
Skill Set
Laying bricks, mortar application
Stone shaping, designing, bricklaying
Work Focus
Brick walls, structures
Stone buildings, carvings, brickwork
Examples
Building a brick wall
Constructing a stone facade
Bricklayer and Mason Definitions
Bricklayer
Tradesperson building with bricks.
A team of bricklayers built the chimney.
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Mason
Expert in various building materials.
A skilled mason was needed for the restoration.
Bricklayer
Specialist in brick construction.
The bricklayer expertly laid the wall.
Mason
Craftsman in stone and brick.
The mason carved the stone beautifully.
Bricklayer
Professional laying bricks.
A bricklayer was hired for the new extension.
Mason
Worker skilled in masonry.
The mason repaired the historic building’s facade.
Bricklayer
Constructor of brick structures.
The bricklayer completed the patio in a week.
Mason
Artisan in stone construction.
The mason’s expertise was evident in the intricate details.
Bricklayer
Person skilled in brick masonry.
The bricklayer's work was precise and sturdy.
Mason
Professional in stone and brickwork.
The mason built a durable and elegant wall.
Bricklayer
One who builds with bricks.
Mason
One who builds or works with stone or brick.
Bricklayer
A craftsman who builds walls and suchlike out of bricks.
A good bricklayer should be able to calculate the number of bricks needed to build a wall.
Mason
Mason A Freemason.
Bricklayer
One whose occupation is to build with bricks.
Mason
To build of or strengthen with masonry.
Bricklayer
A craftsman skilled in building with bricks
Mason
A bricklayer, one whose occupation is to build with stone or brick
Mason
One who prepares stone for building purposes.
Mason
A member of the fraternity of Freemasons. See Freemason.
Mason
To build stonework or brickwork about, under, in, over, etc.; to construct by masons
To mason up a well or terrace
To mason in a kettle or boiler
Mason
One whose occupation is to build with stone or brick; also, one who prepares stone for building purposes.
Mason
A member of the fraternity of Freemasons. See Freemason.
Mason
To build stonework or brickwork about, under, in, over, etc.; to construct by masons; - with a prepositional suffix; as, to mason up a well or terrace; to mason in a kettle or boiler.
Mason
American Revolutionary leader from Virginia whose objections led to the drafting of the Bill of Rights (1725-1792)
Mason
English film actor (1909-1984)
Mason
English writer (1865-1948)
Mason
A craftsman who works with stone or brick
Mason
A member of a widespread secret fraternal order pledged to mutual assistance and brotherly love
FAQs
What does a bricklayer do?
Lays bricks to build structures.
Do bricklayers build foundations?
They can, using bricks and mortar.
Is bricklaying a part of masonry?
Yes, it's a specialized area of masonry.
Can masons work with natural stone?
Yes, they often work with stone.
Are masons involved in historical restorations?
Yes, particularly stone masons.
Do bricklayers need specific training?
Yes, in bricklaying techniques and safety.
Do masons work on commercial buildings?
Yes, in various construction projects.
What materials does a mason use?
Stone, brick, and concrete.
Is bricklaying only for walls?
Mostly, but also for other brick structures.
Are masons skilled in design?
Yes, especially in stone and decorative work.
How long does bricklayer training take?
It varies, often a few years with apprenticeship.
Are bricklayers involved in architectural design?
Indirectly, in execution of designs.
Is bricklaying physically demanding?
Yes, it requires physical labor and precision.
Can masons lay bricks as well?
Yes, they are skilled in bricklaying too.
Is bricklaying used in home construction?
Yes, particularly for walls and chimneys.
Can masons create decorative stonework?
Yes, they often craft intricate designs.
Can a mason specialize in a specific material?
Yes, like stone or brick.
Are masons involved in artistic projects?
Often, especially in custom stone work.
Do masons do restoration and repair work?
Yes, especially on older stone structures.
Can bricklayers work independently?
Yes, many work as contractors or freelancers.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
