Stone masonry is the world’s oldest building art. The art of stone masonry can be traced back to the Neolithic age, when humans began domesticating animals and molding bricks out of plaster, mud and straw to build homes. Before humans developed tools to cut lumber, they had the ability to shape and piece together stones for the sake of building shelters and sites for religious activities. In antiquity, stone masonry was the preferred architectural form for preserving the culture of nearly every civilization. The Egyptian pyramids, Greek temples, Persian palaces, Roman wonders, and Medieval castles were all built from stone. Stone work makes a strong aesthetic impression and the incredible strength and versatility of stone makes it a favored building material for anyone who can afford it.
Common uses for stone work
In modern homes stone can be used almost anywhere, from kitchen flooring to outdoor siding. Stone masons also build custom fireplaces, walkways and patios. Some stone masons are commissioned for more artistically inclined projects like fountains, ponds, and other landscaping creations. Stone retaining walls are a common feature of many residential landscapes, because they are so effective in bulwarking the landscape against rain and flooding. In fact, there are very few parts of a home that can not be built out of stone. No matter how stone is used in or out of the home, it is sure to add a classic and distinctive beauty to any room, yard, or garden. Some homeowners choose to add stone facades to surfaces, giving the classic touch of stone masonry without the overhaul and expense.
Popular types of stone
Perhaps the most common modern household uses of stone masonry these days are stone floors and countertops. Limestone is the oldest stone application, traditionally used for walls and flooring. Limestone is best suited to a rustic environment. It is one of the softer stones, susceptible to wear and tear if not properly cared for. By the same token, over the years limestone can acquire a warm, inviting texture
as it becomes worn in. Slate is an extremely durable stone that is
best as flooring for high traffic areas. Quartz is a popular choice for countertops because it is intrinsically stain and scratch resistant. Quartz is also a very hard material. In fact, quartz is the world’s fourth hardest mineral, behind topaz, corundum, and diamond. Additionally, quartz comes in many colors with adds to its allure for use in building. Soapstone and granite are two more common stone work favorites for household applications. Soapstone usually comes in classic dark tones and is great for outdoor use, especially for acidic or alkaline environments. Granite is a weighty stone that is extremely hearty and, with proper care, resists scratching and stains better than almost any other material. Marble is the most widely recognized stone building material, loved for its unique beauty and elegance.
Caring for and maintaining stone work
Interior stone, particularly countertops and floors, maintains their integrity longest if periodically polished and resealed. A yearly polish and resealing will keep stone work stain and water resistant for lifetimes, not to mention keeping the stone looking pristine and unblemished. Different kinds of stone demand different levels of minor maintenance. Many homeowners may already have stonework on their property, but need simple repairs like brick replacement, stain removal or resealing. Cleaning very old stained stone can be an arduous task. Stone masons employ several different cleaning techniques, including high pressure water, corrosive chemicals, grinding and sandblasting. Ask your local stone mason about the care and maintenance specifics for the different stone materials they offer. Some things you will find you can do yourself, while others will require the hand of a knowledgeable stone mason.
Masonry is a specialty building service, typically more expensive than others. This is because stone is much more difficult to work with than materials like lumber or drywall. Also, whether decorative or structural, stone masonry requires a high degree of skill and training. When searching for a stone worker, be sure the mason is licensed, insured and has sufficient experience. For several reasons, it is better to find a stone mason who has done a lot of local work.
Stone is a cumbersome commodity that is available virtually everywhere. Consequently, it is impractical and expensive to ship stone very far. But each region’s stone has its own distinct qualities. A stone mason with local experience will have knowledge of the local geology and be able to better integrate it into your home.
