THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STONE MASONRY AND BRICK MASONRY

Among the oldest construction methods known to man, each country possesses important and unique structures still standing today thanks to their masonry construction. All masonry and specifically those made from stone masonry are incredibly weather resistant and difficult to damage with either environmental or physical influences. Masonry that has been reinforced masonry can even stand up to hurricanes and earthquakes.

The process of laying down a single masonry unit such as concrete blocks, stones, and bricks over another masonry unit with mortar in a manner that is uniform is referred to as masonry Chicago.  This process is used to build an element or member of a building.  Tuckpointing contractors are experts in this process.
Stone and brick masonry both provide a timeless and attractive look.  However, is one of them superior to the other?  This is difficult to determine, they both possess specific points in their favor and against them.

Below, we have laid out stone and brick masonry’s differences.

01. LIFESPAN

Stone Masonry

  • Since ancient times, stone has been utilized in both public and residential buildings. Many of today’s historical buildings are excellent living examples of the strength and durability as well as the outstanding weather-resisting qualities that stone masonry possesses.
  • Stone masonry’s lifespan is longer than that of brick masonry and if properly executed, it can be up to 100 or even 2000 years long.

Brick Masonry

  • On the other hand, brick is less weather-resistant, less durable, and less strong.
  • Brick masonry’s lifespan is much less than that of stone masonry.

02. LEVEL OF STRENGTH

Stone Masonry

  • Due to stone being as incredibly strong as it is, it is often utilized to build dams, docks, piers, and various other structures in marine environments.
  • As stones’ shapes are irregular so obtaining an appropriate bond is difficult with stone masonry meaning it may not be as strong.
  • Stone masonry has a larger dead load.

Brick Masonry

  • On the contrary, bricks are not considered a good option for these areas.
  • As bricks’ shapes are regular and uniform, making it easy to obtain a proper bond, in turn making it stronger.
  • Brick masonry has a smaller dead load.

03. APPEARANCE

Stone Masonry

  • High quality stone has a naturally shiny texture, requiring little treatment to improve its appearance.
  • Stone is the best option for monumental type buildings that incorporate heavier, large scale moldings and designs.
  • Obtaining a specific stone shape can be difficult.
  • Colors of stone masonry may vary, depending upon the specific stones utilized.
  • A wider variety of design variation is available thanks to the natural variety of stone tones, sizes, and shapes.
  • Stone masonry provides a more attractive aesthetic.

Brick Masonry

  • Plaster may be needed to hide any brick masonry defects or lesser quality.
  • Brick works better for lighter ornamental projects.
  • For a reasonable rate, bricks may be molded easily into your preferred shape.
  • Brick masonry tends to be the color red.
  • Bricks are available in the same color and standard sizes, providing fewer options for design variations.
  • With its limited colors and sizes, brick provides less aesthetic appeal.

04. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

Stone Masonry

  • Even when exposed, stones will not dampen.
  • Stones may be utilized for sewage without no need for additional protective coating.
  • Stone masonry is not as fire resistant as brick masonry
  • Stone walls may put off more heat, creating uncomfortable sitting conditions in your space.
  • Stone masonry provides excellent insulation against noise that is air-transmitted.

Brick Masonry

  • If bricks are exposed, they are likely to become damp. Any dampness could lead to the eventual masonry disintegration as well as that of other building components.
  • Sewage contains certain salts that may chemically react with any exposed brick.  For this reason, any brickworks that could come into contact with sewage must be plastered first to prevent deterioration.
  • The fire resistance of brick masonry is better than that of stone masonry.
  • Bricks tend to absorb less heat than stone masonry.
  • Brick masonry does not provide adequate insulation from noise that is air-transmitted.

05. EXPENSE

Stone Masonry

  • Stone masonry usage tends to be more common in areas with hills as stones are more readily locally available.
  • Any masonry that utilizes stones will be more expensive if the source is far away.
  • Stones tend to be larger, making a stone wall’s minimum thickness more than 35 cm (14”).
  • Stone masonry’s mortar joints are thicker, requiring extra mortar during construction.

Brick Masonry

  • Bricks are generally available in all areas, with the exception of rocky and hilly areas.
  • Masonry built with bricks tends to be less expensive.
  • Building less thick walls is easier with bricks, including 13 cm, 23 cm, etc.
  • Brick masonry features thinner mortar joints which do not require as much mortar.

06. GENERAL

Stone Masonry

  • The need for skilled labor, thicker walls, larger unit sizes, and heavy weight have made stone masonry more expensive in current times, lowering its popularity.

Brick Masonry

  • High caliber bricks provide excellent qualities for great construction making brick masonry much more popular than the stone variety.

07. CRAFTSMANSHIP

Stone Masonry

  • The stone masonry proves slower due to the complexity of handling stone.
  • The process of dressing and placing stones in stone masonry calls for additional labor and time.
  • Proper stone masonry construction requires skilled labor as it is difficult to rectify any defects left by a neglectful mason.
  • With stone masonry, a stone’s larger size must be maintained in the correct position which tends to require a lifting device of some type.
  • Not only is stone difficult to install and heavy, but it also has the potential to be dangerous. In certain cases, serious incidents can occur such as interior wall joints deteriorating because of poor moisture drainage leading to a complete stone masonry structure collapse.

Brick Masonry

  • The process for brick is quick as bricks are easy for masonry contractors Chicago to work with.
  • Thanks to their regular shape and size, bricks make it easy to achieve the right bond for brick masonry. This attribute also helps to make construction quick.
  • Brick masonry allows for any errors committed by a careless bricklayer to be rectified easily or even hidden by the application of plaster.
  • There is no need for lifting tackle as bricks are light weight and conveniently sized.
  • Thanks to their lightweight nature, bricks are easy to handle and the risk of incident is reduced.

08. FUNCTIONALITY

Stone Masonry

  • Stone walls are thicker meaning the living area could potentially be reduced.

Brick Masonry

  • Brick walls are thinner, providing a living area that has more square footage.

09. FLEXIBILITY

Stone Masonry

  • Window and door jambs can be complicated when it comes to stone masonry.  They require precise cutting.
  • It is difficult to perform stone masonry repair, stone masonry restoration or stone masonry relocation.
  • It is difficult to alter stone masonry.

Brick Masonry

  • For window and door jamb construction or even for walls that meet at angles, bricks are easy to work with.
  • Brick repair or brick relocation are simple.
  • It is easy to alter brick masonry.

As dictated by local masonry Chicago unit availability, one may select brick or stone masonry for construction projects. In general, in areas where stones are easily available locally, stone masonry is preferred. In areas that do not have locally available stone, this masonry cost will be greater. Brick masonry tends to be preferred in areas that have brick clay readily available. Perhaps this explanation allows you to understand better how to select between stone and brick masonry.