Concrete is a construction material consisting of conglomerate gravel, pebbles, broken stone or slag in a mortar or cement matrix. Masonry is building and fabricating in stone, clay, brick, or concrete block. Masonry also refers to the building units (stone, brick, etc.) themselves.

It is a fundamental requirement of good-quality concrete that it contains an adequate cement content, or more precisely, a sufficiently low water/cement ratio, to provide adequate durability for the intended exposure conditions.

The cement masons then pour or direct the pouring of the concrete into the forms so that it flows smoothly. The cement masons or their helpers spread and tamp the fresh concrete into place. Then they level the surface by moving a straightedge back and forth across the top of the forms.