About Us
Honouring the Craft: Our Story
Our journey started right here in Bath, where our founder first picked up a mallet and chisel as an apprentice. Those early years spent working with local Bath stone didn’t just teach us a trade; they gave us a deep-rooted respect for the history and the "feel" of the buildings in our part of the world.
Today, we carry those same values into everything we do. We’ve kept the time-honoured skills of the old masters and blended them with modern techniques to make sure every piece of stone we lay in Bath and Bristol is built to the highest possible standard.
Passing on the Trade We’re big believers in giving back to the trade that gave us so much. That’s why apprenticeships are right at the heart of our workshop. We love teaching the next generation the artistry of stonemasonry, making sure these "lost skills" stay alive and well in our local community.
Beyond the Workshop We’re proud of our roots, and we try to support our local community whenever we can. Whether we’re helping out a local charity or lending our hands to restore a neighborhood church, we believe in offering our expertise where it’s needed most.
From restoring a piece of history or repointing a garden wall to specialist conservation work, our mission is simple: we’re here to protect the unique character of our region, creating stone results that will still be standing for generations to come.
Our Services
Stonemasonry
Craftsmanship in Stone
From Heritage to Modern Builds
Our Stonemasonry Services: A Blend of Old and New
We cover every corner of the trade, from the "old school" hand-carving techniques used centuries ago to the latest modern methods. Whether we’re restoring a historic Bath stone façade that’s seen better days, repairing a single damaged block, or crafting a one-off stone feature for your home, we bring the same level of precision and care to every chisel stroke.
What we do best:
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Specialist Restoration & Conservation: We’re experts at repairing and replacing stone in a way that’s invisible to the eye. We use advanced, gentle cleaning and conservation methods to make sure our work respects the original character of the building while meeting all of today’s building standards.
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Heritage to Contemporary: Our work spans the ages. We’re just as comfortable working on a Grade I listed building as we are on a sharp, modern construction project.
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Precision & Protection: We don't just fix what’s broken; we look at the "why." By using compatible mortars and traditional lime pointing, we ensure the stone can "breathe," giving your building lasting strength and that timeless look that only natural stone can provide.
Basically, we see ourselves as caretakers of the region’s architecture. We’re here to make sure your stonework doesn't just look great for now, but stays solid for another hundred years.
Stonewalling & Repointing
Strengthening Walls, Preserving Character
Repointing & Walling That Protects Your Home
Whether you have a few patches of crumbling mortar or a whole cottage that needs a refresh, we provide expert repointing that’s done the right way. We know the rules inside out when it comes to listed buildings and period homes, so we always use the correct materials—like traditional lime mortars—to restore the strength and look of your walls. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about making sure your home is watertight and protected from the British weather for years to come.
Stonewalling of All Shapes and Sizes Our walling expertise covers everything from repairing historic Bath stone to building brand-new features from scratch. We’re just as at home with:
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Traditional Dry Stone Walls: Built to last using age-old techniques.
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Boundary & Garden Walls: Sturdy, attractive, and designed to suit your property.
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Modern Stonework: Clean lines and precision for a contemporary look.
Every wall we build or repair is handled with a focus on durability. We want the finish to look "right" for the landscape, ensuring that whether we’re restoring an old boundary or creating a new garden feature, it’s a piece of stonework that stands the test of time.
Cleaning & Conservation (DOFF & TORC Systems)
Gentle Cleaning, Powerful Results
Giving Old Stone a New Lease of Life
Over the years, even the most beautiful stonework can get hidden under layers of paint, moss, or city grime. We specialize in cleaning and conservation that doesn't just "blast" the dirt away we carefully restore the stone underneath without causing any damage.
The DOFF System: Gentle but Powerful Our go-to method is the DOFF system. It uses superheated steam (it’s a bit like a professional deep-clean for stone) to lift away paint, biological growth, and pollutants safely. Because it uses heat rather than high pressure, it leaves your stonework looking fresh and revitalized without eating into the delicate surface of the Bath stone. It’s the safest way to bring back that original glow.
Precision Cleaning with TORC For the really stubborn stuff, like heavy carbon staining or old coatings, we use the TORC system. It’s incredibly precise, allowing us to be "sympathetic" to listed and historic properties. We focus on getting the results you want while respecting the history of the building.
Whether you’re looking to restore a heritage landmark or just want to freshen up a stone feature in your garden, we bring a level of craftsmanship that respects tradition but uses the best of modern technology.
Commercial
Stonemasonry
Commercial Stonemasonry: Big Scale, Artisan Detail
We provide specialist stonemasonry across Bath and Bristol, partnering with contractors, developers, and local authorities. We know the high-pressure demands of a commercial site, but we refuse to cut corners on the craft. Whether it’s a modern development or a sensitive heritage restoration, we deliver work that’s built to last and looks the part.
