See Our Work

30 years of real projects across Sydney. Every photo is from an actual job site.

This page is the work. Not a portfolio Minas put together to look impressive, just photos from the last ten years or so of being on the tools. Some were taken with a phone in between mixing mortar. Some were taken at the end of the day when the scaffold came down and there was finally something worth pointing a camera at.

If you came to this page from Google looking for a Sydney stonemason, this is the easiest way to tell whether we know what we are doing. Read the words on a tradie site and they all sound the same. Look at the work and you can see the difference fairly quickly.

We do not have a marketing team. Minas does the quotes, runs the jobs and answers the phone. If you see a project on this page that looks like what you need, the easiest thing is to call us on 0414 922 276 and talk it through.

What you are looking at

The photos sit in five rough categories. Use the filter on the grid below to jump to whichever one matches your project.

Heritage

Restoration work on listed and period buildings. Federation brick, Victorian terraces, colonial sandstone, Art Deco facades. Heritage councils sometimes ask for specific materials and methods. We work with those rules and the consultants who set them.

Stonework

Sandstone, bluestone, basalt, granite. Garden walls, retaining walls, harbour seawalls, feature walls, steps, paving, capping. New builds and repairs. Most of the stone we use is from Sydney or just outside it.

Structural

Load-bearing brick and block. Crack stitching, lintel replacements, pier rebuilds, full wall reconstructions. We work to engineers' drawings when the job calls for it and to AS 3700 masonry standards across the board.

Concrete and remedial

Concrete cancer, spalling, render replacement, waterproofing repairs. The fix-it work. Older buildings need this every twenty to thirty years and most of it is hidden until water shows up where it shouldn't.

On the tools

Photos of the work happening. Hands, mallets, chisels, mortar boards. Useful if you want to see how the work actually gets done rather than just the finished product. Most heritage stone is still hand-dressed. The methods have not changed much in 150 years.

A few projects worth a closer look

Eight jobs from the gallery with a bit of context on what we did and how.

Heritage sandstone seawall with Sydney Harbour Bridge backdrop

Sandstone seawall, Sydney Harbour

Hand-laid sandstone seawall along the harbour. Salt and tide chew through standard mortar in a few years. Lime mortar mixed to suit the stone, set up before the next tide came in.

Two stonemasons building sandstone chimney on rooftop

Sandstone chimney rebuild

Two of us on the roof rebuilding a chimney from the flashing up. Original stone where it was sound, new sandstone hand-dressed to match for the courses that had to come out.

Stunning stone veneer fireplace surround in living room

Stone veneer fireplace

Stone veneer fireplace surround for a living room renovation. Veneer is half the weight of solid block and lets you put real stone on a wall that would never carry the full thing.

Heritage church brick restoration with worker on-site

Heritage church brick restoration

Brick restoration on a church facade. Old jobs like this come back to us through architects and heritage consultants. The brick was matched from a yard in Marrickville that still kiln-fires the old sizes.

Finished sandstone garden wall with landscaped hedge

Sandstone garden wall, Inner West

Finished sandstone garden wall with the hedge planted back in around it. Stone laid coursed at the front, rougher at the back where the soil sits against it. Capstones cut on site.

Rustic sandstone steps winding through bushland garden

Sandstone steps through bushland

Steps cut from local sandstone, set into a sloped bushland garden. No two treads the same. Bedded on a sand and cement mix with weep gaps so water keeps moving through.

Luxury sandstone bathroom with freestanding bath and fireplace

Sandstone bathroom

Sandstone walls in a renovated bathroom. Stone sealed with a breathable sealer so it can still let moisture out. Standard waterproof sealers trap water behind the face and the stone starts flaking after a few years.

Sandstone block wall overlooking Sydney Harbour

Sandstone wall, harbour view

Coursed sandstone block wall up on a property overlooking the harbour. Stone from the same quarry that supplied the original 1890s house, so the new wall reads as part of the old place.

The full gallery

Filter by category or browse the lot. Click any image to open it full size.

