How much does a Mason cost in Montreal in 2026?

What's Involved

Masonry and concrete services cover a broad range of work: brick and stone repair (tuckpointing and repointing), chimney rebuilds, concrete driveway and walkway pouring, retaining walls, stone veneer installation, block wall construction, and decorative concrete (stamped, exposed aggregate, or stained). These are specialized trades that require knowledge of structural requirements, material behaviour, and weather-appropriate techniques.

In Canada, masonry and concrete work must account for freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete should not be poured when temperatures are below freezing without special cold-weather measures. Brick and stone require proper mortar selection — Type N or Type S depending on the application — and joints must be tooled correctly to shed water and prevent spalling.

For homes in Montreal, common projects include repointing deteriorating mortar joints on older brick homes, replacing crumbling concrete steps and walkways, and pouring new driveways. A skilled mason can also install stone or brick veneer to improve curb appeal.

Factors That Affect Cost

• Type of work — Tuckpointing ($10-$30/sq ft) vs. concrete pouring ($8-$18/sq ft) vs. stone veneer ($25-$45/sq ft installed).
• Material — Standard concrete vs. stamped/coloured concrete; clay brick vs. natural stone vs. manufactured stone.
• Area and scope — A driveway (400-600 sq ft) vs. a small walkway repair vs. a full chimney rebuild.
• Accessibility — Upper-story brick work or chimney repairs require scaffolding, adding $500-$2,000.
• Demolition and removal — Breaking up and hauling away old concrete costs $3-$8/sq ft.
• Reinforcement — Rebar, wire mesh, and proper base preparation add to concrete project costs.
• Season — Concrete and masonry work is seasonal in much of Canada; premium rates may apply for late-fall or early-spring work in Montreal.

How to Save Money

1. Address tuckpointing early — repointing a few damaged areas costs far less than rebuilding a full wall.
2. Choose standard broom-finish concrete over stamped or decorative options for driveways and walkways.
3. Get three quotes from masons in Montreal and ask about material sourcing — some contractors get better pricing through supplier relationships.
4. Schedule work during peak summer season when conditions are ideal and contractors are most efficient.
5. Bundle multiple concrete jobs (driveway, walkway, and patio) into one project to save on mobilization and material delivery costs.

Hiring Tips

1. Hire a dedicated masonry or concrete contractor — these are specialized skills distinct from general carpentry.
2. Verify they carry liability insurance and WSIB/WCB coverage.
3. For concrete work, ask about their base preparation, reinforcement, and curing process — shortcuts lead to cracking.
4. For brick work, ask about their mortar matching approach — mismatched mortar on a heritage home is an eyesore and can cause damage.
5. Check references from recent projects in Montreal and inspect the work after at least one winter to assess durability.

FAQ

How much does masonry and concrete work cost in Montreal?

Tuckpointing costs $10-$30 per square foot. A new concrete driveway (500 sq ft) runs $4,000-$9,000 for standard finish or $7,000-$15,000 for stamped. A chimney rebuild costs $2,000-$8,000 depending on height. Stone veneer installation runs $25-$45 per square foot installed.

Do I need a permit for masonry or concrete work in Montreal?

Permits are generally not required for surface repairs like tuckpointing or concrete resurfacing. New retaining walls over 1 metre high, chimney rebuilds, and structural masonry work typically require building permits. Check with your local building department in Montreal.

How long does masonry or concrete work take?

Tuckpointing a wall face takes 1-3 days. A concrete driveway takes 1-2 days to pour, plus 7 days of curing before vehicle traffic. A chimney rebuild takes 3-5 days. Stone veneer installation takes 3-7 days depending on the area.