The best stone masons in Nelson create durable, beautiful stonework that enhances homes, gardens and commercial properties throughout the region. These local experts combine traditional techniques with local materials such as schist and river stone to produce features suited to Nelson’s climate and landscape. Businesses like Masonry Masters and Lynx Martin Stonemason demonstrate the standard of craftsmanship available in Nelson, with the Nelson Headstone Shop covering memorials.
1Masonry Masters
Masonry Masters is a professional stonemasonry company based in the Nelson/Tasman region with over 30 years of experience. Their team specialises in stone masonry for both new builds and existing structures, delivering high-quality finishes for residential and commercial clients.
Services
- Custom stone walls
- Stone cladding and veneers
- Fireplaces (indoor and outdoor)
- Paving and steps
- Entranceways and pillars
Highlights
- Over 30 years of expertise in stonework
- UK-trained stonemason with experience on prestigious projects
- Focus on bespoke, one-of-a-kind projects
- Commitment to high quality finishes built to last
- Exceptional customer service and client collaboration
Location & Contact
Name: Masonry Masters
Address: Nelson
Phone: 021 498 580
Website: www.masonrymasters.co.nz
2Simon Starr – Stonemason & Sculptor
Simon Starr is a stonemason and sculptor based in Nelson with over 37 years of experience as a licensed building practitioner. He combines traditional stonemasonry with artistic sculpting, creating bespoke pieces and restorations using local stone and Oamaru limestone.
Services
- Bespoke stone sculptures
- Fireplaces
- Garden walling (dry stone and mortared)
- Restoration work
- Structural stone work
Highlights
- Over 37 years of experience
- Licensed building practitioner
- Specialises in Oamaru limestone carving and commissioned sculptures
- Traditional techniques for honest, lasting craftsmanship
- Client collaboration for unique, artistic designs
Location & Contact
Name: Simon Starr – Stonemason & Sculptor
Address: Nelson
Phone: 021 029 62282
Website: www.turntostone.co.nz
3Lynx Martin Stonemason
Lynx Martin Stonemason is a Nelson-based business with 35 years of experience. As a qualified builder, Lynx handles stone work from design to completion, including sourcing local stone and managing council permits for projects of all sizes.
Services
- Retaining walls and stone walls
- Fire surrounds and chimneys
- Outdoor fires and pizza ovens
- Paths, edging and garden features
- House exterior and interior feature walls
Highlights
- 35 years of experience in stonemasonry
- Qualified builder with knowledge of building codes and council requirements
- Arranges permits, inspections and code of compliance
- Sources stone from local quarries and across New Zealand
- Relocated to Nelson in 2003 after extensive South Island work
Location & Contact
Name: Lynx Martin Stonemason
Address: 261 State Highway, Wakefield, Nelson
Phone: 03 541 8571
Website: www.allstonework.co.nz
4Nelson Headstone Shop
The Nelson Headstone Shop works from a workshop in Stoke and serves cemeteries across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough. It takes custom memorial design rather than working from a catalogue alone, which matters when a family wants something specific rather than a standard plaque.
Services
- Custom memorial design
- New headstones
- Memorial plaques
- Cemetery installation across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough
Highlights
- Workshop in Stoke
- Covers Marlborough as well as Nelson and Tasman
- Takes custom design work, not catalogue orders alone
Location & Contact
Name: Nelson Headstone Shop
Address: Stoke, Nelson
Website: monuments.co.nz
Stone Masons in Nelson at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry Masters | Nelson | Over 30 years of expertise in stonework |
| Simon Starr – Stonemason & Sculptor | Nelson | Over 37 years of experience |
| Lynx Martin Stonemason | Wakefield | 35 years of experience in stonemasonry |
| Nelson Headstone Shop | Nelson | Workshop in Stoke |
How to Choose the Right Stone Mason in Nelson
- Look for experience with local Nelson materials such as schist and river stone that suit the coastal climate.
- Check whether the mason offers both dry stone and mortared construction methods.
- Confirm licensed building practitioner status for any structural or load-bearing work.
- Review a portfolio of previous projects in the Nelson and Tasman region.
- Ensure the mason can manage full project requirements including material sourcing, design and council compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson Stone Masons
What types of stone are commonly used by stone masons in Nelson?
Nelson stone masons commonly work with locally sourced schist, river stone, limestone and granite. These materials are chosen for their durability, aesthetic appeal and suitability to the region’s sunny, coastal conditions.
How much does stone masonry typically cost in Nelson?
Costs vary depending on project size, stone type, design complexity and whether the work is dry stone or mortared. Smaller garden features may start from a few thousand dollars while larger walls or cladding projects can be significantly more. Contact individual masons for tailored quotes.
Is dry stone walling suitable for properties in Nelson?
Yes, dry stone walling is popular in Nelson due to its natural drainage properties and rustic appearance that complements the local landscape. It works well on sloped sections common in areas such as Atawhai and Maitai Valley.
Do stone masons in Nelson handle both residential and commercial projects?
Most professional stone masons in Nelson offer services for both residential homes and commercial buildings. They can work on private garden walls, fireplaces, outdoor features and larger-scale cladding or structural stonework.
How long does a stone masonry project usually take?
Project duration depends on the size and complexity of the work. Smaller jobs such as garden features or paving may take a few days, while extensive custom builds or restorations can span several weeks. A reliable Nelson stone mason will provide a clear timeline during the planning phase.
Which suburbs in Nelson do these stone masons cover?
The businesses on this page serve central Nelson, Wakefield, Stoke, Richmond and the wider Tasman region. Many offer mobile services and can travel to meet clients across the Top of the South Island.
How can I verify a stone mason’s qualifications in New Zealand?
Look for licensed building practitioner status for structural work. The New Zealand Stonemason Association maintains a list of accredited members. Visit the NZSMA members page for details on accredited stonemasons.
How We Chose the Best Stone Masons in Nelson
Every business in this guide was found by searching for stone masons in Nelson, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Nelson, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.