Zinc, semi-rigid plastic sheet, plastic, hardboard, and cardboard are common materials used to make stonemason templates. Zinc is the most durable but also the most expensive. Semi-rigid plastic sheet is inexpensive and flexible but not suitable for repeated use. Plastic and hardboard are durable options but require specialized suppliers. Cardboard is inexpensive but not durable when wet. The document provides details on the properties of each material and examples of suitable and unsuitable uses.
2. Introduction
Stonemasons have been using templates for thousands of years to transfer identical moulds to
multiple stones. The choice of material for each template can influence the accuracy of each stone and
how long the stone takes to produce. This presentation is designed to introduce you to the five most
common materials used by modern stonemasons to make templates.
3. Zinc
very durable
weather resistant
easy to mark
high accuracy
moderately flexibile
expensive
specialty supplier required
time consuming
This is the best material to be used for template making. It is resistant to poor conditions and can be
used multiple times. Zinc is therefore preferred when there are lots of stones being cut to one
template. It is fairly easy to mark with a scriber and a high degree of accuracy can be obtained using a
sharp pair of tin snips and files.
The main disadvantage is that zinc is more expensive than any other template material. It can also be
more time consuming to produce templates compared to alternative methods and it is therefore not
suitable for “one off templates”.
4. Semi Rigid Plastic Sheet
inexpensive
translucent (see through)
easy to mark
reasonably durable
highly flexible
can be easily ripped/torn
specialty supplier required
not suitable for excessive use
The semi-rigid plastic sheet is the most commonly used template making material. It is lightweight,
easy to mark , easy to shape, translucent, flexible and relatively inexpensive. It is commonly used for
taking a template from an existing stone as it can be traced through to reproduce an accurate profile.
The sheet can be marked using a permanent marker or pencil.
The main disadvantage to using the semi-rigid plastic sheet is that it will not withstand repeated use
and has a tendency to curl at the edges and fold.
5. Plastic
durable
easy to mark
high accuracy
specialty supplier required
more expensive than SRPS
low flexibility
Plastic is a relatively new template making material. It is usually delivered in large sheets (approx 2m x
1m) and can be stored outdoors if required. Plastic sheets are very easy to mark and cut accurately and
will withstand repeated use.
The main disadvantage of the plastic sheet is that it is slightly more expensive than the semi-rigid plastic
sheet and cannot be traced through.
6. Hardboard
inexpensive
readily available
easy to mark
difficult to cut accurately
time consuming to produce
low flexibility
Hard board is a material which is suitable for repeated use. It will keep a sharp edge and is not badly
affected by adverse weather, although every effort should be made to keep it dry.
Hardboard is very difficult to cut accurately and all edges have to be sanded to avoid “bumps”. A sharp
scalpel is recommended for cutting hardboard.
7. Cardboard
inexpensive
readily available
easy to mark
low durability
disintegrates when wet
low accuracy
Although commonly used, particularly when on a small-scale job, cardboard is not a suitable material
for most templates.
The advantages of using cardboard is that it is very cheap, readily available and is easy to mark.
It is not suitable for repeated use or in wet weather as it will lose it’s edge and disintegrate.
Cardboard can also be difficult to cut to an accurate tolerance.
8. Activity
Identify whether each of the materials shown are suitable or unsuitable for the activities described.
Indicate suitability with either a or a .
Activity Zinc SRPS Plastic Hardboard Cardboard
A joint template for 200m of
string course (each individual
stone measures 1m).
A one time use template for a
mullion on a small job.
A multiple use template to be
used in wet conditions.
A template which is to be
traced from an existing stone
for a single use.
9. Activity Answers
Identify whether each of the materials shown are suitable or unsuitable for the activities described.
Indicate suitability with either a or a .
Activity Zinc SRPS Plastic Hardboard Cardboard
A joint template for 200m of
string course (each individual
stone measures 1m).
A one time use template for a
mullion on a small job.
A multiple use template to be
used in wet conditions.
A template which is to be
traced from an existing stone
for a single use.
10. Developed by The Stonemasonry Department
City of Glasgow College
2011
