It is estimated that 25 percent of bricklayers, especially those who also have stonemasonry skills, are self-employed. Many of the self-employed specialize in contracting for small jobs such as walls, patios, walks, and fireplaces. Many persons find bricklaying a challenging and interesting profession because of its diversity and outdoor location. Bricklaying is physically demanding, involving prolonged standing and stooping to lift heavy materials. Brick Masons work on high ladders or scaffolds in confined areas.
Workers customarily provide their own hand tools and work clothing.
The employer provides ladders, scaffolding, wheelbarrows, and heavy equipment, such as mixers for mortar. Brick Masons rarely work steadily. During rainy, cold weather, there is little construction work. During the remainder of the year, jobs may be plentiful, but of short duration. Also, because the work is often seasonal, it requires careful planning to live through periods of unemployment.