What distinguishes dry masonry construction?

It is evident to say that Dry masonry construction is continuing to create a buzz in the US construction sector. It is the best for such spaces where you want to create a natural look. Moreover, the walls are built with dry stones strategically by experts. It has some specific characteristics which makes it demanding to create an English-inspired border wall around your property or for backyard landscaping. 

But the main question arises here: what distinguishes dry masonry construction? The most astonishing reason is that stones bind without the help of mortar! It includes stacked stones and building materials, binded only by the weight and shape of the stones. Now, let us show you those three highlights which makes dry masonry construction unique in the industry.

Highlights of dry masonry construction

• No mortar

As compared to traditional masonry, no mortar is required to join all the stones in dry masonry construction!

• Stone selection

Skilled labor or mason’s select stones carefully by considering shape and size so that they bind well together!

• Ancient technique

This approach was used in the earlier time to beautify the walls around the world!

What is Dry Stone Masonry?

To explain in simple words, it is an older method which uses stones to build walls without binding materials! However, skilled masons use gravity and friction to keep the wall balanced. Undoubtedly, the process is quite consuming and includes using simple tools like a hammer. Do you know what is the most crucial thing in this technique? The selection of the sizes and shapes of the stones!

If you are planning to add a dry stone wall to your home to give a rustic look then hire professional Masonry Construction Estimators from a reputed company. SMA Estimating LLC has been working for 15+ years and delivering accurate masonry cost projections.  This way you will never run out of pockets with well-planned budget strategies!

Shape of dry stones masonry

Remember, In dry stone masonry construction, stone shapes must be angled and flat ones. Never choose the rounded ones because they do not bind well. But what about the sizes? It is recommended to choose all sizes from small to big ones.

However, in older times the selection of these stones were quite challenging. But, in this present time you just need to connect with stone suppliers. 

Pros and Cons of Dry Stone Masonry

Pros

• The best thing about natural building materials is that you can re-use them and recycle the raw materials without any restriction!
• Overall appearance is jaw-dropping and gives an aesthetic feel.
• The best approach to promote local and natural materials beauty.
• No worries for the strength because it lasts for hundreds of years.

Cons

• If you have a good budget and love to add natural stone beauty to the space then be prepared for the higher labor expenses. As it is time consuming and processed with hand tools.
• Never compromise on its building process because it can fall apart due to inaccurate construction.
• However, it is not suitable for long walls or tall structures.
• Needs more space than bricks and wood.

Workflow of dry masonry construction!

Stack the raw materials

First and foremost, the smartest way is to stack the stones based on their sizes from small to medium and large. to place them efficiently, you can keep the large stones near the wall to move them quickly. Similarly, you can please other sizes of stones near it. However, this arrangement is perfect to speed up the process.

Lay the foundation

make sure before laying the foundation of dry masonry construction That you are following industry codes. It is important to ensure strong and well built walls.

Mark the location of your wall and make a shallow footing or foundation that is slightly wider than the wall. The depth of the footings may vary from 3 to 30 cm depending on the soil type. For the soft soils make it deeper while for the hard and rocky ground it is preferable to make it shallower.

Place larger stones

The next step is to place the largest stones except the ones which are perfect. You can look for those stones which have flat services on the top. Why? This way, it will be easier for the Masons to build on but do not make mistakes on adding courses.

Fill the gaps

Once you are done with placing the large stones now fill the gaps with the smaller ones. take proper time to place the stones to avoid gaps that can weaken the wall.

Final thoughts!

To sum it up, dry masonry construction is the best technique to add rustic appearance to your building. You can consider it like a one time investment which is for lifetime. However, these are the most beautiful decorative elements to add to your overall design. It is recommended to seek assistance from a professional mason. The most crucial thing is the process because even the smallest mistake can weaken the wall.