An ancient trade dating from the earliest times in civilization’s history, stonemasonry—also known as stonecraft—was bred of skills people needed to survive. They learned to use fire to make plasters and mortar, in turn creating homes with Earth’s natural resources such as straw, mud and stone.

Stonemasons throughout history have carved out the most iconic monuments to their societies, lasting for centuries throughout the erosive elements. Stone architecture has prevailed over millennia for its integrity and stability, but it would also appear likely for its impressive ability to showcase and distinguish a civilization’s power.

Beyond Egyptian and Central American civilizations’ construction of their awe-inspiring pyramids and step pyramids, stone temples and palaces and monuments around the world endure.

Stonemasonry continues to be an important asset to the construction industry. Building facades, pavements and walkways, retaining walls and the restoration of historic buildings and landmarks all benefit from this immensely strong natural resource. The most common building stones include types like granite, slate, sandstone, limestone, basalt, marble, pumice and quartzite.

In our modern era, stone is not commonly used to construct with compared to materials like wood and steel, due to its challenges to extract from the Earth and transport.

But there is nothing like it. It is sturdy and sentinel and timeless. It is reliable. In a world of fleeting fashions and transient materials, the willpower of stone endures and continues to guide and survive all.

And that is why it is important to use locally sourced material on every job to support the community.