It’s nothing short of miraculous that natural stone can be turned into colourful countertops, staircases and vanity units. How is it possible to transform huge chunks of rock, or tiny loose minerals, into something so attractive and practical? For an insightful answer, we need to turn to the unsung heroes of the architectural world, the craftsmen who’ve created some of the greatest buildings in history: the stonemasons.

As a family business with expertise spanning generations, RC Coppin have an in-depth understanding of stonemasonry techniques. Yet the occupation has changed considerably as the centuries have rolled by. So what does a modern stonemason do, and what’s changed? We’re here to bring you up to speed.

What is a stonemason?

Chipping away since the dawn of civilisation, stonemasons have contributed to the creation of tombs, cathedrals, statues, pyramids and monuments for thousands of years. A lot has changed in this time, but the art and craftsmanship of shaping rocks/stones into stunning geometric shapes survives – and remains as awe-inspiring as ever.

Essentially, a stonemason cuts, prepares and builds with natural stone. This could be on a macro or micro scale, ranging from staircases cut from a single slab to minute detailing on tiles or cladding. Like minerals scattered across a coastline, stonemasons come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own specialist skillset…

Types of stonemason

When enlisting the services of a stonemason, you’ll probably be thinking of the “end” of the creation spectrum. Carver Masons use their artistic talent to etch patterns into the stone – and may need to work alongside the customer to get the right result.

However, before this point, a Banker Mason must work away at pieces of stone to render them a suitable shape for certain demands, all the while retaining the “natural” stone look.

Then, when your stonework has been perfected, a Fixer Mason will take care of installation. These specialists can also support you with repairs and maintenance, protecting the longevity of stone features in your property.

Quarrymen are stonemasons too, even though you probably won’t encounter them. They are responsible for splitting sheets of rock so they can be extracted safely (and manageably) by another stonemason later down the production line.

Criteria for the craft

Stonemasons may offer numerous services, but every craftsman can be grouped under the same umbrella when it comes to defining the characteristics of the trade.

Transforming ordinary, inanimate objects into beautiful, imaginative structures is no mean feat, and whilst creativity and attention to detail are unanimous among stonemasons, there’s also a requirement to understand and confidently execute technical plans.

Adaptability is another attribute every stonemason possesses. Situations and demands can change in the blink of an eye, and these experts must be prepared to sensibly switch up their approach in order to offer the best possible result.

This is the reason why it’s important to partner with a team of specialists when embarking on a stonemasonry project. Without the right skills and expertise, you’re unlikely to get the most out of your investment in natural stone.

Got a project in mind? The experts at RC Coppin have been fashioning fantastic structures for over a century. Give us a call on 01376 550 009 for more information on how our phenomenal stonemasons can build you something timeless.