Learn more about the two types of stone masonry: rubble and ashlar (seen here).
Stone masonry is a beautiful form of construction that people have used for years to create classic, impressive, and long-lasting buildings. If you are interested in constructing a new building with stone masonry, the types of stone masonry available fall under two categories: rubble masonry and ashlar masonry. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between these two types of stone masonry and discover which is best for your DelPrete Masonry construction project.
Rubble Masonry
Rubble stone masonry uses undressed or roughly dressed stones of various sizes laid out with mortar that is not a uniform thickness. Within this type of stone masonry, options are classified as random rubble or squared rubble:
Random Rubble Masonry
The uncoursed style of random rubble is the most inexpensive style of masonry, as it uses a variety of stone sizes. The coursed version of random rubble uses stones of about equal height that are hammer dressed. This masonry style is typically used for low-height residential buildings and boundary walls.
Squared Rubble Masonry
This style uses stones squared on all joints and beds by hammer or chisel dressings. This process is completed before laying. An un-coursed variation lays out the stones in various styles, while a coursed squared rubble style lays out the stones in equal sizes with uniform joints. This construction type is ideal for residential or commercial projects in hilly areas.
Ashlar Masonry
The second of the two types of stone masonry is ashlar. Ashlar-style masonry requires uniform joints paired with finely dressed stones. This type of construction is often more expensive than rubble and is suitable for complex structures like bridges and large buildings. Within ashlar masonry, there are a few sub-categories.
Ashlar Fine Masonry
Each stone is fine-tooled to create uniform rectangular stones with perfect joints on all sides. This option can be more demanding but can obtain a highly satisfactory bond.
Rough-Tooled Ashlar Masonry
Similar to its fine-tooled counterpart, the beds and sides are finely tooled to create even joints. The faces of the stones are then roughly chiseled to produce a visually interesting texture.
Quarry-Faced Ashlar Masonry
This style chisels a strip around the perimeter of each stone to create an even joint. This style is set apart by the stone’s rough face, giving it a natural look that mimics how stones may appear in a quarry.
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 stone, masonry construction, rubble stone, stone masonry