Although it looks very random, it has an in-built harmony. It has a general course of alignment, however, the vertical joints need not be one over the other. Also, their arrangement has no specific rule. Stone blocks are of varying height and length. Factors like laying of the stones in regular courses with continuous joints, or in broken courses, the height and length of the stones in the layer, etc., define these types. Different Types of Ashlar Masonryĭepending on the arrangement of the stones, ashlar masonry in categorized into various types. Ashlar can turn a construction into a finesse. It is an expensive form of masonry, as it requires neat and detailed dressing of the stones. In ashlar masonry, the mortar binding the stones is least visible. In masonry, separate units like bricks or stones are laid together using mortar. The term ‘ashlar’ applies either to the precisely edged stones, or the masonry technique using such stones. Thus, the faces of the stones could be left a little uneven occasionally, but not the sides. Individual units of stones are worked upon their adjoining sides, specifically to be able to place them evenly in a horizontal layer or series. The bed joints in all ashlar patterns are horizontal and straight the vertical joints being plumb, or similar to the perpendicular line of joints.

The joints between them are very thin, regular, and with uniform thickness. Generally, these are stones of uniform height. The adjoining sides of ashlar stones are at right angles to each other.Īshlar stones are rectangular, cuboid blocks. Definition of Ashlar Masonryįinely-cut and dressed stones, or the masonry using these stones, is known as ashlar masonry. Let’s get to know about its form and types, besides checking out some architectural examples.

However, the art of masonry, applied in the building of walls, is very crucial to any structure. Besides the beauty that appeals to our eyes, what else goes in to making of all the magnificent structures around the world is a matter of detailed study. How much do the buildings or monuments of a region attract us?Īrchitecture is both, an art and science. Sometimes, we specifically remember some places we visit, or some lanes, or some corners on the streets of a city. While visiting different places as a tourist, what all appeals to us? There are a lot of things, like local food, attire, folk art, language, weather, etc. Individual stones, in which adjoining sides need not be right-angled to each other as in ashlar.

Ashlar stone pattern