This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a masonry business.
Our business plan for a masonry business will help you build a profitable project
Starting a masonry business is rewarding, but knowing exactly what equipment you need can be challenging.
The difficult part is understanding which tools are essential versus nice-to-have without overspending on your startup costs.
Every masonry operation has unique requirements, and equipment expenses can escalate quickly without proper planning and prioritization.
Complete Masonry Equipment List
Launching a successful masonry business requires the right tools and equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to handle residential and commercial masonry projects.
Basic Hand Tools
- Trowels (various sizes) - Essential for spreading and shaping mortar accurately
- Hammers (brick, club, sledge) - Breaking and shaping masonry materials
- Chisels (cold, pointing, joint) - Cutting and detailing stonework precisely
- Levels (2ft, 4ft, 6ft) - Ensuring straight and level installations
- Mason's line and blocks - Creating straight reference lines for courses
- Jointers - Shaping mortar joints for professional finish
- Wire brushes - Cleaning excess mortar and preparing surfaces
- Measuring tape - Accurate measurements for layout and planning
- Square (framing and speed) - Checking right angles and corners
- Plumb bob - Establishing true vertical reference lines
- Safety glasses - Eye protection from debris and dust
- Work gloves - Hand protection during material handling
Power Tools
- Masonry saw (wet/dry) - Cutting brick, block, and stone materials
- Angle grinder - Cutting and shaping masonry with precision
- Hammer drill - Drilling holes in concrete and masonry
- Circular saw with masonry blade - General cutting applications
- Reciprocating saw - Demolition and rough cutting work
- Pneumatic tools - Nail guns and chisels for efficiency
- Mixing drill - Preparing mortar and concrete mixes
Mixing & Material Preparation
- Mortar mixer - Consistent mixing of large mortar batches
- Wheelbarrow - Transporting materials around job sites
- Mortar boards/hawks - Holding mortar during application
- Buckets (various sizes) - Water, mortar, and material transport
- Hoses and water supply - Clean water for mixing and cleanup
- Measuring containers - Accurate material proportioning
Scaffolding & Access
- Scaffolding system - Safe access to elevated work areas
- Ladders (step and extension) - Quick access for smaller jobs
- Planks and boards - Working platforms between scaffold frames
- Safety harnesses - Fall protection for elevated work
- Scaffold wheels - Mobile scaffolding for efficiency
Layout & Measuring Tools
- Story poles - Maintaining consistent course heights
- Chalk line reel - Marking straight reference lines
- Batter boards - Establishing building corners and elevations
- Transit level or laser level - Precise elevation measurements
- Folding rule - Durable measuring tool for masonry work
- Calipers - Measuring thickness and spacing accurately
Material Handling
- Forklifts or material lifts - Moving heavy pallets of materials
- Hand trucks/dollies - Transporting bags and smaller loads
- Lifting straps and chains - Secure material handling
- Tarps and covers - Protecting materials from weather
- Storage racks - Organizing materials on job sites
Safety Equipment
- Hard hats - Head protection from falling objects
- Safety boots - Foot protection with puncture resistance
- Dust masks/respirators - Lung protection from silica dust
- Knee pads - Comfort and protection during ground work
- First aid kit - Immediate response to minor injuries
- Fire extinguisher - Safety equipment for job sites
- Warning signs and cones - Site safety and traffic control
Transportation
- Work truck or van - Transporting tools and small materials
- Trailer - Hauling equipment and larger material loads
- Tool boxes and storage - Organized tool transport and security
- Tie-down straps - Securing loads during transport
Specialized Tools
- Stone carving tools - Custom stonework and detailing
- Pointing tools - Repairing and maintaining mortar joints
- Brick tongs - Efficient handling of multiple bricks
- Line stretchers - Maintaining straight courses over long runs
- Corner blocks - Accurate corner construction
- Veneer anchors and ties - Securing veneer to backing walls
Business Operations
- Estimating software - Accurate job costing and bidding
- Project management software - Scheduling and client communication
- Accounting software - Financial management and tax preparation
- Digital camera - Documentation and progress photos
- Mobile office setup - On-site administrative capabilities
Maintenance & Care
- Tool maintenance supplies - Keeping equipment in working order
- Replacement parts - Common wear items and spare parts
- Cleaning supplies - Tool and equipment maintenance
- Sharpening equipment - Maintaining cutting tools
Our financial plan for a masonry business will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most masonry business owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their scope and specialization. You really can't go below $8,000 for even a basic setup because you need essential tools, safety equipment, and transportation just to operate professionally and safely.
