Natural stone masonry never fails to imbue vertical structures with a sense of sophistication. The strategic craftsmanship that goes into creating a stone structure is also renowned for its characteristic strength and stunning appearance. As an added benefit, stone masonry is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into any patio in a variety of ways. Read on to discover the differences between regular stone masonry and veneer masonry, as well as the various ways in which you can incorporate stone into your Brookville, NY, backyard.
What is natural stone masonry and veneer?
Natural stone masonry refers to the assembly of large stone units which are typically held together by mortar. The stone units utilized can be dressed or undressed. While dressed units conform to precise sizes and have regular edges, undressed stone lack clean edges and come in a larger variety of shapes. Dressed units are, understandably, easier to arrange into neat patterns and install. However, the haphazard pattern created by a collection of undressed stone is always unique and often has a natural, spontaneous appearance. Veneered walls are comprised of a structurally independent wall clad with a single, thin layer of natural stone. The stones utilized to veneer vertical structures are much thinner and easier to handle than the large, heavy units used in regular stone masonry. Veneering concrete or brick structures with natural stone can also prove to be more cost-effective than investing in regular stone masonry. Read on for some excellent examples of structures that can be veneered, or constructed from natural stone.
Stone walls
Low walls are wonderfully versatile structures. They can be used to enclose or separate different outdoor rooms within the same outdoor area, thereby organizing the backyard into separate functional areas with distinct atmospheres. Low walls also tend to introduce a vertical dimension to largely flat landscapes. Investing in a strong stone structure, or a concrete wall veneered with stunning stone veneer pieces, will grant any particular low wall the strength it needs to double as a seat wall. Consider adorning a charming stone wall with comfortable, inviting pillows to mark it as casual seating space. Pairing a stone retaining wall with a blooming flower bed and lush shrubs can result in a design with wonderful character.
Stone platforms
As with low walls, platforms serve to organize and structure a hardscape. By elevating a particular outdoor room, you can separate it from its surroundings and allow it to serve as a focal point that attracts guests. Consider elevating your dining or fire pit area, for example, above the rest of your patio to showcase its ambience. A platform crafted from stone masonry will prove to be a strong foundation for your bar or outdoor kitchen, while the shades and textures of the stones you select will go a long way towards defining the aesthetic of your hardscape.
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Stone islands
A grill island may be compact, but the stone showcased by its design can have a powerful impact on the look and feel of an outdoor kitchen. Pairing the unpredictable shapes and textures of natural stone with the sleek shimmer of a metal grill creates a stunning contrast that never fails to draw attention. Consider a stone with modern flair, such as granite, for your outdoor kitchen to accentuate its refined, functional atmosphere.
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