Detailed sandstone carving work in progress
On The Tools
Ornate heritage stone capital being restored in workshop
Heritage
Decorative stone capital with ornamental carvings clamped for repair
Heritage
Ancient stone ruins showcasing traditional masonry techniques
Heritage
Worker installing steel lintel on brick facade
Structural
Historic stone and brick ruins showing traditional construction
Heritage
Aged sandstone block wall requiring restoration
Heritage
Heritage sandstone block wall with weathered patina
Heritage
Sandstone blocks being hand-dressed with traditional tools
Stonework
Traditional stone village buildings with heritage masonry
Heritage
Precision-fitted massive stone blocks in ancient wall
Heritage
Completed sandstone garden edge wall with hedge backdrop
Completed
Historic stone building facade with traditional craftsmanship
Heritage
Heritage church brick restoration with worker on-site
Heritage
Heritage building facade restoration in progress
Heritage
Minas chiselling sandstone with mallet on heritage wall
On The Tools
Worker applying waterproofing membrane at base of building
Concrete & Remedial
Damp-proofing installation along heritage building foundation
Concrete & Remedial
Completed damp course remediation on brick wall
Concrete & Remedial
Sandstone blocks laid along heritage wall for restoration
Stonework
Heritage sandstone wall restoration with new blocks
Stonework
Two workers using power tools on concrete foundation
On The Tools
Concrete demolition work in residential courtyard
Structural
Foundation excavation and concrete removal in progress
Structural
Structural concrete work at residential property
Structural
Sandstone seawall restoration on Sydney Harbour foreshore
Stonework
Heritage sandstone harbour wall being rebuilt
Stonework
Waterfront sandstone seawall construction in progress
Stonework
Harbour seawall sandstone blocks being fitted
Stonework
Completed section of harbour sandstone seawall
Stonework
New sandstone retaining wall with garden landscaping
Stonework
Sandstone block retaining wall in garden setting
Stonework
Completed sandstone retaining wall along garden bed
Completed
Rustic sandstone steps winding through bushland garden
Stonework
Natural sandstone garden steps with stone retaining walls
Stonework
Sandstone stairway construction through native garden
Stonework
Finished sandstone steps with boulder retaining edges
Completed
Minas shaping sandstone with mallet and chisel on-site
On The Tools
Heritage church brick restoration with cement mixer
Heritage
Ornate heritage stone capital under restoration with clamps
Heritage
Detailed heritage stone carving restoration in workshop
Heritage
Steel lintel installation above brick wall opening
Structural
Brick wall structural opening with new lintel support
Structural
Structural lintel work on brick facade in progress
Structural
Worker installing steel beam above brick wall opening
On The Tools
Bricklayer working on structural opening in brick facade
On The Tools
Worker applying waterproofing at base of heritage building
Concrete & Remedial
Damp course treatment on heritage sandstone building
Concrete & Remedial
Waterproofing membrane installation at building base
Concrete & Remedial
Foundation waterproofing remediation on sandstone building
Concrete & Remedial
Two workers using jackhammers on concrete foundation
On The Tools
Concrete foundation demolition and remediation work
Concrete & Remedial
Sandstone block paving along heritage waterfront walkway
Stonework
Heritage sandstone waterfront paving restoration
Stonework
Waterfront sandstone block steps being laid
Stonework
Completed sandstone paving at harbour foreshore
Stonework
Stonemason repointing harbour sandstone seawall
On The Tools
Black and white photo of stonemason working on harbour wall
On The Tools
Outdoor patio area with foundation preparation in progress
Structural
Natural stone fireplace surround under construction
Stonework
Stone cladding being applied to interior fireplace wall
Stonework
Interior stone fireplace surround nearing completion
Stonework
Stone veneer fireplace with timber mantel in new build
Stonework
Minas building natural stone fireplace surround on-site
On The Tools
Residential brick home with foundation excavation underway
Structural
Foundation repair excavation beside residential property
Structural
Underpinning work at brick residential home
Structural
Construction site with concrete block wall and equipment
On The Tools
Block wall construction with cement mixer on urban site
On The Tools
Urban construction site with block retaining wall
Structural
Worker levelling bricks on heritage wall repair
On The Tools
Stonemason working on heritage sandstone building facade
On The Tools
Sandstone seawall with harbour and boats in background
Stonework
Heritage sandstone seawall blocks placed at waterfront
Stonework
Waterfront sandstone wall restoration near wharf
Stonework
Harbour sandstone seawall with jetty in background
Stonework
Completed sandstone seawall section at harbour foreshore
Stonework
Finished sandstone garden wall with landscaped hedge
Completed
Sandstone retaining wall with manicured lawn and hedges
Completed
Completed sandstone block garden edge with paving
Completed
Natural sandstone steps through bushland garden setting
Completed
Sandstone block wall overlooking Sydney Harbour
Stonework
Heritage sandstone harbour wall with water views
Stonework
Sandstone seawall construction at harbourside location
Stonework
Harbour sandstone wall with dressed block finish
Stonework
Completed sandstone wall section at waterfront property
Stonework
Completed sandstone pathway through lush garden setting
Completed
Garden path with sandstone edging and green surrounds
Completed
Finished stone garden walkway with landscaping
Completed
Stone-edged garden pathway in residential property
Completed
Stonemason laying sandstone blocks for retaining wall
On The Tools
Craftsman hand-chiselling sandstone block with mallet
On The Tools
Close-up of traditional stone dressing with chisel and mallet
On The Tools
Sandstone block being shaped by hand on worksite
On The Tools
Hand-dressed sandstone blocks prepared for installation
Stonework
Traditional sandstone dressing techniques on display
Stonework
Historic stone village buildings with rustic masonry walls
Heritage
Worker building concrete block retaining wall on hillside
Structural
Long brick retaining wall construction on rural property
Stonework
Brick and stone boundary wall extending along property
Stonework
