The art of stone masonry is as relevant today as it was when the Egyptian pyramids were built. Used as a building material for a variety of projects both inside and out, building with stone can give your home a distinguished look while providing increased insulation and longevity.

Pros and cons

There are many benefits to building with stone. It’s highly durable, so it can stand up to the elements over time while requiring little maintenance. It’s both fire and weather resistant and provides optimal insulation in extreme, hot and cold climates. 

The primary disadvantage of using stone is its cost. Stone can be significantly more expensive than other building materials like wood, but you may be able to recoup the costs through decreased utility and maintenance costs.

Stone outdoors

Stone fits naturally into any outdoor landscape. Used in the construction of everything from patios and retaining walls to fire pits, stone can be cut to any size or shape desired. Left unpolished, most stone surfaces provide good traction for garden walkways and outdoor entertaining areas.

Stone can also be used to create natural looking garden ponds and waterfalls. Many landscape designers use stone to mask pond liners and to cover electrical cords.

Stone indoors

Because of its resistance to fire, stone is commonly used in the construction of chimneys and fireplaces. Stone is also used in flooring, especially in entrance ways and halls. People who live in hot climates often prefer stone flooring because it stays cooler than other building materials.

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