Stone dressing
Dressing of Stone is the working of quarried stone into the shape and size required for use. This can be necessary as stones obtained from quarrying generally do not have the exact required dimensions or finish.
Stone dressing requires considerable technical skill, as well as a good understanding of materials, design drawings and specifications.
Stones may be dressed at the quarry site itself, as this reduces the weight that needs to be transported and so reduces costs.
Stone dressing can be carried out using a variety of tools depending upon the finish required. Rough finishes may be achieved using quarry hammers and chisels, whereas rubbed or polished finishes may be achieved by rubbing or grinding a cut stone surface, either by hand (using sand and water, pumice stone, and so on), or by machine.
There are several types of finish that can be achieved by stone dressing:
- Axed: Hard stones such as granite are dressed using a stone axe.
- Boasted: A boaster is used to create parallel horizontal, vertical or inclined lines.
- Combed: A steel comb with sharp teeth is dragged in all directions across the surface of soft stones.
- Circular: Predominantly used for columns, circular finished stones are made into a rounded shape.
- Chisel-drafted margins: A chisel is used on stones forming uniform joints to create pitched, square or chamfered margins.
- Furrowed: The middle portion of the stone projects from the sides by around 15 mm, and deep grooves made across it.
- Moulded: Stones are moulded into decorative strips of various shapes.
- Polished: Usually for marbles, granites and so on.
- Punched: A machine depresses the stone surface creating hollows and ridges.
- Reticulated: A margin is left around the surface, and irregular shapes formed in the finish.
- Rusticated: A rough or patterned surface is cut into the visible face of masonry blocks.
- Scrabbling: Irregular projections are removed using a scrabbling hammer leaving a rough finish.
- Sunk: The original surface is depressed into wide grooves, marks, and so on.
- Vermiculated: Similar to reticulated but the shapes are curved, giving a ‘worm-eaten’ aesthetic.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.