- Small Residential Masonry
A small residential masonry operation focusing on basic repairs and small projects needs around $8,000-$25,000, with most of the budget going toward quality hand tools and a reliable vehicle.
- Medium Commercial Masonry
A medium-sized masonry business handling commercial projects typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with investment in power tools, scaffolding systems, and material handling equipment.
- Large Masonry Contractor
A large masonry contractor or specialized stonework operation can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add specialized equipment, multiple vehicle setups, and advanced material handling systems.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Residential Masonry ($8,000 - $25,000)
Small masonry operations focus on essential hand tools and basic equipment that can handle residential repairs, small patios, and basic stonework. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on specialized equipment you won't use regularly.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Tools | Complete trowel set, hammers, chisels, levels up to 4ft, measuring tools, basic jointers and finishing tools | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Power Tools | Angle grinder, hammer drill, basic masonry saw, mixing drill with paddle, reciprocating saw | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Transportation | Used work truck or van with basic tool storage, trailer for material transport, tie-down equipment | $3,000 - $12,000 |
| Material Handling | Wheelbarrow, hand truck, mortar boards, buckets, basic mixing equipment, water supply setup | $500 - $1,500 |
| Safety Equipment | Hard hats, safety glasses, work boots, gloves, dust masks, first aid kit, basic safety supplies | $300 - $800 |
| Access Equipment | Extension ladder, step ladder, basic scaffolding or working platforms, safety harness | $800 - $2,000 |
| Business Setup | Basic estimating software, business cards, simple accounting system, insurance and licensing | $500 - $1,500 |
Medium Commercial Masonry ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium masonry businesses need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle larger commercial projects and diverse masonry applications. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to take on more complex jobs.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Tools | Professional trowel sets, multiple levels including 6ft, laser level, complete chisel set, specialized jointers | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Power Equipment | Professional masonry saw with water system, multiple angle grinders, pneumatic tools, heavy-duty mixing equipment | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Vehicle & Transport | Commercial work truck with organized tool storage, larger trailer capacity, equipment racks and organization | $8,000 - $20,000 |
| Scaffolding System | Complete scaffolding system with wheels, multiple heights, safety equipment, planks and accessories | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Material Handling | Mortar mixer, material lift or small forklift, multiple wheelbarrows, advanced measuring and layout tools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Specialized Equipment | Stone carving tools, pointing equipment, veneer installation tools, repair and restoration supplies | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Business Operations | Professional estimating software, project management tools, digital documentation, advanced accounting system | $1,000 - $2,500 |
Large Masonry Contractor ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large masonry contractors operate with multiple crews and handle complex commercial and industrial projects. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, safety, and the ability to handle multiple concurrent projects.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Tool Sets | Multiple complete tool sets for crews, precision instruments, laser levels, advanced measuring systems | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Heavy Equipment | Large masonry saws, industrial mixers, pneumatic systems, advanced cutting and shaping equipment | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Fleet & Transport | Multiple work vehicles, large equipment trailers, crane or lift equipment, comprehensive tool storage systems | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Access Systems | Multiple scaffolding systems, aerial lifts or cranes, comprehensive safety equipment, fall protection systems | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Material Systems | Forklift or material handler, automated mixing systems, bulk material storage, advanced material handling | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Specialized Services | Restoration equipment, custom stonework tools, historical masonry tools, advanced repair systems | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Technology & Management | Advanced project management software, GPS tracking, digital documentation systems, crew management tools | $2,000 - $4,000 |