The Different Types of Masonry You Need to Know About

Masonry is the process of laying down building materials like stones, bricks, and blocks in a neat sequence to raise structures like walls, houses, pyramids, etc. While most people know what masonry is, only a few people are aware of the different types of masonry. To gain more profound knowledge, this article explores the different types of masonry based on the type of building materials.

Stone Masonry

This is the most popular type of masonry work across the world. Stones are strong, weather resistant, and durable. And that's because stones don't bend, swell, splinter, warp, or dent and can withstand rain, wind, snow, and heat. Due to these advantages, stone buildings and constructions are popular among many building and property owners. Also, note that depending on the stones' geological formations, they could last for centuries crossing over the millennia. For example, the Pyramids of Giza, made from stone masonry, are one of the most fantastical constructions in the world, estimated to be about 4,500 years.

Brick Masonry

Bricks are a popular alternative to stones. They're made by mixing shale and clay and molding the mixture into blocks and firing in kilns. And due to centuries of improved brick-making technology, today's brick masonry is one of the most highly durable forms of construction. When constructing a brick building, brick masons lay down the bricks in a systematic manner and use mortar to hold the stones together. Due to the durability, longevity, and weather resistance of bricks, brick constructions have an average lifespan of 500 years.

Concrete Block Masonry

Concrete block masonry is a newer construction style, but its popularity is rising. And that's because it's the perfect alternative for brick masonry, which some people believe is a leading contributor to the destruction of the earth's top fertile soil. On top of that, they're affordable, come in various forms, shapes, and sizes, are fire resistant, and heavy, thus providing good structural stability. Moreover, it takes less time to manufacture. These advantages have contributed to their rising popularity, especially in the construction of factories, residential buildings, and schools.

Composite Masonry

Composite masonry refers to constructions that combine two or more building materials. Some of the most popular combinations include stones and bricks, bricks and concrete blocks, bricks and ashlar, ashlar and rubble, etc. Many people use composite masonry construction for the following reasons: to reduce construction costs, to obtain maximum economy when using locally sourced materials, to improve building aesthetics, and increase the durability of the construction.

Final Word

The above four types of masonry are the most popular construction options. However, there are other masonry types you can explore. They include gabion masonry, veneer masonry, bagged concrete masonry, reinforced masonry, rubble masonry, ashlar masonry, etc. If you're planning on starting a construction project, call a masonry contractor in your area now and inquire about the types of masonry services they specialize in.