Welcome to Stonerite Stonemasons, Waterford, Ireland

Stone Types

Stonerite have, for the last 25 years, used a variety of stone types in the production of beautiful walls, building materials and art works. In order to help you chose the stone which is right for you project we have listed some of the most popular varieties below.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements. We would be happy to provide advice on the appropriate material for you project.

The choice of stone chosen for a wall, entrance or home facing is often based on the underlying stone in a particular region. By doing this a feature can appear to 'belong' within a landscape.

Stone fields have been shaped by the action of underlyings plates over many millions of years and so can change quite abruptly from one area to another. We have developed some further reading on the science of stone for those who are interested, this material can be found here.

This map of Ireland has been prepared to show the underlying stone types in each part of the country. The results of this survey can be used to inform you when making a decision on the stone to be chosen for your project.

Call us or email to discuss your requirements.

Limestone

Limestone is the most abundant of the sedimentary rocks and is produced from the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate) and sediment. The main source of limestone is the limy ooze formed in the ocean.

This stone is abundant in Ireland's Southeast and is the predominant stone in much of Kilkenny and Waterford.

Ideal for use in dry or pointed walls Limestone can also be worked to produce 'cut' pillars, cills or features.

A variety of finishes are available for Limestone and we have illustrated these here.

Granite

Granite is a light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock formed by cooling of silica-rich magma below the surface of the earth. It is called granite because of the granular surface. Granite is frequently used for buildings and monuments.

Granite is a very hard and durable stone and can average over 350 to 400 million years old and range in colour from black, grey, pale to dark pink, yellow to vibrant red

Granite is the underlying bedrock of much of Wicklow, Kilkenny (around Inistigoe) and Waterford.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that forms from the cementing together of sand sized grains forming a solid rock. Quartz is the most abundant mineral that forms sandstone. The presence of other minerals in the stone produce a variety of colours and textures that are very attractive.

Often used in the facing of modern structures Sandstone has also been used to form very ornate building features.

The stone is easily cut and walls or pillars can be created with a very uniform size stone or with a more random look.

It is important that sandstone is laid in the correct way or the strata of the stone may absorb rain and other minerals and will deteriorate rapidly.

Stonerite Stonemasons, Waterford, Ireland. Tel: + 353 (0) 87 6186436 Email: info@stonerite.com