Completed brick retaining wall on landscaped property
Stonework
Heritage sandstone seawall with Sydney Harbour Bridge backdrop
Heritage
Romans Building Services truck at heritage stone site
On The Tools
Minas laying bricks with spirit level on residential project
On The Tools
Bricklaying in progress on residential building site
On The Tools
Brick facade construction on residential extension
Stonework
Cut sandstone blocks prepared for harbour wall restoration
Stonework
Freshly rendered retaining wall along garden pathway
Concrete & Remedial
Cement render applied to garden boundary wall
Concrete & Remedial
Rendered wall with textured finish in garden setting
Concrete & Remedial
Long rendered retaining wall alongside walkway
Concrete & Remedial
Completed rendered boundary wall with smooth finish
Concrete & Remedial
Worker mixing mortar on residential brick renovation
On The Tools
Structural acrow props supporting stone wall during repairs
Structural
Temporary structural supports in heritage stone building
Structural
Acrow props and wheelbarrow in stonework repair area
Structural
Concrete block wall construction around lift shaft
Structural
Commercial block wall with doorway opening completed
Structural
Block wall lift shaft enclosure on commercial site
Structural
Foundation drainage installation with concrete kerbing
Structural
Subfloor drainage and foundation remediation work
Structural
Concrete foundation repair with new drainage channel
Structural
Foundation waterproofing and drainage system installation
Concrete & Remedial
Remedial foundation work with new concrete base
Concrete & Remedial
Completed foundation drainage and remediation project
Concrete & Remedial
Stonemason handling sandstone blocks by harbour waterfront
On The Tools
Stonemason working on sandstone seawall at dusk by harbour
On The Tools
Harbour seawall sandstone restoration in progress
Stonework
Excavator assisting with harbour sandstone wall rebuild
On The Tools
Finished sandstone block retaining wall alongside paved path
Completed
Waterfront property with completed stone retaining wall
Completed
Weathered sandstone wall with timber hoarding above
Heritage
Heritage sandstone facade restoration in progress
Heritage
Aged sandstone block wall undergoing remedial works
Heritage
Heritage sandstone wall needing mortar repointing
Heritage
Sandstone heritage wall with new pointing repairs
Heritage
Romans Building Services logo on stone wall background
Completed
New brick entrance pillars with scaffolding on-site
Stonework
Brick pillar construction with tapered design detail
Stonework
Matching brick gateway pillars nearing completion
Stonework
Worker building stone retaining wall with steps
On The Tools
Heritage sandstone kerb stone with iron post streetscape
Heritage
Restored sandstone kerbing along heritage streetscape
Heritage
Sandstone kerb stone replacement in heritage precinct
Heritage
Heritage streetscape kerb restoration completed
Heritage
Steel beam installation on residential building extension
Structural
Structural steel beam supporting new building opening
Structural
Structural beam and prop support during renovation
Structural
Temporary structural supports on building renovation site
Structural
Heritage brick arch with render repair in progress
Heritage
Brick arch and render restoration on heritage facade
Heritage
Bronze sculpture on heritage stone harbour wall
Heritage
Cracked sandstone doorstep requiring heritage repair
Heritage
Heritage sandstone doorstep crack assessment
Heritage
Damaged stone step at heritage building entrance
Heritage
Exposed recycled brick interior feature wall with patina
Stonework
Swimming pool area with rendered walls and concrete surrounds
Concrete & Remedial
Pool surrounds with new concrete and render work
Concrete & Remedial
Residential pool area render and waterproofing project
Concrete & Remedial
Concrete pool coping and rendered wall completion
Concrete & Remedial
Pool area concrete work and wall rendering in progress
Concrete & Remedial
Completed pool surround with rendered retaining walls
Concrete & Remedial
Roof level brick and structural repair on residential home
Structural
Chimney and roof line structural repairs underway
Structural
Residential roof and masonry repair work in progress
Structural
Minas trowelling fresh concrete pad at heritage property
On The Tools
Luxury waterfront property with stone retaining walls
Completed
Harbourside stonework at premium residential property
Completed
Waterfront stone wall with harbour views beyond
Completed
Worker building new brick boundary wall with waterproofing
On The Tools
Brick retaining wall construction with iron fence above
Stonework
New brick boundary wall with fence railing detail
Stonework
Brick retaining wall with waterproofing membrane
Stonework
Completed brick boundary wall alongside iron railing
Stonework
New concrete kerbing in commercial car park
Concrete & Remedial
Concrete kerb and channel installation at car park
Concrete & Remedial
Finished concrete kerbing along commercial driveway
Concrete & Remedial
Concrete kerb replacement in commercial area
Concrete & Remedial
Site clearing and preparation for new retaining wall
Structural
Earthworks and site preparation for stone wall construction
Structural
Cleared site ready for foundation and retaining wall
Structural
Rural property structural fencing and post installation
Structural
Timber post and rail fencing on rural property
Structural
Rural property fencing construction with new posts
Structural
Sandstone blocks loaded on truck for restoration project
Stonework
Cut sandstone blocks prepared for wall construction
Stonework
Grand concrete staircase with balustrades requiring repair
Concrete & Remedial
Ornate concrete staircase and balustrade restoration project
Concrete & Remedial
Concrete staircase repair with rendered balustrade detail
Concrete & Remedial
Heritage concrete staircase balustrade remediation
Concrete & Remedial
Subfloor foundation repair with exposed brickwork
Structural
Foundation underpinning with new supports and brick piers
Structural
Subfloor structural repair with temporary props
Structural
Residential foundation repair and restumping work
Structural
Foundation pier replacement under residential building
Structural
Completed subfloor foundation repair and restumping
Structural
Sandstone crazy paving walkway at residential property
Stonework
Natural sandstone flag paving being laid on pathway
Stonework
Sandstone paving pathway with irregular natural edges
Stonework
