Stone Masonry

Stonemasons

These kinds of masons specialize in repairing or setting stones. Stonemasons cut, grind and shape pieces of natural rock quarried from the earth into beautiful puzzled like structures. Stonemasons must have the ability to cut solid bodies of stone into desired shapes. The art of this is called stereotomy.   For many years stonemasons have used all types of natural stone. There are a vast amount of colors, textures, and shapes a stone may have. Depending on the location will depict the type of stone available. If the local stone is not desired then shipping the stone from across the states or even imported from different countries is sometimes done. Keep in mind stone types from other parts of the earth may not do so well for example in a humid climate from a dry climate. There is a Stone imported from Mexico that was popular in the 60s that today the stone is left spalling and dilapidated. The stone commonly used are of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock. Limestone and sandstone are the two main types of sedimentary stone widely used by masons in the USA.

Types of grouting techniques

Traditional grouting techniques used in setting stone will either have a mortar joint or with no joint called dry stacked. A dry stacked stone will have more of a natural finish by laying the stone tightly together with the mortar hidden behind the stones face. The mortar that shows in the joints is more of the ashlar and rubble styles of stonework and usually are tooled square or concaved at desired depths. Bead joints are when the mortar is uncut after setting the stone and then tooled with a jointer that has a convexed half circle. Another type of mortar joint is just cutting the face for a flush look and maybe add a little roughness for a more rustic appeal. There is also a technique called over grouting where the mortar is feathered over the stones pitch. The over grouting can continue to fully smear the stone as well. This technique is called slush and brush and the smearing is widely used on limestone with a gray or white mortar. 

 

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