Different Types of Stone Masonry

Stone masonry in Calgary is the creation of sculptures, structures, and buildings using stones of irregular shapes and sizes. Stone is known for its timeless appeal, ease of maintenance and durability. Some of the oldest monuments such as the Taj Mahal, the Egyptian Pyramids, Angkor Wat and the Parthenoen are built of stone.

Types of Stone Masonry

There are two broad categories of stone masonry:
 

• Rubble masonry, and
• Ashlar masonry

​

Rubble Masonry

​Rubble masonry or rubblework utilizes undressed or crudely dressed rough stones. Because stones of irregular sizes are used in rubble masonry, it has wider joints than ashlar masonry.

​Here are some popular types of rubble masonry:

​​Dry Rubble Masonry

​Dry rubble masonry is the most basic type of rubble masonry. In this type of masonry, no mortar is used. Stones are laid in a specific pattern to avoid large joints, especially large vertical joints.

​Random Rubble Masonry  

​Random rubble masonry utilizes undressed stones or hammer-dressed stones. Stones are carefully selected and placed in a specific pattern to distribute the pressure evenly over a wide area and avoid long vertical joints. The end result is an organized, yet rustic look. 

Square Rubble Masonry

​This type of masonry uses hammer or chisel dressed stones. Square rubble masonry can either be coursed or uncoursed. In uncoursed square rubble masonry, stones are laid in rows with defined horizontal joints, whereas, in uncoursed square rubble masonry, stones are laid in a random pattern with no defined vertical or horizontal joints.

Ashlar Masonry 

​Ashlar masonry utilizes finely dressed stones of the same size, shape and texture laid in place with cement or lime mortar. Pre-Cut and dressed stones have specific dimensions and height, which means stone contractors in Wetaskiwin have more control over the location and size of horizontal and vertical joints.

​Here are some types of ashlar masonry: 

Rough Tooled

In rough tooled ashlar masonry, stones are first chisel dressed so they are smooth on the bed. Their faces of stones are rougned with a chisel or hammer to achieve a rustic look, while ensuring uniformity in size and shape. 

Fine Tooled

​Utilizes stones that are precisely cut to a specific shape and size. In fine tooled masonry, the mortar joints can be as thin as 1/8th of an inch. This type of masonry is expensive as it involves cutting stones precisely which requires specialized skill and focus.

Chamfered

​This type of masonry utilizes stones that are finely shaped into uniform blocks. The faces of stones are dressed to have a more uniform texture. A small bevel is added around the face of every stone. 

​Do-All Stucco & Stone is a renowned Red Deer stucco contractor. Our pros have years of experience performing different types of masonry work. To learn more, call 403-588-5306.