The stone comes in a range of patterns - depending on the stone.
There is the traditional Random Ashlar pattern which consists of even numbers of twelve different sized stones arranged totally randomly on the wall.
Random Coursed Ashlar which is the same sized stones as above but arranged in courses of the same heights (with four different lengths) but with the three heights varying up the wall.
Coursed Ashlar consists of courses of all the same height (with four different lengths).
Coursed Ashlar with Banding is as above but with one or more bands of stone in a different height.
Stretcher or Brick Bond is where all of the stones are the same size (like with bricks) and arranged offset from each other (usually by 50%).
Stack Bond is again where all of the stones are the same size but they are arranged directly on top of each other.

Flush/Slightly Recessed Pointing is similar to the way that bricks are usually pointed.
Scribed Line Pointing is where the mortar is smeared over the edges of the stone and then a line is scribed into the mortar. The aim is to blur the edge of the stone.
Fine Line Pointing is the same as above but with the scribed line painted in.
Raked joints are where the mortar is taken out to a depth of approx. 1-2cm. This is mainly used on solid uncut blocks such as Bluestone.

In the laying of sandstone the colour and texture of the sand used for pointing up is critical to the final finish. To ensure that the best quality is achieved Allstone has brought in large quantities of pointing sand from an interstate quarry just to point up our veneer and block work. The finish we achieve is definitely worth the trouble.
Don’t forget, when pointing up always use clean water to immediately sponge off mortar stains as you go.

Yes and No!

For a well laid walking path, in an area which is unlikely to be subject to stains from wine and barbeques, made from a very tough stone such as Granite, Basalt or Quartzite it is probably not necessary to seal the stone.

However if the stone is likely to be subject to water, and especially salt, from a pool, or exposed to food, grease or leaf stains then it is necessary to seal.

Allstone recommends, and is an accredited applicator for, the 'Dry Treat' range of sealers which means that if we seal your stone you will be eligible for their 15 year guarantee.

Please note that the sealers which we recommend are penetrating sealers which do not alter the appearance of the stone. Generally, if a sealer changes the appearance of the stone (eg makes it glossy) then it is a surface sealer which will wear off. Penetrating sealers chemically bond into the stone and so do not leave a film which wears off.

Please contact us for more information.

Generally walls do not need to be sealed as the stone will naturally over time form a hardened surface giving it protection from the elements.
The exceptions to this are:

• areas along the coast where the stone may be exposed to salt spray
• particullarly wet areas in the hills
• areas where graffiti may be a problem.

Please contact us if this is a concern.

Our stone is sourced from Australia and overseas.

Allstone conducts extensive research into our suppliers to ensure the quality of the stone, appropriate methods of packing and the conditions in the quarries where the stone is cut.

Due to competition in the industry and the efforts we go to to find and develop our exclusive range of stones, the exact source of our stones remains confidential.