Stone masonry uses natural stone bonded with mortar. It is one of the oldest building methods. Stone is strong, durable, and beautiful. It is also heavy, expensive, and labor-intensive. Stone masonry is used in historic buildings, monuments, retaining walls, and high-end homes. The stone is quarried, cut, and shaped. It is laid in mortar in a pattern. The pattern can be random rubble, coursed rubble, ashlar, or flagstone. Each has its own look and structural behavior.

Stone masonry comes in two main types. Rubble masonry uses rough, irregular stones. It is cheaper and more rustic. Ashlar masonry uses cut, squared stones. It is more precise and more expensive. The stones are laid in courses, with mortar joints between them. The mortar must be softer than the stone. If the mortar is harder, it will crack the stone. The wall must be thick enough to carry the load. It must be backed with a drainage layer. It must be flashed at the top to shed water.

Stone masonry is durable. A well-built stone wall can last for centuries. It is also sustainable. Stone is a natural material. It is locally available in many places. It has low embodied energy. It is recyclable. It is also a craft. The stonemason is a skilled tradesperson. They select the stone, shape it, and lay it. The work is physical and precise. A good stone wall is a work of art. It is also a structure. It holds up. It endures. It is a testament to the mason's skill.