What Is a Stonemason?
A stonemason is a craftsman who works with natural stone — shaping, building, and restoring it to create everything from garden walls to historic buildings. It’s one of the oldest trades in the world, combining strength, patience, and an eye for detail to turn raw stone into lasting structures that blend beauty with durability.
What Does a Stonemason Do?
A stonemason’s work depends on the project and the type of stone being used. In Cornwall, much of the focus is on stone walling and Cornish hedging, where local stone is carefully stacked or mortared to form garden walls, field boundaries, and property features that stand the test of time.
Other tasks can include:
Building and repairing walls – from dry stone walls to lime-mortared boundary walls.
Stone cladding – adding natural stone to building exteriors for a timeless, characterful look.
Pointing and restoration – renewing old stonework with lime mortar to preserve breathability and heritage value.
Creating bespoke features – such as steps, fireplaces, or entrance walls crafted to fit the character of a property.
Every project starts with understanding the stone itself — its texture, shape, and purpose — so the final result looks natural in its surroundings.
What Does a Stonemason Use?
Stonemasons rely on a mix of traditional hand tools and modern equipment. Common tools include:
Hammers and chisels for shaping stone.
Trowels and levels for precise wall construction.
String lines and spirit levels to ensure alignment and accuracy.
Mallets, pointing tools, and brushes for finishing work. For limework or restoration, a stonemason may also mix and apply lime mortar, which allows older stonework to breathe and prevents cracking — a key part of traditional Cornish building methods.
While tools help shape the stone, it’s experience and craftsmanship that determine how well each piece fits together — something only years of hands-on work can refine.
Cornish Stonemason
At Woodland Stonework, we take pride in continuing Cornwall’s long tradition of stonemasonry — building and restoring walls that feel like part of the landscape itself. Whether you need a new garden wall, a Cornish hedge, or limework restoration, every project is approached with care, precision, and respect for local materials.
If you’re looking for a trusted stonemason in Cornwall, explore our services below:
Get in touch today to discuss your project or request a quote — we’d be happy to help bring your ideas to life.