Stonemason Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your Stonemason interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 12 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight Stonemason interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. Why does the natural bed of a stone matter, and how do you lay stone correctly in a wall or as a cornice or sill?

Why they ask: Bedding is a fundamental principle of masonry and affects the durability of the stone.

2. What stones are most commonly used in UK masonry, and how do their properties affect the way you work them?

Why they ask: They want to see that you know your materials and can adapt techniques to suit each stone.

3. What does a typical working day as a stonemason involve, and why did you choose this craft?

Why they ask: They want to see genuine commitment to a skilled, traditional trade with physical demands.

4. Why do we use lime mortar rather than cement on historic stone buildings, and what mixes do you use?

Why they ask: Using the wrong mortar damages historic stone, so this is a key knowledge test.

5. What are the principles of conserving and repairing decayed stonework on a listed building?

Why they ask: Conservation judgement distinguishes a heritage mason from a general one.

6. You are repairing a listed building and the new stone delivered from the quarry is visibly different in colour from the original. What do you do?

Why they ask: Matching materials is vital in conservation, and they want to see sound judgement.

7. The site manager suggests repointing a historic stone wall using a sand and cement mix because it is faster and cheaper. How do you respond?

Why they ask: They want to see whether you will defend good practice with a reasoned argument.

8. Tell me about a time you had to carve, shape or match a difficult profile or moulding, and how you ensured accuracy.

Why they ask: They want evidence of craft skill, patience and method.

A sample answer to question 1

Why does the natural bed of a stone matter, and how do you lay stone correctly in a wall or as a cornice or sill?

Sedimentary stones such as limestone and sandstone were formed in layers, and these layers are the natural bed. Stone is strongest in compression when the load is applied perpendicular to the bed, so in a wall I lay it face-bedded, with the bed horizontal. If stone is laid with the beds vertical, moisture and frost can penetrate along the layers, causing the face to delaminate or spall. For projecting features such as cornices, string courses and copings, the problem is greater, so I would lay them on bed but check the projecting section is cut so the layers are horizontal, and sometimes use a stone cut as edge-bedded, with the beds running vertically and perpendicular to the face, so that layers cannot peel off. When setting out, I mark the bed with an arrow on the back when I receive the blocks, so that the fixer sets them correctly. Igneous rock like granite has no natural bed and can be laid either way.

Common mistake to avoid: Laying sedimentary stone on edge in exposed positions; ignoring bed marks

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the Stonemason interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.