Stone Masonry
Course Syllabus

Course Description: Students will learn various methods of constructing stone walls and will be exposed to a variety of examples of stonework incorporated in residential design. Each student will have the opportunity to work firsthand with footings, drainage systems; dry-laid, masonry-laid and masonry-veneered stonewall work. Examples of several types of natural and cultured veneer will be shown. There will also be discussion of paver installation, dry-laid patio and fundamental brick and block construction. Strong, healthy backs are required! All Levels.

Class Format: The class will be divided into two projects, a dry-laid retaining wall and a veneered outdoor grill. Each person will have the opportunity to get experience in both projects. We will meet at the Yestermorrow campus on Saturday morning and have a brief introduction to stone masonry. We’ll then drive to the work site and get some hands-on work experience while incorporating discussions about techniques not used on site. We’ll work until about 4:30pm and visit some stone masonry projects on Saturday evening before heading back to Yestermorrow.

Course Objectives: The intentions of the course: 1) to impart enough knowledge to the students to empower them to actualize their own stonework designs and visions; and 2) to expose students to the varied techniques of residential masonry construction; and 3) to demonstrate the necessity of stone in our living landscape.

What to bring: Notebook, pencil, camera, water bottle, eye and ear protection.

What to wear: Work clothes, leather work gloves, heavy boots, No sneakers or sandals!