Since ancient times, the stones have been building materials par excellence. In the field is synonymous with a rustic lifestyle and it is still a preferred material when planning the construction of a dwelling or when you start restorations of old buildings is you want to give a household (old barns, mills, stables, etc.). This DIY guide aims to address the rich universe of natural stone, since their varieties to placement and maintenance issues. Ashlar masonry and masonry. Depending on the placement of the stones, the walls can be rustication (raw, uncut stones) or ashlars (stones carved, arranged in rows). When it comes to lifting the wall, ashlars technique is easier for the operator (only has to controlar the hiladas is horizontal, which is verified with a bubble nivel), but the prior preparation of the stone is very laborious, as been styling. On the other hand, the walls of rustication require minimal prior preparation, but the work requires careful actuacion of the technician, who must obtain walls strong, solid, and well trabados.

In masonry of lajas are avoid stones whose length exceda five times its height. Types of masonry. When not using any mortero is called seco masonry; in this case, small stones (cuttings) are used to fill gaps between rustication. This type of wall is more indicated for pequenas buildings from outside. The ordinary masonry is performed with mortar of lime or cemento, while denominada concerted masonry caracteriza because, in commissioning work, the rustication is working with martillo and pointer to get a perfect union. A set of stones with more or less regular shapes are visually percibe.

Pre-assembled stone. Stone pre-assembled panels have erupted with force in the interiores of the houses, particularly in restorations, due to its lightness and ease of installation. It is of natural, but encajadas stones in a metal mesh and with thicknesses calibrated (although not exactos, to give a greater sense of naturalness). Normally it trabaja with slates, sandstones and cuarcitas, which can be positioned both outside and inside. Being cut materials, installed with a small Board (always recomendable) to absorb small dilataciones of grip materials. At the placement level, it is important that the surface is completely smooth. As a gripping material applies cemento-cola (of the appropriate color) with notched trowel. Once installed it should be cleaned with neutral SOAP, never with abrasive products. The proper mortar. Mortar (mixture of sand, aglomerante and water) used for mamposteria should be soft, to adapt to the shapes of the stones. The facts should be avoided only cement, because it is demasiado hard to blandas rocks (like sandstone) and can cause breakage. The bastard of lime and cement, one of the most frequently used mortars is very flexible, seal any cracks and does not alter the color of the stones.