Masonry is the foundation for constructing and repairing brick, stone, and concrete structures. Masonry work costs generally vary per hour based on numerous factors such as the sophistication of the project, the experience level of the mason, and the client’s location.
As an estimate, masonry work costs accrue around $40 to $100 per hour however, professional masons derive higher rates for their work. Knowing the cost of masonry work by the hour will put you in a better position for planning your project’s budget, whether it involves foundation repair, chimney reconstruction, or new brick wall construction.
What is Masonry Work?
Masonry is the construction of buildings and structures using mortar-joined bricks, stones, and concrete blocks. It is famous for the strength, durability, and natural resistance it provides to all construction projects. The masonry works usually consist of the following projects:
- Repointing and tuckpointing: cementing mortar joints in bricks.
- Foundation repairs: crack or weather damage on the foundation of a building.
- Chimney rebuilding: construction or repair of the brick chimney.
- Brick wall construction: construction of new brick walls in homes or buildings.
Each of these projects involves well-skilled masons, but the cost of the work may differ from state to state based on factors such as labor rates, the complexity of the project, and location.
Masonry Work Cost by State
The cost of the masonry work also varies from state to state. In urban areas or areas with higher living costs, labor rates are higher. Below is a table describing some of the hourly expenses assumed for masonry works in different states across the US.
| State | Average Hourly Rate |
| California | $85 – $125 per hour |
| Texas | $50 – $90 per hour |
| New York | $90 – $150 per hour |
| Florida | $65 – $105 per hour |
| Illinois | $70 – $110 per hour |
| Michigan | $60 – $95 per hour |
| Pennsylvania | $60 – $100 per hour |
| Ohio | $55 – $95 per hour |
| North Carolina | $50 – $80 per hour |
| Georgia | $55 – $95 per hour |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Masonry Work
Several elements determine the hourly rate of masonry work. Knowing these factors will help you determine cost estimates accurately and avoid surprises.
1. Labor Rates
Masons charge hourly rates from about $40 to $100. The rates vary depending on the work, the mason’s experience, and where he is based. Highly skilled masons may charge more, but they can complete projects faster and with better quality. Less skilled masons may complete tasks.
2. Location
Costs are significantly determined by where the project is located. Urban areas are usually expensive because they coincide with a higher cost of living and demand for construction services. In contrast, rural locations or areas with lower living expenses usually have cheaper pricing.
3. Complexity of the Project
The type of project you’re hiring a mason for will directly influence the cost. Simple tasks, such as brick repairs, are less expensive. In contrast, more complex functions like stone carving, historical building restoration, or decorative brickwork would require more time, skill, and materials and drive the cost.
4. Project Size
Another essential aspect that determines the pricing of masonry works is the size of the project. Large projects with high masonry work will require a lot of material, labour, and time, leading to a higher total price.
5. Material Costs
Materials are one of the significant costs in masonry work: the types of bricks, stones, or concrete used will shift the prices. For instance, natural stone, which is more expensive than bricks, increases its price when used for a job.
6. Accessibility
If a high wall or chimney needs masonry work, the costs tend to be higher because there is no easy accessibility. The labor time and cost increase when scaffolding and additional equipment are considered.
Average Masonry Work Cost Per Hour
Knowing the average hourly rate for masonry work is essential for budgeting your project. Here is the breakdown of average hourly rates for masonry work per project:
| Masonry Project | Hourly Rate |
| Tuckpointing and Repointing | $60 – $90 per hour |
| Foundation Repairs | $70 – $120 per hour |
| Repairs for Brick Porches/Walls | $65 – $100 per hour |
| New Brick Wall Construction | $70 – $110 per hour |
| Chimney Repairs | $80–$150 per hour |
As you can see, masonry work can vary significantly in price depending on the project. Minor jobs like tuckpointing are usually less expensive, whereas more difficult repairs or new construction can be on the high end.
How to Calculate the Cost of Masonry Work
In calculating the total cost for masonry work, consider the following:Â
- Hourly Rate: The mason’s hourly rate multiplied by the estimated hours required to finish the project.
- Materials: The cost of materials (brick, mortar, cement, etc.) should be included in the total price.
- Additional Costs: Any other cost items, like rental fees for equipment (scaffolding, mixers), permits, or transportation costs for material deliveries, can be factored in.
Say this for tuckpointing is $70 per hour and is estimated to take 8 hours, giving labor costs.
- Labor Costs: $70 per hour × 8 hours = $560
- If materials were $200, this would lead to
- Total Cost: $560 (Labor) + $200 (Materials) = $760.
How to Save on Masonry Costs
Masonry work can be costly, but cutting costs without cutting corners is surprisingly easy. Some ideas include the following:Â
1. Regular Maintenance
Maintain your masonry structures regularly to prevent more significant, expensive repairs later. Simple tasks like cleaning and sealing brickwork can help preserve the structure and avoid costly repairs in the future.
2. Hire Local Masons
Hiring local contractors saves on transportation and delivery fees for materials. Besides, local masons are typically acquainted with the area’s specificities, which can help expedite quality work.Â
3. Simplify Your Design
Intricate designs and complex brick-setting patterns can considerably increase the costs of masonry work. It is best to consider simple designs that, in turn, are less time-consuming and require minimal building materials.
4. Get Multiple Quotes
It is prudent to seek multiple quotes from contractors to get the best deal available. Comparing quotes from local masons helps you determine competitive rates so you do not overpay for the service.
Conclusion
Masonry work is one of the construction and home maintenance activities. Knowing how much masonry work costs hourly and what factors affect the pricing will further enable you to plan your projects. Considering size, location, complexity, and material costs, estimate the cost of masonry work and decide wisely concerning your repairs or construction projects.
The price of masonry work can significantly vary depending on the project’s size and location, so ensure you get several quotes from contractors before commencing work. If you continually maintain your masonry buildings and hire good masons, they will keep looking strong and suitable for many years.
FAQs
Q1. How much does it cost to tuckpoint 30 bricks?
The cost of tuckpointing for a 30-brick wall can range from $3 to $25 per square metre, depending on the damage and whether repairs are needed.
Q2. How do I calculate masonry work cost?
The cost of masonry work is calculated by the amount of time it takes for a mason to do the job in hours, multiplied by an hourly rate, divided by how long he expects it to take.
Q3. What factors affect the hourly cost of masonry work?
Labor rates, location, project complexity, materials and accessibility will all affect the hourly rate of masonry.
Q4. Is hiring a professional mason worth the cost?
Yes, a good mason ensures that a job gets done right and saves you money in the long run by avoiding mistakes and repairs in the future.
