MASONRY 101
Brick • Block • Stone • Stucco
Duration: 12 Weeks
Format: Classroom + Online (Skool)
Skill Level: Beginner (no experience required)
WEEK 1 — Course Orientation & Masonry Overview
Lesson 1.1: Welcome to Masonry 101
- Course expectations
- How this class works (classroom + Skool)
- Safety-first mindset
Video Idea:
“Introduction to Masonry Trades” (5–8 min overview)
Lesson 1.2: What Is Masonry?
- Definition of masonry
- Brick, block, stone, stucco explained
- Structural vs decorative masonry
Classroom Tie-In:
Handle real materials if possible
Lesson 1.3: Careers in Masonry
- Mason tender → Journeyman → Foreman → Contractor
- Commercial vs residential work
- Long-term earning potential
Skool Prompt:
Why did you enroll in this class?
WEEK 2 — Jobsite & Classroom Safety
Lesson 2.1: PPE Essentials
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Boots
- Respirators
- Skin protection (stucco & mortar)
Lesson 2.2: Material & Tool Safety
- Cement burns
- Dust hazards (silica awareness)
- Proper lifting techniques
Video Idea:
“Masonry Safety Basics” (OSHA-style)
Lesson 2.3: Professional Safety Culture
- Awareness
- Communication
- Accountability
Quiz Post:
10-question safety check
WEEK 3 — Masonry Tools (Hands-On Knowledge)
Lesson 3.1: Hand Tools
- Brick trowel vs block trowel
- Jointers
- Levels
- Hammers
- Line pins
Lesson 3.2: Power & Support Tools
- Mixers
- Saws
- Grinders
- Scaffolding (theory only)
Video Idea:
“Masonry Tools Explained”
WEEK 4 — Mortar & Material Science
Lesson 4.1: Mortar Basics
- Cement
- Lime
- Sand
- Water
- Why mortar must be weaker than masonry units
Lesson 4.2: Mortar Types
- Type N
- Type S
- Type M
- Stucco mixes
Lesson 4.3: Mixing Mortar (Classroom Demo)
- Proper consistency
- Common mistakes
- Batch consistency
Video Idea:
“How to Mix Mortar Properly”
WEEK 5 — Brick Masonry Fundamentals
Lesson 5.1: Brick Types & Sizes
- Face brick
- Common brick
- Modular sizing
Lesson 5.2: Brick Bonds
- Running bond
- Stack bond
- Flemish bond
Lesson 5.3: Brick Laying Theory
- Bed joints
- Head joints
- Joint thickness
Classroom Activity:
Dry-lay bricks without mortar
WEEK 6 — Concrete Block (CMU) Masonry
Lesson 6.1: Block Types & Sizes
- Standard CMU
- Half blocks
- Bond beam block
Lesson 6.2: Block Laying Principles
- Staggered joints
- Plumb & level importance
- Course planning
Lesson 6.3: Reinforcement Concepts
- Rebar
- Grout
- Structural block walls (theory only)
Video Idea:
“CMU Wall Construction Basics”
WEEK 7 — Layout, Measurement & Control Lines
Lesson 7.1: Masonry Measurement
- Inches, feet
- Course height
- Modular planning
Lesson 7.2: Layout Tools
- Chalk line
- Mason line
- Square
- Tape measure
Lesson 7.3: Reading Basic Masonry Plans
- Symbols
- Wall sections
- Elevations
WEEK 8 — Stone Masonry Fundamentals
Lesson 8.1: Types of Stone Masonry
- Natural stone
- Manufactured stone
- Veneer vs structural
Lesson 8.2: Stone Laying Theory
- Irregular shapes
- Fitting techniques
- Balance & weight distribution
Lesson 8.3: Mortar & Stone Compatibility
- Why stone requires special attention
- Joint depth & tooling
Video Idea:
“Intro to Stone Masonry”
WEEK 9 — Stucco Systems & Applications
Lesson 9.1: What Is Stucco?
- Cement-based coating
- Exterior & interior uses
Lesson 9.2: Stucco Layers
- Scratch coat
- Brown coat
- Finish coat
Lesson 9.3: Lath & Prep Work
- Metal lath
- Moisture barriers
- Surface prep
Video Idea:
“Traditional 3-Coat Stucco System”
WEEK 10 — Quality, Finish & Inspection
Lesson 10.1: Quality Standards
- Straight lines
- Consistent joints
- Clean surfaces
Lesson 10.2: Common Mistakes
- Overwatering mortar
- Poor joint alignment
- Rushing work
Lesson 10.3: Inspection & Corrections
- Spotting issues early
- Fixing mistakes
WEEK 11 — Professionalism & Job Readiness
Lesson 11.1: Jobsite Conduct
- Punctuality
- Communication
- Respect
Lesson 11.2: Working on a Crew
- Following direction
- Asking questions
- Learning hierarchy
Lesson 11.3: Masonry as a Trade
- Pride in craftsmanship
- Long-term skill value
WEEK 12 — Review, Assessment & Next Steps
Lesson 12.1: Full Course Review
Lesson 12.2: Final Knowledge Assessment
- Written or Skool quiz
- Vocabulary
- Safety concepts
Lesson 12.3: Path Forward
- Apprenticeships
- Advanced training
- Masonry 201 preview
OPTIONAL SEMINARS (LIVE OR RECORDED)
- Guest mason Q&A
- Contractor business basics
- Union vs non-union paths
- Tool demonstrations
VIDEO STRATEGY FOR SKOOL
You can:
- Embed YouTube videos
- Upload private recordings
- Record short phone demos (very effective)
Ideal Video Length: 5–10 minutes
Best Use: Demonstrations + real-world visuals