Ashlar
Ashlar is a type of masonry which is finely cut and/or worked, and is characterised by its smooth, even faces and square edges. It can also be used to refer to an individual stone that has been finely cut and worked until squared.
Ashlar has been used in construction as an alternative to brick or other materials dating back to classical architecture, where it was often used to contrast with rustication (masonry with a purposefully rough or patterned surface).
Courses of ashlar can be horizontal, with blocks laid in parallel, or may be random with deliberately discontinuous vertical and horizontal joints.
Since ashlar blocks are precisely cut on all faces which are adjacent to other masonry, very thin joints can be achieved. The face of the block away from joints may be left rough and unpolished (known as quarry-faced), or may be polished or rendered decoratively. Mason’s drag is a form of decoration used on softer stone ashlar which involves small grooves applied by a metal comb-like device.
Mortar, or another joining material, is used to bind ashlar blocks together. Other methods of assembly such as metal ties can be used, in a process known as dry ashlar. Such a technique can be seen in the Inca architecture of Cusco and Machu Picchu.
In the UK, ashlar walling can be found in many historic buildings; one notable example being the Royal Crescent in Bath. It is also becoming more popular as a form of exterior cladding in urban commercial developments.
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) definition from their online Glossary : 'Finely dressed stone laid in regular courses with thin joints.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.