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 .