Why Commercial Teams Trust Us:
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Local Expertise: we have a deep understanding of local planning and listed building regulations. We’re used to working within the strict "red tape" of Bath and Bristol’s historic centers.
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Reliability & Efficiency: We know that on a commercial site, time is money. We pride ourselves on being there when we say we will and getting the job done without the need for constant over-sight.
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Specialist Kit: We are fully equipped with DOFF and TORC systems, ensuring we can clean and restore everything from historic churches to modern office blocks safely and effectively.
High-Tech Inspections & Cleaning
Modern Surveys (Without the Scaffolding) One of the biggest headaches on a commercial project is the cost of access. To make life easier (and cheaper) for our clients, we use drone technology to carry out detailed building inspections. We can survey roofs, high-up façades, and awkward corners, providing you with high-def imagery and clear reports—all without the need for expensive scaffolding or cherry pickers.
Specialist Commercial Cleaning From hotels and museums to public monuments, we use the best tech in the business to keep Bristol and Bath looking sharp:
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DOFF Steam Cleaning: Perfect for large-scale removal of paint and grime. It’s gentle enough for heritage stone but powerful enough for a busy commercial exterior.
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TORC Vortex Cleaning: Our go-to for removing heavy carbon staining and stubborn deposits from city-centre buildings.
Trusted Across All Sectors Whether we're preserving the character of a listed museum or ensuring a modern hotel makes a great first impression, we blend "old-school" skills with "new-school" tech. We’re here to be your reliable partner for sensitive, high-quality stonework that meets every modern safety and efficiency standard.
Client Testimonials
We recently asked AXW Stonemasonry to restore the front of our Georgian townhouse in Bath. Years of paint and grime had hidden the original stonework, but their DOFF cleaning system brought it back to life. The team carefully removed the old paint, replaced a few damaged stones, and the façade now looks as though it was newly built. Their attention to detail and respect for the heritage of the property was outstanding. We couldn’t be happier with the result."
Sarah M - Bath
"Living just outside Bath, we wanted a traditional stone wall built to complement our country estate. AXW Stonemasonry designed and constructed a beautiful new wall that blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The craftsmanship is exceptional solid, timeless and built to last. The team were professional throughout, keeping us informed and ensuring the finish was exactly what we envisioned. It’s a feature we’re proud to show off to visitors."
James & Helen R - Somerset (near Bath)
"Our property in Clifton, Bristol had suffered from years of weather damage, with several stones cracked and deteriorating. AXW Stonemasonry carried out careful repairs and replaced the damaged sections with precision. The work has restored the building’s character while strengthening it for the future. The team were reliable, tidy, and clearly passionate about their craft. We would recommend them to anyone needing expert stonework in the city."
David L - Clifton, Bristol
Mrs. Henderson – Bath
Date: March 14, 2022
Project: Large-scale home renovation
"We couldn't be happier with the professional service provided. It was a major project, but the team made everything feel seamless. Definitely the best choice for high-quality workmanship in Bath. Highly recommended."
Mr. Collins – Clifton, Bristol
Date: September 22, 2022
Project: Minor repairs and maintenance
"Excellent attention to detail on a smaller job. It is hard to find reliable tradespeople in Bristol who take pride in every task, no matter the size. Fast, clean, and efficient service."
Mr. Sterling – Redland, Bristol
Date: November 05, 2023
Project: Full exterior refurbishment
"A massive thank you for the incredible transformation. The crew was punctual, polite, and the finish is outstanding. Competitive pricing for such a high standard of work in Bristol. Great communication throughout."
Mrs. Whitaker – Lansdown, Bath
Date: June 18, 2024
Project: Emergency repair visit
"I called for a quick fix and they arrived the same day. Very impressed with the quick response time and expert advice. Truly the most dependable service in Bath. Will certainly use them again for future projects."
Mrs. Whitaker – Lansdown, Bath
Date: June 18, 2024
Project: Emergency repair visit
"I called for a quick fix and they arrived the same day. Very impressed with the quick response time and expert advice. Truly the most dependable service in Bath. Will certainly use them again for future projects."
Miss Thorne – Longwell Green
Date: January 12, 2025
Project: Modernization project
"The quality of work exceeded my expectations. They are my go-to for any property improvements in the Bristol and Bath region. Professional, affordable, and local. A brilliant job all round."
Contact
Get in Touch
Contact Alex at, AXW Stonemasonry to explore how our craftsmanship can bring lasting beauty to your project, from heritage restoration to modern stonework solutions.