Abstract: A method of shaping a body, suitable for use in the building or furnishing industry, including: engaging a surface region of the body with a tool having a predetermined profile; effecting relative movement between the body and the tool in a direction generally parallel with a surface of said region, the body being formed of a material which is sufficiently friable as it is engaged by the tool during the relative movement to be removed but sufficiently rigid for adjacent material to remain attached, whereby said surface region is formed with a recess having a profile corresponding to the predetermined profile of the tool. The method is particularly suitable for profiling of plaster materials and rigid plastic foams such as phenolic foams.