Stonemasonry 101

The art of stonemasonry existed since man discovered tools. This paved the possibility of buildings to be more appealing than ever. Stonework NJ are used in both residential and commercial establishments. The good thing about this material is that it can withstand the harshness of the weather, and will not easily be destroyed by human efforts. If you are planning to put up a structure and you want it to be both appealing and long-lasting, you may want to check out the different stones you can put on your walls. 

Types of Stones

Construction experts continue to use different types of natural stones. This allows people to choose what they want, according to the over-all design of their properties. Here are the types of stones that most people use:

Igneous stones – These are known to be the most durable stones. One good example of this is the granite. Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma, which is a molten rock that is abundant on earth. It is one of the hardest materials and it is usually installed for flooring and kitchen countertops. However, there are also special sculptures that are made from granite.

Igneous stones, though there are known to be hard materials, have several ranges. There are types that are made from soft rocks like the scoria and the pumice. The harder variations are the tuff and the basalt. 

Metamorphic stones – Metamorphic stones are also durable but they differ from igneous rocks when it comes to molding it to different shapes. These stones are more flexible that they can come in different colors and sizes. Most artists opt to work with these stones and they are mostly seen during the Renaissance time. One of the most popular metamorphic structures is from the 6th century BC when the Greeks made a sculpture named Antenor. 

The most popular variation of the metamorphic stone is the slate. It is known for its hardness but it has a fine grain that provides a distinct elegance. It has sharp details and so it is commonly installed in rooftops. 

Sedimentary stones – These are famous among architects as it gives off a distinct style. Examples of sedimentary stone creations are from the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Durham Cathedral. The most common types of sedimentary stones are the limestones and the sandstones. Although these materials are now used only for structural design, there are still preferred for the timelessness and elegance. 

These are the types of stones that most construction experts use. In case you need to choose from the variety of stones, it is best to seek the experts. The experts have gone through extensive training and experience so that they can identify the right stone for a specific structure. 

In fact, the stonework NJ training can last for years. Some have undergone apprenticeship before they work alone. This combines personal experience as well as learning from the experienced professionals. So, if you ever need to have stones put on your structures, never second-guess. Better yet, never think about the aesthetic appeal more than the properties. Talk to the experts before making decisions.