Finished sandstone paving with garden bed edging
Completed
Completed sandstone paving walkway through garden
Completed
Sandstone crazy paving pathway with concrete retaining wall
Stonework
Curved sandstone pathway leading to residential entrance
Stonework
Sandstone flag paving with concrete retaining edge
Stonework
Natural stone pathway installation at residential property
Stonework
Completed sandstone paving with garden landscaping
Completed
Finished sandstone pathway with mature garden setting
Completed
Interior sandstone block wall with split-face finish
Stonework
Sandstone block feature wall under construction indoors
Stonework
Interior sandstone wall nearing completion in new build
Stonework
Stonemason building sandstone garden wall in sunlight
On The Tools
Cut sandstone coping blocks on truck with stone saw
Stonework
Precisely cut sandstone blocks ready for installation
Stonework
Sandstone slab cutting with power saw on worksite
Stonework
Stack of cut sandstone blocks prepared for wall project
Stonework
Sandstone cladding being applied to concrete block wall
Stonework
Stone veneer cladding installation on retaining wall
Stonework
Sandstone veneer cladding on exterior retaining wall
Stonework
Natural stone cladding on block wall in progress
Stonework
Completed sandstone cladding on retaining wall section
Stonework
Worker installing natural stone feature wall panel
On The Tools
Sandstone block construction on new residential building
Stonework
Split-face sandstone block wall rising on building site
Stonework
Sandstone block wall with doorway opening in new build
Stonework
Sandstone block building under construction with framing
Stonework
Sandstone block exterior wall nearing completion
Stonework
Completed sandstone block building exterior wall
Stonework
Natural stone feature wall with irregular block pattern
Stonework
Stone feature wall construction with mortar joints
Stonework
Completed natural stone feature wall with mixed textures
Stonework
Craftsman hand-dressing sandstone slab with mallet and chisel
On The Tools
Stonemason repointing sandstone seawall at harbour wharf
On The Tools
Heritage sandstone and brick wall with replacement blocks
Heritage
Mixed sandstone and brick heritage wall restoration
Heritage
Brick and stone heritage wall with new mortar joints
Heritage
Heritage wall restoration with matching replacement blocks
Heritage
Stunning stone veneer fireplace surround in living room
Completed
Natural stone fireplace feature wall with timber mantel
Completed
Interior stone cladding fireplace during installation
Stonework
Completed stone veneer fireplace from side angle
Completed
Reclaimed sandstone block on grass ready for restoration
Stonework
Heritage sandstone block salvaged for reuse
Stonework
Salvaged sandstone blocks prepared for heritage wall
Stonework
Reclaimed sandstone blocks sorted for restoration project
Stonework
Minas hand-dressing sandstone slab with textured finish
On The Tools
Stonemason using power tool to texture sandstone slab
On The Tools
Power tool dressing sandstone with bush-hammered finish
On The Tools
Textured sandstone slab being shaped with rotary tool
On The Tools
Finished hand-textured sandstone slab on workbench
Stonework
Sandstone block retaining wall under construction at harbour
Stonework
Harbour sandstone retaining wall with new mortar joints
Stonework
Sandstone seawall block wall nearing completion
Stonework
Completed harbour sandstone retaining wall section
Stonework
Two stonemasons building sandstone chimney on rooftop
On The Tools
Sandstone chimney construction with spirit level check
On The Tools
Hand-dressed sandstone blocks being laid for chimney
Stonework
Sandstone chimney stack nearing completion on rooftop
Stonework
Close-up of natural sandstone crazy paving texture
Stonework
Natural stone cladding detail with irregular pattern
Stonework
Sandstone crazy paving wall texture close-up
Stonework
Natural stone cladding on residential exterior in progress
On The Tools
Stone cladding feature wall on residential building facade
Stonework
Exterior stone cladding with materials on-site
On The Tools
Residential stone cladding nearing completion on facade
Stonework
Brickwork repair at height above railway infrastructure
Structural
Brick parapet repair on elevated railway structure
Structural
Structural brickwork repair on railway overpass
Structural
Elevated brickwork construction with crane on-site
Structural
Completed brick parapet on railway infrastructure
Structural
Luxury sandstone bathroom with freestanding bath and fireplace
Completed
Sandstone block feature wall in premium bathroom design
Completed
Hand-dressed sandstone interior with pendant lighting
Completed
Premium sandstone bathroom feature wall detail
Completed
Hand-carved sandstone posts with textured finish in workshop
Stonework
Dressed sandstone column pieces ready for installation
Stonework
Completed blue stone crazy paving feature wall on verandah
Completed
Stone crazy paving wall with garden hedge backdrop
Completed
New sandstone block retaining wall with timber deck beyond
Stonework
Sandstone arch formwork under construction on-site
Stonework
Sandstone arch with rebar reinforcement being built
Stonework
Workers positioning large sandstone block with lifting gear
On The Tools
Sandstone arch construction with structural formwork
Stonework
Retaining wall construction with block work and drainage
Structural
Block retaining wall with stepped foundation design
Structural
Stepped structural retaining wall with staircase formwork
Structural
Retaining wall and stairs under construction at residence
Structural
Completed structural retaining wall with drainage system
Structural
Residential brick building extension with concrete slab
Structural
Dark brick residential extension under construction
Structural
New brick building with gable roof framing visible
Structural
Brick residential construction with scaffolding on-site
Structural
Residential brick building exterior taking shape
Structural
Brick home extension nearing lockup stage
Structural
Brick house with sandstone entry pillars and balustrades
Completed
Misty harbour morning view from sandstone seawall worksite
On The Tools
Mini excavator and block retaining wall construction
Structural
Block retaining wall with stepped design at residence
Structural
Harbour sandstone wall with wharf timbers at low tide
Stonework
Sandstone seawall formwork in tidal harbour zone
Stonework
Blue stone crazy paving feature wall with spacers curing
Stonework

