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    494 St. Vincent’s Rd. Nudgee Qld 4014

Stone Mason Brisbane

Frequently Asked Questions
Stone mason Brisbane - Celtic Cross recently installed at Nudgee College by T. Wrafter & Sons

Stone mason Brisbane – T. Wrafter & Sons Pty Ltd is renowned across Brisbane for its use of traditional stonemasonry techniques combined with world-class technology.

We offer a large range of stonemason products and services, ranging from monuments and memorials, family and community chapels, bronze plaques, commercial stonemasonry, and more.

Brisbane City Council regards us highly, and we have been instrumental in several heritage and art projects.

T. Wrafter & Sons – Artisan Brisbane Stone mason

 T. Wrafter & Sons proudly operates out of two purpose-built processing facilities on the north side of Brisbane.  Knowledge and skills have been handed down through generations as we work to keep the proud tradition of stonemasonry alive.

Our work focuses on demonstrating meticulous finishes and attention to detail that will last a lifetime.  The specialised nature of our work means that people often ask us questions about our techniques, production and product range.

Click on the questions below to learn more about what it means to be an artisan stone mason in Brisbane.

  • Is T. Wrafter & Sons a family owned business?

    Expert stone masons servicing Brisbane and South East Queensland, T. Wrafter & Sons is a family-owned and operated business.  It has been passed from generation to generation to keep the proud tradition alive. 

    The name T. Wrafter dates back to the late 1800s when Timothy Wrafter, a stonemason from Ireland, set up a monumental business in Nudgee.  As time progressed and the firm grew, he encouraged his nephew, Timothy, to join him.  Timothy was also a stonemason from Ireland and he emigrated to Australia and work in his uncle’s business.

    T. Wrafter Evolves to become T. Wrafter & Sons

    Timothy eventually procured the business from his uncle, and his sons Denis and Joseph were apprenticed as stonemasons. It marked the beginning of  T. Wrafter & Sons.

    This dynamic and creative company is now owned and operated by Denis’ son, Peter.

    Peter is a Board Director and a qualified stonemason with over forty years of experience in the stone industry.

    Learn more about our extensive history as stonemasons on Brisbane’s northside here.

  • Does T. Wrafter & Sons work comply with Australian Standards?

    Yes.  T. Wrafter & Sons work to Australian Standard for Headstones and Cemetery Monuments – AS4204:2019.

  • Which cemeteries does T. Wrafter & Sons service?

    T. Wrafter & Sons service cemeteries across South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales, including:

    • Brisbane
    • Gold Coast
    • Gympie
    • Ipswich
    • Logan
    • Moreton Bay
    • Redland City
    • Sunshine Coast
    • Toowoomba
    • Tweed Heads

    We work very closely with Nudgee Cemetery, Toowong Cemetery and Mount Gravatt Cemetery.

    We are also happy to travel outside of these regions.  Please feel free to get in contact with our friendly team to discuss your requirements.

  • Is T. Wrafter & Sons an authorised Brisbane City Council Stonemason?

    T. Wrafter & Sons is an authorised Brisbane City Council Stonemason and can install lawn plaques (bronze and granite) and construct headstones and monuments in all Brisbane Cemeteries

    For a full list of Council Cemeteries, please click on the link – Brisbane City Council Cemetery List.

  • Do you have your own manufacturing facility?

    T. Wrafter & Sons prides itself on the fact that the vast majority of our work is manufactured and processed at our facilities in Brisbane using both Australian and internationally sourced stone.

  • What type of monuments and memorials do you offer?

    As stone masons in Brisbane, we have many different styles, materials & colours available to work with.  We offer a full range of monuments and memorials, including memorial plaques, single monuments, double monuments, family chapels and community chapels.

    We work with only the highest quality materials and especially enjoy granites that were quarried right here in Australia.

    We recommend that you stroll through your local cemetery to get an idea of the style, colour and size you prefer. 

    We can also customise a design to suit your requirements – contact our friendly team to arrange a time to discuss.

  • Can I customise a monument or memorial?

    Absolutely! Yes, monuments/memorials can be customised. 

    Because we have our stonemasonry factory right here in Brisbane, can offer fully customised service.

    It means that all design, processing and production are completed locally, allowing you complete control of the final product.

    If you’re considering this, please make an appointment to discuss your specific requirements, and we will work with you to achieve your vision.

  • What is the difference between an incised and raised inscription?

    An incised inscription is sandblasted on to the stone and can be painted, gilded or left natural. 

    A raised inscription has a border that is sandblasted around the lettering, leaving the lettering raised – the background is then painted, gilded or left natural.

    Refer to picture below:

    Examples of raised inscriptions produced by T. Wrafter & Sons, stone masons in Brisbane.

  • How long should I wait before I commission a monument?

    The process of designing your perfect monument can take many months.  Although it is essential to wait at least 6 months before erecting a new monument, to allow for the ground to settle, the design and build of your gravestone or headstone can take just as long.

    Materials will need to be ordered, and may take some time to arrive if they’re coming from overseas.  Additionally, crafting a beautiful monument takes great skill, precision, and time.

    Therefore, we recommend that you commission your monument as soon as possible to ensure it can be placed/erected as soon as the ground is ready.

  • How long must you wait before placing a memorial on a grave?

    Although cemeteries have different policies, generally speaking most require waiting between 6 weeks and 6 months before placing a headstone or gravestone on a new grave.

    This allows for the soil to settle after the burial, and for it to adjust to the different weather conditions it might experience. 

    Burials take place two metres below the surface of the ground, displacing soil and earth on the gravesite.  Time needs to be observed to allow this to settle and avoid the ground from sinking under the heavy weight of the stone monument.

  • Can I save money by requesting a manufactured or engineered stone product?

    T. Wrafter and Sons has chosen to prioritise the health of its staff, and the environment but working only with natural stone products.  We do not offer cheaper, manufactured or engineered variants.  For more insight into this, please read our blog, Silicosis and The Stonemason.