Masonry History

Masonry Brick and cement have been important construction materials for centuries, and an experienced mason is an essential part of almost any construction crew. Masonry is a growing career that requires knowledge of history, materials, and techniques. Masonry consists of a lot of different things such as laying brick, block, or rock. It also consists of pouring concrete slabs such as foundations, driveways, or even pouring concrete walls. These skills require specialized training and practice to perfect. “Masonry is the process of constructing a building from individual bricks laid in a specific pattern and bound together” (What is Brick Masonry?). This specific pattern that is bound together is called a course. “Masonry is considered a durable construction method and brick is one of the most common types of masonry used in industrialized nations” (What is Brick Masonry?). Concrete masons and concrete finishers work outside together and complete the long process of pouring concrete such as foundations, slabs, or steps (Porterfield). Concrete is everywhere: on highways, bridges, sidewalks, or driveways, just about all ways of traveling (What is Brick Masonry?). A variety of skills is required to be an experienced mason. “Keys to success are hand eye coordination, manual deterring, good balance, physical fitness, solid math skills, and team playing ability” (What is Brick Masonry?). Masonry has existed for centuries. “The Egyptian pyramids, coliseum in Rome, India’s Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and some of the world’s most significant architectural achievements have been built with masonry” (Mason Contractors). Artistic, strong, and durable masonry structures have withstood the normal wear and tear for centuries (Mason Contractors). “Ancient records and excavations show that brick construction dates back more than 5000 years” (Master Masonry). For centuries, before technology came out, the mason would have to hand form his brick that he was to lay in