Stonework: Techniques and Projects

by Charles McRaven

Discover the lasting satisfaction of working with stone. Master stonemason Charles McRaven covers everything you need to know about working with different types of stone to create a variety of durable and elegant features. Clear enough for the beginning stonemason, this guide includes a thorough overview of the proper techniques for handling, cutting, and shaping stone. With illustrated instructions for 22 projects that include garden paths, walls, seats, waterfalls, and even a bridge, you’ll soon be confidently crafting your own inspired stone creations.

Genres: Reference, Gardening, Nonfiction, Construction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 1997

Reviews

[Joshua Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very helpful in preparing for a large stone project. The author has worked as a mason for many years, so all of his instructions and recommendations are based on a lot of knowledge for the craft. He also has a lot of stories and pictures of jobs that he has worked on.

This is the best single book on stone masonry that I've read. McRaven also wrote a book called Building with Stone. It covers a lot of the same topics, with a lot more stories and rambled thrown in, but there is unique information in each book.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will be helpful to a beginner. The illustrations are well done and the descriptions clear.

[Lanea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photos; good projects; many of which are in my region using local stone; and inspirational advanced techniques (which I am sure I'll never master)

[Elizabeth]

Wonderful book, excellent historic examples and pictures of the work described.