Stone Masons Baltimore

Everything you need to know about stone home construction

Stone masonry brings an unmistakably rustic feel to any home. Whether or not you’re in the suburbs, major cities, or out in the country, you can import that upper-class, fieldstone look.

One of the best things about working with stone is that there’s so much variety in color, texture, patterns, and application. You don’t have to commit to a complete stone house. A simple stone masonry facade is more than enough to impress your neighbours.

Whatever you choose to do with stone additions like walls, foundations, and chimneys  ̶ ̶  just to name a few  ̶ ̶  you won’t be disappointed. You’re about to find out why this durable and value-appreciating asset is so popular.
​
In this article, we’ll talk about the types of stone work you can expect to find; some challenges to watch out for; and why you need expert masons helping you along the way.

Two Purposes for Stone Masonry

You can have the best of both worlds

​There are two main uses for stone masonry: fashion and function.
If you just want the look of a stone wall or can’t afford to completely remodel your home, stone masonry contractors can simply attach the stone to the outside of your existing structure. In this case, your brick or cement wall is providing the support for your home.

Functionally, stone can replace your existing brick or cement wall while also providing that unmistakable look. As you’ll see, there are many reasons why you’ll want to consider using stone for your walls and maybe even chimneys and steps.

What are the Types of Stones Used?

Stones come in all shapes and sizes

There are many types of stones used in stone masonry work. Some of them include:

• Basalt and Trap
• Granite
• Limestone
• Quartzite
• Sandstone

They all vary in size, shape, texture, color, and pattern but are more or less used the same way. Some are more practical for stone steps, while others are better used for vertical structures like walls and chimneys.

For vertical structures like walls and chimneys, you’ll find two main designs: dressed and undressed.

Dressed stones are made for “Ashlar Masonry.” The stones are laid out in organized rows and columns with even spacing, called “joints”, between them. This look mimics brickwork masonry design.
​
Undressed stones are made for “Rubble Masonry.” The stones vary in size, color, and texture and are put together in a fluid and organic pattern. The space between the stones also varies in size which helps to create that unique, “unorganized” look.​

What are the Benefits of Working with Stone?

A natural solution for your home projects

​You can’t go wrong when it comes to choosing stone for your home’s features. Stone is one of the oldest, naturally occurring elements on this planet, so it’s no wonder that it’s taken on some amazing properties. Stone is:

• Naturally durable and strong and therefore structurally very safe
• Low maintenance
• Dent- and warp-proof
• Fire-resistant
• Waterproof
• Wind-resistant
• Thermal regulating
• Eco-friendly
• Long-lasting (it lasts for centuries)

What Should You Worry About when Working with Stone?

Charm City Masonry has your back!

For stone masonry construction, you need expert masons. If you’re choosing to build foundational stone walls, you’re choosing to work with vital structures in your home and laying stones into any old pattern will not give you the security you need. This is not a DIY home project.

The specialized workmanship needed to guarantee quality work is sometimes hard to find. We understand that. That’s why Charm City Masonry has spent years of experience assessing, planning, and delivering on safe, reliable, and time-tested stone masonry projects.

Our years of experience in stone masonry in Baltimore have allowed us to navigate the unique challenges that come with working with stone development.

Here are a few of them:

• Once the structure is set, it’s set. It cannot easily be altered or updated which is why you need an expert stonework mason to do it right. ​
• Stonework can be difficult to repair, especially if you opt for Ashlar Masonry which requires uniform alignment to keep the design. ​
• Some stonework construction projects do take longer than brick or cement and can also be more expensive depending on the material. ​
• Stonework does decay over time. Not the stones themselves, but the “glue” holding the structure together. Replacing the eroded mortar is a low-cost, simple job.​ ​
• While not a huge concern for Baltimoreans, stonework does not have a lot of flexibility so be careful when choosing it in earthquake zones.​ ​

Types of Stone Structures

Bring strength and style to your home

Masonry structures come in such a wide variety. They are built for the inside and outside of your home and always stand the test of time.

Stone Walls and Foundations
Stone walls are the most popular choice in stone masonry. Like any good wall, stone is durable, insulates you from harsh weather, and is energy-conserving. It’s also easy to maintain, beautiful to look at and increases your property value!​

Stone Columns
Stone columns demand a lot more construction effort compared to stone walls. Like walls, columns are meant to make your home more stable. But unlike walls, this requires digging into the ground which is why you need licensed stone contractors.

Stone column construction works by mixing the soil beneath parts of your home with stone to create a stiff composite mass. The columns are then built up from the stable mass which gives your home more protection against the natural swaying of your property.
​
Stone Steps
Stone steps are used for beauty more than anything. They’re elegant, timeless, and come in plenty of styles. They’re a great low-maintenance, eco-friendly and sustainable investment. And because they’re so durable, they’ll last forever.
​
Stone Chimneys and Fireplaces
Stone fireplaces are the safest, most durable fireplaces on the market. Like stone steps, they’re elegant, timeless, and come in plenty of styles. They also raise your property value.​​

Save Money with Stone Masonry Repairs, Restorations, & Rebuilds

Learn how to make your stone last

Stone restoration contractors can help you with any damages or updates you may need to your stone. Stone tends not to chip, but when it does, stone restoration contractors can easily replace the broken stone.

For smaller maintenance jobs, they can also provide tuckpointing services. Tuckpointing, sometimes referred to as repointing or brick pointing, is a process used to fill the joints between stones.
​
Repairing joints involves cleaning out the old, eroded mortar, then simply filling the space with new mortar. Like grout or caulking, you need to make sure the color matches your overall decor.

Your Stone Masons Baltimore

Charm City Masonry - Our years of experience pays off!

You really can’t go wrong when you decide to add stone to your existing or new home property. It’s a stylish, durable, and sustainable addition that lasts for centuries. Your neighbors will be impressed by it, you’ll love coming home to it and best of all your home’s value surges!

We can’t say enough about stonework; it’s the bulk of our business. We’ve made it our mission to deliver high-quality home stone construction to the Baltimore region and we’ve assembled the perfect team of stonemasons to do it.
If you’re looking for estimates or consultations for new stonework installations, we’re always here to help.

If you’ve already taken the plunge and need repair and restoration work done, our stone restoration contractors are ready to go.
​
Don’t hesitate to contact us at 410-936-7972​. We look forward to hearing from you.