Questions people ask about the work

Are these your real photos?

Yes. Every photo on this page is from one of our jobs. No stock images, no AI renders, no photos pulled off the internet. Most were taken on a phone by Minas or one of the team while the work was happening.

How old is the work shown here?

The oldest jobs on this page are from around 2015. The newest are from this year. Romans has been running since 1995, so there is plenty more we just never photographed.

Can you do work like this for me?

Most of it, yes. Sandstone walls, heritage repointing, structural brickwork, garden walls, chimneys, seawalls, fireplaces. If you have seen something on this page you want for your place, give Minas a call on 0414 922 276 and we will work out if we can do it for you.

Do you only work on big jobs?

No. We do small jobs and big jobs. A two metre garden wall in a back yard gets the same care as a heritage church facade. The standard is the same. The price scales with the size of the job, not the postcode.

How long does this kind of work take?

It depends. A small repointing patch can be a day. A full sandstone seawall can be a few weeks. A heritage chimney rebuild is usually one to two weeks. We will give you a real timeframe when we quote, not a vague window.

Where do you work?

Across Sydney metro. Our home turf is Strathfield, the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs, and we regularly work north to the Northern Beaches and west through Parramatta, Burwood, Concord and Homebush.

Got a project in mind? Give Minas a call.

0414 922 276