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Are you looking for a brick or stone mason to repair an existing structure or install a new one on your Nassau County property? Have you been searching for “stone masonry near me”, “brick mason near me”, or any other similar query but you’ve been less-than-impressed by the results you’ve found? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Fine Design Masonry is a leading Jones Island, NY masonry company that has been transforming the properties of Nassau County and Nassau County with top-quality masonry construction for more than 20 years. Locally owned and operated, fully licensed and insured, our team of professionals are masters of their trade, work with all types of masonry materials, and can design and install all types of structures. If you’re looking for the most reputable professionals for your masonry construction needs, when you choose Fine Design Masonry, you can have total confidence knowing that you’ll receive outstanding results.
Types of Masonry Construction
The word “masonry” is thrown around quite a bit, but many people don’t really have a full understanding of what it means. The term “masonry construction” refers to anything that’s built by using mortar to join together materials like brick, concrete, natural or cast stone, and pavers. Mortar is a type of cement that, when dried, acts like a paste, and holds together the materials that it is placed in between.
Of all of the different types of building materials, masonry construction is considered one of the most durable. It can withstand wear and tear, as well as constant exposure to the elements. That’s why it’s so commonly used for exterior structures, such as retaining walls, patios, driveways, walkways, fire pits, and outdoor fireplaces. There are different types of masonry materials, and some materials are better suited for certain uses than others. If you’re thinking about installing a hardscaped structure in your Nassau County yard, knowing what type of materials are used will help you make the right decision for your specific needs.
Here’s a look at some of the different types of materials that Jones Island, NY masonry contractors can use to construct outdoor structures.
Solid Masonry and Veneer Masonry: What’s the Difference?
Before discussing the different types of materials, it’s important to understand that there are two main types of masonry construction: solid and veneer. With solid masonry, the material – brick or stone, for example – serves as the support of the structure, while with veneer masonry, the support of the structure is another material, such as steel, concrete, or wood, and a thin layer of stone and brick veneer is applied to the surface. In other words, with solid masonry, the material serves as both the walls and the façade of the structure, while with veneer masonry, the material is merely a decorative element.
Brick
Brick has long been used in masonry construction. It’s made of clay or shale that has been formed into a shape (typically a rectangle) and is then dried and fired. Brick offers several advantages; for example, it’s highly durable, weather-resistant, energy-efficient, and sustainable. It’s also very low maintenance, as brick can maintain its appearance for decades without requiring extensive upkeep. Bricks are also very aesthetically pleasing. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, so you can create a one-of-a-kind, visually appealing structure that will suit your specific needs and speak to your unique style. Bricks can be used in a wide variety of masonry construction applications, too, including patios, walkways, driveways, retaining walls, pool surrounds, mailboxes, driveway aprons, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and more.
Stone
Stone is another type of material that is commonly used in masonry construction. Natural stones, such as limestone, granite, marble, sandstone, slate, quartz, and travertine, have been used in construction for thousands of years. In fact, some of the oldest and most famous structures in the world are constructed of natural stone masonry; the Colosseum in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India, the pyramids of Giza, and the Washington Monument, for example. Cast stone, or manufactured stone, is also commonly used in masonry construction. Cast stone is a form of precast concrete masonry. It can be made from a variety of materials, including cement, natural or manufactured sands, or crushed stone, which is also mixed with pigments to give it color. It can be made to look like natural stone building materials, such as sandstone, limestone, travertine, slate, and even granite.
While both are durable, natural stone tends to be more durable and offers a more timeless look than cast stone; however, it’s usually more expensive than cast stone. Though cast stone is generally more affordable, it may not be as durable and it doesn’t lend the same high-end look as natural stone. Both can be used for the construction of a variety of structures, including retaining walls, patios, walkways, driveways, and fire pits. Whichever option you use, stone masonry construction is assembled the same way brick masonry structures are erected; mortar is placed between the stones and serves as a type of glue, fusing the materials together.
Paver
Pavers or paving stones are another form of material that is used in masonry construction. They can be comprised of several types of materials, such as brick, natural stone, and concrete. They’re made by grinding up the materials, mixing in coloring agents, pouring the mixture into a mold, and allowing them to set (dry). Once the pavers have set, they are removed from the mold and have the same shape as the mold they were placed in. There are several types of pavers, and those that are made by the most trusted manufactures, such as Nicolock and Cambridge, are also treated with compounds that further improve their durability and help them maintain their color. They’re also interlocking, meaning that they literally lock together. Pavers are available in a wide assortment of shapes, colors, and styles, and they can be used to build a variety of structures, including patios, stairs, retaining walls, seating areas, fire pits, and more.
Looking for a Reliable Company that Specialized in Masonry Near You?
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of masonry construction for a new project you have in mind or if you have an existing structure that needs to be repaired and you’re in need of masonry repair near you, get in touch with a leading Jones Island, NY masonry contractor: Fine Design Masonry. For more information, call 631-433-4812 or visit https://www.finedesignmasonry.net today!
