It’s a construction practice that is a few hundred years old, and it’s an important part of the construction trade industry. There are numerous varieties of projects that can be created from brick and tile. Walls, patios and inside home renovations are most common.

A person who is skilled in laying brick and mortar has generally had more training than an average bricklayer. He or she needs to be knowledgeable about a lot of different building materials, such as marble, granite, stone, clay, tile and concrete to name a few.

The entire process may seem simple to the average person, but in reality, it isn’t. It takes years of experience to construct a structure both beautiful and durable.

There are many benefits, many of which are functional as well as aesthetic. Many buildings in the southern parts of the U.S. have long used brick as an insulator against the heat to help reduce energy bills. And, as the third little pig discovered, brick is also an excellent protector from high winds and storms.

This type of construction is also beneficial because it’s a definite deterrent to fire and termite invasion. It’s very eco-friendly because the products used are made from natural resources.

Most people prefer not to cover these building materials with paint or other hazardous products in order to preserve the natural look. On the other hand, some homeowners prefer to paint their brick homes with a white paint, which makes them equally pleasant to behold. Masonry products aren’t affected by the sun’s exposure and therefore do not fade.

When a person has a desire to become a mason, they usually begin with an apprenticeship to a more experienced one. This traditional process can go on for many years before they branch out on their own.

If you’ve chosen to hire a mason, be sure to check his or her qualifications before they lay the first brick. You’ll want someone who is experienced and efficient. It may not be a bad idea to interview several before you decide, and ask to see pictures of finished jobs. Also, it’s not a good idea to do it yourself.

Have you ever thought about the many monuments and statues spread around the U.S. and the world? They have lasted so long because their creators were most likely skilled masons.