Like any other profession, stonemasons have a number of ways we can do even simple tasks. Once you zoom out and look at our work as a big picture, you'll begin to notice several distinct techniques that change the way the final job is completed, and today, we're going to investigate a couple of those techniques.
Build It, And They Will Come
The first technique, and potentially the most simple, is the traditional dry-stack. Before mortar was invented, stonemason simply hoisted carefully cut stone slabs atop one another, and they allowed gravity to hold the entire affair together. Today, that technique is still used, thanks to its low costs beyond the labour itself. In design, these brick walls are usually broader at the base than they are the peak, and they create a more traditional aesthetic for any space.
These walls are shockingly strong for their lack of cohesive agent and can last hundreds of years and will likely be reused on multiple occasions in that timespan, though any imperfections in the structure during its construction can lead to an early demise. Additionally, while the material cost of this wall is low, they can be a long, slow, and difficult build, driving the cost of labour high enough that it can outweigh what savings you will make, and the difficultly makes it a poor fit for any high walls that you might require, let alone an entire building.
The Romans Perfected Concrete Thousands Of Years Ago, And It Shows
Even today, a traditional mortared stone build is still employed by stonemasons around the globe. These walls typically employ concrete bricks more often than actual stone blocks, though the latter is still possible. However, concrete bricks come with a variety of benefits, including an increased resistance to pest, fire, and mold, while also being extremely easily accessible in most regions in whatever shape, size, or colour you might need.
Unfortunately, these bricks do have their disadvantages, as they can also vary in price quite dramatically from area to area, and due to their weight, they require a significant workforce to handle properly. You'll also need to consider the cost of the steel reinforcement these bricks demand, which can quickly increase your costs.
The Times, They Are A Changing
Today, the modern world has managed to blend the old with the new in some ways that might be considered superior to the more traditional methods. A veneered stone wall employs a non-structural veneer stone alongside a structural wall of concrete blocks, which offers you a traditional appearance alongside the modern benefits of availability, ease of accessibility, and longevity. These veneers work best on walls that don't need any additional support, though they're also very lightweight. Installation is made quicker and easier by the fact that the panels come in large sizes, allowing your mason to cut them into whatever shape is required.
As with the others, there are drawbacks. Moisture can seep into the joints and cause mold, while a poor installation can cause to structural issues such as breaking and chipping, but a conversation with your friendly local stonemasons, the RJC Group, can help put those concerns to rest. For all stonemasonry in Sydney, contact our team on (02) 8322 1832.