Throughout history, products made from stone have amazed a countless number of people, with its craftsmanship in famous landmarks as Egyptian pyramids, Angkor Vat, Parthenon, Chartres Cathedral and the Taj Mahal being a few significant creations within a long list. Considered as one of the oldest trades in human history, stone craft involves creating of structures and sculpting which has now evolved into usage of modern machinery in the industry with a limited number of individuals continuing in the avenue comparatively to the past.
Handcrafted Vs machine made
Masonry consisting of quarrymen, sawyers, banker masons, carvers, fixer masons, and memorial masons are categories within its line of work enabling the process of transforming rough pieces of rock into geometrically precise or uneven shapes to a final masterpiece that we come to admire and cherish. A stonemason Sydney is considered a skilled artist in using ingenious, metamorphic and sedimentary stone within construction, however they are constantly challenged by modern day equipment that are capable of processing rocks in a shorter time with a higher accuracy level comparatively to individual creations. Nevertheless, hand crafted items though considered a slowly dying trade is considerably expensive in comparison to common machine productions available for purchase. A significant number of reputed contractors, specialists and individuals constantly prefer handcrafted items in comparison to mass produced machine creations sustaining the trade within an ever changing global society and evolving needs. A few sought after work where skilled masons are required is in building patios, stone walkways and retaining walls to name a few.
Eco friendly and durable choices
Using paving material and Sandstone tiles for gardens and exteriors is a permanent feature where skilled labour or masonry is widely used. Considered as a cost effective alternate to marble and granite its granular consistency also enables water flow in an eco friendly manner making its production leaving a lower carbon footprint than other methods. The natural consistency of the rock allows an absorption rate of between 1 to 6 percent. Making it ideal for use in washrooms and kitchens that could incur mould, micro bacteria and warping in extreme conditions. With durability significantly longer, adding decades to its use can be extended through careful care once installation is completed within a selected living space. In terms of durability it is only second to granite and marble. When it comes to elegance spaces, one must choose between quality over quantity, therefore it is best to use skilled craftsmen who are able to produce qualitative results than simply using machinery. Handcrafted stone work will also have the added benefit of being unique. Another important aspect to think about is the carbon foot print of the material used.
