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California Masonry

California masonry contractor license guide

California masonry contractors use CSLB's C-29 Masonry Contractor classification. This guide maps masonry walls, veneers, paving, and related work to CSLB's official source materials.

The short answer

California masonry contractors should review CSLB's C-29 Masonry Contractor classification before selling block, brick, stone, terra cotta, fire brick, masonry wall, veneer, paving, or related work. CSLB's classification language also distinguishes masonry veneer from tile.

Who this applies to

  • California contractors installing masonry units, brick, block, stone, terra cotta, or refractory materials should review the C-29 classification.
  • Masonry can overlap with fencing, concrete, structural walls, paving, fireplaces, waterproofing, tile, and local permit requirements.
  • Homeowners and contractors should verify CSLB license status before masonry repair, installation, or subcontracting relationships.

Requirement snapshot

Authority California Contractors State License Board
Classification CSLB lists C-29 as Masonry Contractor.
Scope snapshot CSLB says a C-29 contractor installs concrete units and baked clay products; concrete, glass and clay block; natural and manufactured stone; terra cotta; and fire brick or other refractory materials.
Included work CSLB says the C-29 classification includes masonry component units for load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls and fences, ceramic veneer not tile, thin brick, paving, and clear waterproofing, cleaning, and caulking incidental to masonry construction.
Experience CSLB says applicants generally need at least four full years of journey-level or higher experience in the classification, within the 10 years before filing.
Verification CSLB provides an online license check for contractor licenses and Home Improvement Salesperson registrations.

Practical application path

  1. Read CSLB's C-29 classification page before advertising masonry services.
  2. Confirm whether the planned project is masonry, concrete, tile, fencing, structural, or another classification.
  3. Identify the qualifying individual and gather verifiable masonry experience documentation.
  4. Follow CSLB's application, exam, fingerprinting, bond, and issuance instructions.
  5. Confirm local permit, structural, waterproofing, and inspection requirements before starting jobs.

Watchouts before you sell the work

  • Masonry walls and fences may not be the same scope as ordinary fencing work.
  • Tile, concrete, structural, chimney/fireplace, waterproofing, and paving details can create separate classification or permit questions.
  • Load-bearing work and exterior walls can involve engineering and inspection requirements beyond the license classification.

Official source links

CSLB C-29 Masonry classification https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C29 CSLB before applying https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/before_applying_for_license.aspx CSLB qualifying experience https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/experience_for_exam.aspx CSLB check a license https://www.cslb.ca.gov/onlineservices/checklicenseII/checklicense.aspx

FAQ

What is the California masonry contractor classification?

CSLB lists masonry contracting under the C-29 Masonry Contractor classification.

Does C-29 include ceramic tile?

CSLB's C-29 description includes ceramic veneer that is not tile. Ceramic and mosaic tile work should be checked against C-54 or another applicable classification.