The short answer
Stone masonry is priced by the job rather than one flat rate. A skilled stonemason's labour is typically around £200–£350 per day. Repointing a stone wall in lime mortar usually works out at roughly £60–£120 per square metre; broader stone restoration covering repointing, surface repair and selective replacement commonly lands in the £80–£250+ per square metre range, with full façade schemes higher again. Rebuilding a stone wall in matching stone is often around £750–£1,500+ per square metre supplied and built, and stone cleaning by specialist systems is roughly £40–£100 per square metre. The main drivers are the type and hardness of stone, the wall's condition, access and scaffolding, and whether conservation-grade lime work is needed.
There is no single 'stone masonry rate' — repointing, repair, rebuilding and cleaning are different jobs at different prices. The figures below are typical UK ranges for guidance, not quotations.
Typical UK figures
- Stonemason labour£200–£350 / day
- Stone repointing£60–£120 / m²
- Stone restoration£80–£250+ / m²
- Wall rebuild (supplied & built)£750–£1,500+ / m²
- Stone cleaning£40–£100 / m²
What drives the price
- Type of work: repointing, surface repair, full restoration and rebuilding are different scopes at very different costs.
- Stone & mortar: matching the original stone and using lime mortar on older buildings is more skilled and time-consuming than a like-for-like brick job.
- Condition & access: badly weathered or bulging stonework, height and scaffolding all add labour and time.
- Heritage requirements: listed buildings and conservation areas may need lime mortar, matching stone and consent, which changes the specification.
| Work | Typical figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stonemason labour | £200–£350 / day | skilled trade, varies by region |
| Repointing (lime) | £60–£120 / m² | higher than brick — stone is irregular |
| Restoration | £80–£250+ / m² | repointing + repair + selective replacement |
| Wall rebuild | £750–£1,500+ / m² | supplied & built in matching stone |
Indicative UK ranges for guidance. Sources: MyBuilder, Checkatrade and builderexpert cost guides.
Why stone costs more than brickwork
Stone is irregular in shape and size, so raking out old mortar and fitting new is slower and more skilled than working with uniform brick. On older buildings the work also normally uses lime mortar rather than cement, which is a specialist skill, and matching weathered stone takes time and judgement. That is why stone repointing typically sits well above brick repointing per square metre, and why a measured quote from someone who has seen the wall is the only reliable figure.
Want a measured stone masonry quote?
We'll match you with a vetted stonemason who inspects your stonework and quotes on a clear specification — scope, mortar type, access and matching stone all set out.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a stonemason charge per day in the UK?
A skilled stonemason's labour is typically around £200–£350 per day, depending on region and the work involved. Specialist conservation or carving work can be at the higher end.
How much does stone masonry cost per square metre?
It depends on the job. Repointing is usually around £60–£120 per m², broader restoration roughly £80–£250+ per m², and rebuilding in matching stone often £750–£1,500+ per m² supplied and built. A measured quote gives the figure for your wall.
Why is stonework more expensive than brickwork?
Stone is irregular, so raking out and refilling joints is slower, and older buildings usually need lime mortar and matching stone — both specialist skills. That pushes the per-square-metre cost above comparable brick work.
Sources & further reading
- MyBuilder — cost of stone restoration and repair
- builderexpert — cost of stone building restoration in the UK (2026)
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific stonework. They are guidance, not a quotation.