On-Site stone cutting for gardens and building work
Travel to jobs to cut and shape stone for paths, walls, steps and garden features.
- £2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,275 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 23700 “Cutting, shaping and finishing of stone”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A mobile service cutting and dressing stone at the customer's property, such as paving, copings, steps, walling and garden features. You work alongside landscapers and builders or directly for homeowners.
Your first three steps
- Build your skills through a stonemasonry course or by assisting an experienced mason
- Buy a handheld saw, hammers and chisels, dust control and PPE, and set up a van to carry them
- Show landscapers and builders photos of your work and offer a trial day to cut stone on site
Who pays
Homeowners, landscapers, garden designers and small building firms.
How it makes money
Day rate or price per job, sometimes per square metre or per cut piece. Landscapers and builders often bring regular work.
Skills that help
- Cutting and shaping natural and reclaimed stone
- Reading plans and measuring on site
- Working outdoors in all weather
- Reliable timekeeping and tidy working
Watch out for
- Silica dust is a serious health risk: check HSE guidance on water suppression, extraction and RPE for on-site cutting
- Public liability insurance, plus cover for your tools and van
- Check noise and working hours rules with the local council and neighbours
- Manual handling of heavy stone: use lifting aids and plan for strain on your body
- If you work on construction sites, check what site cards or training clients expect
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: on-site stone cutting for gardens and building work
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile stone cutting business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the tools and vehicle you need, dust control equipment and the insurance cover you choose.
How much can a mobile stone cutter earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £1,200 to £5,000, depending on how many jobs you win from homeowners, landscapers and builders. You might start at around 15 hours a week.
What should I check before cutting stone on customers' sites?
Silica dust is a serious health risk, so check HSE guidance on water suppression, extraction and RPE. Check public liability insurance plus cover for tools and van, noise and working hours rules with the council, and any site cards or training clients expect.
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