Construction & Contractors Blog
Whether you're dealing with a landscaping project or a home remodeling project, you might be thinking about incorporating masonry work. When it comes to planning any kind of masonry work, you first need to decide if you want stone or brick construction. For those unfamiliar with the nuances of each, it can be difficult to decide which is truly best for your needs. Here's a look at some of the differences to help you choose the masonry construction that's right for your project.
Cost Differences
If your budget is a serious consideration, you may want to consider brick over stone masonry work. Brick is typically more affordable than stone both because it is cheaper to manufacture and because it's easier to install. This results in lower materials cost as well as lower labor costs for the masonry work.
If you prefer the look of stone, just plan your budget accordingly to allow for the additional expense. Keep in mind, however, that stone walls must be built thicker, according to the building construction requirements, than brick. The increased thickness of the wall construction will also add to the cost.
Construction Time
If you are on a time limit, or if you're interested in getting the work done as quickly as possible, you should talk with your masonry contractor about the benefits of brick masonry work. Because of the fact that bricks are uniform in shape, they are simple and straightforward to install.
Stone, on the other hand, requires more time to install because it requires careful planning to line the stones up in the proper format so that they fit together structurally well. The better the stone fits together, the stronger the wall will be. That careful planning and structural organization takes time, which means you have to wait longer for construction to be completed if you opt for stone instead of brick.
Additional Care
One of the biggest considerations for choosing brick or stone masonry work is the aftercare that your new features will require. For example, stones are naturally resistant to damage from rain, snow, and ice. You won't have to worry about staining, discoloration, or other issues. Brick, on the other hand, is porous. As a result, it needs to be sealed or painted after construction to protect it. You'll need to seal it again every year or two for ongoing protection.
These are some of the most important things to think about when you're trying to decide whether you want stone or brick for your next masonry project. Talk with your masonry contractor for more advice to find the material that's right for you.
Share17 November 2020
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
