There’s more to masonry than just piling stones on top of each other until a building takes shape. It’s an art form of stacking blocks with enough mortar that dates back to thousands of years. In Tulsa, stone and brickwork have been used in different types of buildings. Let’s explore the five most popular forms of masonry, examine their advantages, and see how they’re applied to craft a desired building result.

1. Brick Masonry

It’s safe to assume that brick masonry is the most popular kind of masonry. Bricks are formed of shale or clay and fired in a kiln to produce a strong, long-lasting substance. Commonly used in the making of arches, walls, and columns, brick masonry is preferred for outside walls.

Advantages:

• Durability – Long-lasting due to its high resistance to fire, weather, and insects.
• Aesthetic Appeal – Can be used in a wide range of designs and are available in different colors and textures
• Low Maintenance – Need minimal upkeep and can save on maintenance expenses in the long run

2. Stone Masonry

Granite, limestone, marble, and sandstone are used to build structures in stone masonry. It’s the earliest type of masonry that’s renowned for both its beauty and strength. High-end residential and commercial buildings, bridges, and monuments frequently use stone masonry.

Advantages:

• Strength – Has exceptional structural integrity and is among the strongest building materials
• Beauty – Possesses the beauty of natural stone and highlights a building’s overall appeal
• Resilience – Can withstand centuries of use with little damage

3. Concrete Masonry

Masonry construction in Tulsa, OK, also includes the use of concrete blocks. With cement, sand, and gravel, walls, foundations, and other structural components are frequently built with them. Concrete masonry is used in the construction of load-bearing walls and foundations.

Advantages:

• Cost-Effective – For projects that are on a tight budget
• Versatility – Construction and design options are flexible as they’re available in a range of sizes and shapes
• Fire-Resistant – Safe material to use since it’s resistant to fire

4. Glass Block Masonry

Translucent glass blocks are used in glass block masonry to allow natural light to flow through but still provide privacy. Partitions and interior walls are common applications for glass block masonry. It can also be used for external walls to give a building's facade a decorative touch.

Advantages:

• Light Transmission – Lets natural light into a room and lessens the need for artificial lighting.
• Visual Touch – Unique appearance gives the building's architecture a refined feel.
• Sound Insulation – Provides superior sound absorption and is perfect for spaces where seclusion is valued.

5. Veneer Masonry

Applying thin ornamental layers of stone or brick to a building's exterior is called veneer masonry. This is only for aesthetic touch and is used to improve a building's external appearance. It can also be used for fireplaces and wall accents in interior design.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive – Can mimic the look of solid masonry without the bulk of actual materials used
• Ease of Installation – Requires less labor to put up and takes less time to construct than traditional
• Design Flexibility – Gives architects and builders greater creative freedom in style and texture

A Blend of Construction and Craft

And so goes our whirlwind tour of the finest that the ancient skill of masonry has to offer. You now have a good idea of how Tulsa stone and brick works can work for you. We at Brick 1 Masonry can walk you through them in greater detail. Just give us a ring at 918-698-3573 or 918-935-4211.