Achieving Precision: How Top Masonry Crews Deliver Consistent Openings

Words: Shayne Sanders
Photos: Quick Headers

Let’s be honest—if you’ve spent any time in the field as a mason, you’ve probably had at least one “memorable” encounter with a wood buck that didn’t quite go as planned.

Picture this: It’s a hot Tuesday afternoon, you’re racing weather, and someone—no one’s admitting who—cut the last buck’s vertical studs a half-inch too short. The crew begins to shim the mistake as the wind picks up, along with the grousing. Then it’s discovered that the first buck built is off just enough to throw the first course of block off level by ½”. Grout is on its way, someone’s yelling for more lumber, and the foreman’s walking over with “that look.” Eventually, it gets sorted—but not before a few choice words and a couple of hours you’ll never get back.

It’s a scene that plays out on job sites more often than anyone likes to admit. And while the not-so-funny comedy of it all will fade, the consequences don’t: misaligned openings, lost time, and rework add up to frustration for everyone involved.

But it does not have to be that way.

Top crews consistently deliver clean, level masonry openings not because they’re lucky—but because they have refined a set of best practices that eliminate variables, reduce rework, and improve both efficiency and safety.

Planning Ahead: The Foundation of Consistency
Before the first block is set, the groundwork for clean openings begins with accurate planning. Good planning means dimensions and locations of all openings are clearly marked on both the drawings and in the field layout. Confusion in the field can lead to misalignment, wasted time, and expensive fixes.

The Role of Temporary Support
How you support an opening during construction directly affects success on the job. Wood bucks are common, but they come with drawbacks: warping, swelling, and inconsistent sizing. They also require building, adjusting, and sometimes rebuilding, not to mention real estate to spread out on.

Precast lintels, while they had a valuable role when structural masonry was not quite, well, structural, are now considered heavy and difficult to handle, often requiring cranes or multiple workers to set them, and more costly than wood. Because precast components act as isolated members, they are more prone to cracking, thermal breaks, and bearing issues over time, which can affect the long-term value of a building.

Steel lintels, on the other hand, are simply expensive, albeit cool, when used in the appropriate industrial building application. When you add additional materials required like face shell anchors, shims, and plates, plus extra control joints and grout to mitigate cracking risks expenses continue to rise! There are increased concerns about visible transitions and thermal bridging issues that affect energy performance and appearance, which are especially problematic in exposed applications.

Have you ever been on a job site when the precast or steel package arrived (late) and it was one foot too short? That has happened to a fellow MCAA member with a steel package, and luckily for him, masonry lintels came to the rescue!

All three of these traditional solutions-wood, precast, and steel- can feel like using a typewriter in the age of smartphones. More crews now turn to modular systems that offer repeatability and precision. One possible solution is reusable steel headers, like the newest technology by Quick Headers. These provide a flat, level bearing surface, reduces setup time and overall cost, and increases job site safety. The right support method will depend on the project, but the goal is the same: minimize variables to improve quality.

Expect the Unexpected: Being Prepared in the Field
Even the best-laid plans hit snags. Prints may not match the field layout. Temporary bucks may show up warped or damaged. Weather, delivery delays, and design changes all introduce risk.

Experienced top crews plan for the unexpected. Many adopt modular systems that are faster to set up, easier to adjust, and more consistent. In the Masonry trade, preparation beats perfection, and flexible, reliable tools keep crews moving forward.

Protecting Finished Work
Openings are vulnerable until doors, frames, or windows go in. Without protection, impact, weather, and debris can damage clean work. Temporary guards, covers, and clear markings help preserve completed openings. It’s a small step that saves big on rework.

Consistency as a Mindset
The best crews don’t chase perfection—they build consistent habits. From layout to cleanup, they treat each opening as a reflection of their craft.

When the job site runs smoother and the openings are clean, everyone benefits: masons, GCs, down-line trades, and clients alike.

And for crews looking to raise the bar even higher—or just avoid another afternoon of chasing warped 2x6s in the wind—reusable, precision-made systems like Quick Headers offer more ways to simplify the job, reduce waste, and keep the focus where it belongs: on craftsmanship that lasts.

Achieving Precision: How Top Masonry Crews Deliver Consistent Openings

About: MAP Partner

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