All right... already! So the title needs some help! But I couldn't write about getting stoned now, could I, even though we are to talk about working with stone today.
Stone is made up of minerals in various mixtures that will affect the strength, color, texture and durability of the stone. There are three classifications of stone.
The First is igneous, of which granite is the most common type found. Fine granite has a salt and pepper pattern and will usually take a good polish. Granite tiles can be found in most tile stores and should always be considered when there is a high-traffic pattern.
The second type is Sedimentary with lime stone and sandstone commonly sold. Arizona flagstone is a popular red-to orange-colored sandstone and was used in building projects for many years. When using sandstone, be careful in deciding where to put it down. It's susceptible to spalling, flaking, if exposed to freeze/thaw situations. Also the surface is sometimes not the most durable in high-traffic areas.
Limestone is a common stone found in the Southern Oregon area and it varies greatly in size, and color. Interestingly enough it is of marine origin, meaning that it was on the bottom of a large body of water, which gives us a good idea that this whole area was originally under water. Probably some of the most notable limestone is found in the Great Lakes and mid-western United States areas and this light color is imitated in some of the manufactured stone known as Rogue River Stone.
Finally, there is metamorphic, from which we get most of the marbles, slates and quartzites. Metamorphic stone is formed through great heat and pressure, so it might sometimes be impossible to determine what the original stone once was.
There are three pattern groups of stone sold.
First you have the uncoursed field stone, or rubble. These are stones found in fields and streams and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. There is usually no easy way to lay these in a formal pattern, and so the wall will have a busy look about it.
Next you have a roughly squared stone. This stone looks like it may have been trimmed with a hammer and chisel in a hurry, and so while there may be the appearance of a pattern when you lay it down, it still has a busy and random look about it.
Finally, you have the ashlar stone or dimensional stone. This stone is cut, dressed and finished to present a formal look, almost squared. This look was very popular in the 50s and 60s and can be found in many fireplaces in this region.
Now flagstone comes in random pieces and ashlar or dimensional pieces, of which the most common is random.
There are many colors to choose from and thicknesses, so be sure to ask a salesperson which size is the best for your needs.
So let's say that you want to build a patio or walkway with flagstone. How do you go about doing it?
The goal here is to set it so that it will not move back and forth when you step on it. Continue doing this until your stone is laid down.
Originally published in the Daily Courier Setember 23, 1999