Dimension stone is natural rock material quarried for the purpose of obtaining blocks or slabs that meet specifications as to size (width, length, and thickness) and shape. Color, grain texture and pattern, and surface finish of the stone are also normal requirements. Durability (essentially based on mineral composition and hardness and past performance), strength, and the ability of the stone to take a polish are other important selection criteria. Although a variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are used as dimension stone, the principal rock types are granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, and slate. Other varieties of dimension stone that are normally considered to be special minor types include alabaster (massive gypsum), soapstone (massive talc), and various products fashioned from natural stone.

Applications

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For details see entries for each type of stone.

Rocks | Materials

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The Journal of Light Construction

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Use PVC trim to create a durable version of this classic cornice.
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Further details on how Danny Feig-Sandoval and his crew transformed a dirt crawlspace into new living space without disturbing the home's brick foundation.
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Q: I've heard that if you use 5 1/2-inch-thick fiberglass batts in a 2x4 wall, the insulation will have a higher R-value than standard 3 1/2-inch batts provide. But some people say that compressing fiberglass batts lowers the R-value. What's the story?
Simple Sill Pans (Continued) (JLC August 2008)
Bill Robinson demonstrates how to fabricate a vinyl sill pan in this video supplement to his August article, "Simple Sill Pans."

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