TABLE OF CONTENTS Stone masonry is similar in many ways to unit masonry, but there are also some differences. Stone is a natural material, so its size and shape are not uniform, and it s also a very heavy material. Stone is dimensionally stable and does not expand and contract with changes in temperature or moisture content, so stone masonry construction does not require expansion or control joints.
When rubble stone is laid in mortar, irregular shapes are taken up to some degree in the mortar joints themselves. When stone is dry-stacked without mortar, the fit of the stones must be more precise. For both types of stonework, though, it will often be necessary to cut and shape individual stones to make them fit better.
Granite is the most difficult stone to cut, but limestone, sandstone, and slate are relatively easy to work with. To cut rubble, it is first laid on solid ground for firm, even support. Cutting should not be done on concrete surfaces because the hard concrete and uneven support may cause the stone to break in the wrong place. The cut is marked with chalk, crayon, or pencil, and scored with a chisel. Often, the stone will break along the line before it is scored all the way around. Small lumps or protrusions are removed with the pointing chisel. Flagstones can be cut by laying them over a small pipe and striking with the chisel. Small pieces can also be...
