A lot of stonework being installed around New Zealand is being done by unqualified labourers calling themselves stonemasons.

New Zealand has many (so called) stonemasons that have fooled home owners for years.

Don't let an accent fool you, European stonemasons often come to New Zealand to learn skills from New Zealands own high quality qualified tradesmen.

The Canterbury Earthquakes exposed hundreds of examples of bad practice from unqualified contractors.

Many left New Zealand straight after the earthquakes to avoid being held accountable.

Apart from the inferior messy looking stonework, the main things unqualified stonemasons do that are bad practice are combination of bad bonding, badly installed ties. Too few ties and often a mortar that was laid too dry.

Bad practices played a huge part in the failing of so much stone cladding during the Christchurch seismic events.

The only benefit in re-instating their stone work during the rebuild was that taking apart there badly damaged work could be done with just a gloved hand as the mortar mixes were so weak.

Unqualified stonemasons often use a dry mortar mix because its easier to lay stone in. Though there is no benefit whatsoever for the home owner. In fact the home owner has paid for a potentially very dangerous home environment.

Qualified stonemasons that have gained their qualification through a four or five year apprenticeship in New Zealand will have the knowledge and confidence to work any stone in any style to build any structure.

These qualified stonemasons will be skilled enough to match existing stonework. Locating the original stone source and perfectly matching both stone and style.

A stonemason that has gained a qualification in an apprenticeship under a qualified stonemason will have the confidence to build stone work as it has been done for thousands of years.

These qualified stonemasons will have the knowledge and expertise to help you plan your project so you get true quality stonework at a very reasonable rate with the backing and support from the New Zealand Stonemasons Association.

Most importantly your stonework will be Compliant to the New Zealand building code with the security that it will be safe during any possible seismic event.

To achieve ideal outcomes in any project planning and communication is key. We work closely with council, builders, architects, engineers, designers and home owners to ensure expectations match outcomes in terms of quality, timing, cost and wow factor. We encourage you to get in touch with us as soon as possible for inspiration, expert advice and obligation free quotes.