The Art of Stone Selection

Part One: Do Not Fight the Stone

Stone walling, whether dry or wet, is a craft that combines strength, precision, and artistry. For novices stepping into this timeless trade, there’s an immediate fascination with the tools of the trade—particularly the hammer. However, this infatuation can obscure a fundamental truth about what sets a good stone waller apart from a truly great one: the art of stone selection, categorization, and organization.

In this blog, we’ll explore why stone selection is the cornerstone of exceptional stone masonry and how embracing the philosophy of "do not fight the stone" can transform your walling from functional to magnificent.

Stone Selection: The Foundation of Great Walling

Stone wallers often use the phrase "do not fight the stone" to emphasize the importance of working with, rather than against, the natural characteristics of each stone. This concept underpins the entire craft: by understanding and respecting a stone’s strengths, you can place it where it belongs, maximizing efficiency, stability, and aesthetics.

At its heart, stone selection is about assessing, categorizing, and organizing. These three steps are the bedrock of walling excellence.

Assess, Select, Organize

Foundations: Embrace the Ugly Stones

When building the foundation of a wall, your first priority should be using the largest, most irregular, and "ugliest" stones. This might seem counterintuitive to a novice eager to showcase the wall’s beauty from the start, but it’s a key principle of efficient walling.

Why?

1. Efficiency: Larger stones reduce the number of pieces required for the foundation, saving time and effort.

2. Natural Fit: Foundations are built into the soil, which can be easily shaped to accommodate the irregularities of these stones.

3. Conservation: By reserving flatter, lighter stones for higher levels, you avoid wasting valuable resources and energy.

Ignoring this principle results in a domino effect of inefficiencies: heavier stones need to be lifted higher, more time is spent fitting and hammering, and resources are depleted unnecessarily.

"What You Lift, You Lay"

A common saying among seasoned wallers is, "What you lift, you lay." This mantra speaks directly to the importance of proper selection. The logic is simple: once you’ve lifted a stone, it should be ready to place. This practice minimizes unnecessary handling, saving both time and energy.

For the novice, this rule may feel counterintuitive. The temptation to "force" a stone into place by hammering it down is strong, but this approach is inefficient and wasteful. Instead, take the time to find the right stone for the right spot. Proper selection ensures that the stone fits naturally, reducing breakages and preserving resources.

Historical Context: This concept has its roots in a time when transporting stone was a laborious process, powered by man and beast. Every stone mattered, and waste was not an option. While modern machinery has made transport easier, the philosophy remains relevant: every stone saved is one less trip to the quarry.

The Role of the Hammer: Use It Sparingly

Every novice arrives at their first walling session eager to wield their hammer. However, seasoned wallers know that the hammer is a tool of refinement, not a crutch. Its primary role is small adjustments and internal connections—not forcing ill-suited stones into place.

Why Overuse Is a Problem:

• Energy Drain: Excessive hammering is physically taxing and slows down progress.

• Material Waste: Overworking a stone increases the risk of breakages, leading to unnecessary waste. This is especially critical when resources are limited.

A well-trained waller understands that efficient use of the hammer begins with proper stone selection. The less you rely on the hammer, the more seamlessly the wall comes together.

A Balance of Function and Beauty

At its core, stone walling is about finding harmony between function and beauty. Proper stone selection allows the waller to use each piece for its intended purpose, achieving a balance that is both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. A well-built wall reflects this coordination, standing as a testament to the waller’s skill and understanding of their materials.

When done correctly, stone walling becomes an art form. Each stone is placed with intention, creating a structure that will outlast its maker and be admired for generations.

Training the Novice: Lessons in Patience and Precision

For those new to the craft, stone selection can feel like a slow and tedious process. It’s tempting to rush through, relying on brute force and the hammer to compensate for poor choices. However, patience is key. Every stone you select and place is a lesson in understanding the material and refining your technique.

In training, it’s important to acknowledge that some material loss is inevitable as novices learn to use their tools. However, by instilling the principles of proper selection early, you lay the foundation for more efficient and precise work in the future.

Conclusion: The True Art of Stone Selection

The art of stone selection goes far beyond picking up a hammer and chipping away. It requires observation, planning, and respect for the material. By embracing the philosophy of "do not fight the stone," wallers learn to work with the natural attributes of each stone, placing it where it belongs and creating structures that are as efficient as they are enduring.

Stone walling is more than a craft—it’s a legacy. The walls we build today will stand as monuments to our skill and artistry for years to come. And it all starts with understanding one simple truth: a great wall is built not by fighting the stone, but by letting it guide the way.

For more insights and techniques, stay tuned for our next blog: "Walling Technique: Plan to Lay, Lay to Plan."