When you are looking to hire someone to build or renovate your home, majority of the time, you think about a contractor, architect, and/or carpenter. It is rare for people to say, “I need a stonemason.” This is because stonemasons are still an overlooked resource among homeowners. But in actuality, even the simplest stone feature can significantly enhance a space. Stone masonry can take on many forms, including installations that are mortared, slid and load-baring. However, there are also those that are simply used for aesthetic purposes.
If you hire a stone masonry contractor, they will be able to assess your property and provide proposals on how you can use stone masonry to improve the quality of your home as well as enhance its curb appeal. With that said, there are some common stone masonry options to choose from.
Types of Stone Masonry Projects
Stone masonry projects can be classified in two: stone masonry work vs. stone masonry repair. The most common stone masonry work involves the building of walls, siding, chimneys, patios, and walkways. As for the common masonry repair jobs, this involves fixing cracks, rebuilding compromised structures, and replacing mortar.
Listed below are the types of stone masonry work:
- Interior stone walls. Normally, the installation of a stone wall can be quite expensive. Fortunately, homeowners now have the option of using veneered stone walls for their interior, which costs less. This is because veneered stones are thin blocks of stone that can be either natural or manufactured, and it is only used for the façade, the rest is made out of concrete. Contractors tend to make accent walls using veneer to imitate a vintage-looking brick or stone wall.
- Exterior stone walls. This type of stonework tends to be more costly because the suggested type of stone masonry recommended is the mortared stones. This is to ensure that moisture does not go inside the cracks and cause the stone to decay. The good thing though is that this type of stone masonry is durable. With that said, you can still ask your contractor if it’s possible to use veneered stone masonry for the exterior also.
- Stone siding your home, especially the exterior, tends to raise your property value because it looks beautiful and expensive. Originally, stone sliding used to be very expensive because they were manufactured from real stone and sometimes from flagstone. Fortunately, like the interior walls, you can now use veneer products because the stone siding tends to be more of decorative and protective coverings for the interior and exterior walls.
- Chimneys and fireplaces. The installation of a fireplace can be both for aesthetic and functional purposes. When done well, it can serve as the center of your home and can make a strong design impression. Stone fireplaces and chimney can be costly, but it will definitely be worth the investment.
- Patios and walkways. With this element, your front and backyard can be transformed into a beautiful landscape design. Adding stone elements outside will certainly add value and curb appeal to your home.
By hiring a stone masonry contractor, you can have all these beautiful projects done in your own property.
