Learn more about the types of stone masonry construction for your building.
When considering stone masonry for your building, you are most likely looking for strength and durability. Stone masonry has those qualities, which is why it is an enduringly popular material used for buildings across many industries. But while you may know that you want stone masonry for your new building, you may not know the many types of stone masonry construction. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between the types of rubble and ashlar masonry. Call the experts at DelPrete Masonry when you are ready to construct your new building.
Rubble Masonry
Stone rubble masonry uses stones directly from the quarry, requiring little to no preparation. When the stones come from the quarry, they are used or broken with a hammer until they are the correct size. The style looks best in rustic homes or buildings.
Random Rubble Masonry
Random rubble masonry can be done with undressed stone (stones that have not been shaped or processed) or hammer-dressed stone (stones given a rough shape by hammering). The stones are chosen and placed so the joints are neat and tight.
Coursed Rubble of the First Sort
The stones are hammered to look like rough rectangular blocks. All joints and beds of this type of stone masonry construction should be squared, and the bed joints should be rough-chiseled.
Coursed Rubble of the Second Sort
This type of stonework uses stones of multiple sizes and heights. The stonework is best for building fences, garden sheds, and other exterior installations.
Ashlar Masonry
Ashlar stone masonry uses polished stones set in place with mortar or cement. These stones are cut and polished to have a certain height and surface size. This allows you to control the size and placement of the horizontal and vertical joints in the construction. When done correctly, this stone masonry construction is beautiful but more expensive than rubble masonry.
Rough-Tooled Ashlars
In this design, the stones’ sides are cut to a specific shape and angle. However, the stones are left rough and only slightly shaped and polished with a chisel or hammer. This gives the wall exterior a rougher appearance. It is strong and relatively easy to build because the stones are cut and shaped to fit together.
Quarry-Faced or Rock-Faced Ashlars
By comparison, the faces of quarry-faced ashlar stone are entirely uncut. The stonework, therefore, looks rougher on the outside, giving it a more natural appearance.
Chamfered Ashlars
This type of stone masonry construction is one of the most elegant varieties of stonework. The rock faces are polished to make the texture even, and a small bevel is added around every stone. With this style, you can produce elegant and traditional stonework that goes well with any building design. The stones are cut into blocks of the same size for an even and consistent appearance.
CONTACT DEL PRETE MASONRY TODAY!
Whether you are ready to start your next masonry project or are still hesitant and have questions, Del Prete Masonry is here to help. We have the experience and expertise to get it right the first time. Questions? Want to visit some of our residential or commercial projects? Ready to set up a consultation? Feel free to give us a call at 410-683-0650 or visit us online. We are happy to serve Baltimore City and County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. To see examples of our work and to keep up with our new and exciting projects, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Tags: ashlar masonry, rubble masonry, stone masonry, stone masonry construction