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Drystone Masonry
Drystone masonry harnesses one of the oldest building methods in the world. Drystone building is exactly what it sounds like - dry, meaning no mortar or concrete. These building techniques and methods have been utilized by mankind to build some of the world's oldest buildings and structures - the Egyptian pyramids, Peruvian temples, all the way to the simplest structures you probably walk by day to day! Walls holding back riverbanks, house foundations, mills, dams, courthouses, and the iconic New England stone farm walls. Its a level of craftsmanship and skill that is rare to find during the modern day trends of pavers and block. These works of art will outlast many points in the landscape, for HUNDREDS of years to come.
There are a number of benefits to drystone masonry:
-Drystone features rely on friction and gravity to hold together, meaning no mortar or concrete that will wear away over time creating a solid structure that hold their form for years to come
-Because drystone masonry doesn't employ mortar, walls & features have a slight flexibility that will allow for changes in the ground moving through freeze/thaw cycles meaning that any settling that might occur causes minimal to zero damage. The opposite happening, ground movement will actually lock the stone together creating a stronger structure
-Due to walls and features having a slight slope inward then there is less material needed than a mortared wall or feature, and there is no need for a concrete base saving money in materials
-Drystone features are resistant to water, insect & animal damage, fire (obviously!) and if designed correctly can even be earthquake resistant-Drystone stonework is also easily repairable since there is no need to clean mortar off of stone, or source new stone if the former isn't possible
While Drystone stonework takes longer to build than mortared masonry work, the benefits to the landscape and the peace of mind knowing your investment will stand for decades to come should put these beautiful features of the landscape to the top of your wish list! Everything from walls to arched gates, and water features are possible. Speak with our designer to learn more about this incredible style of building!