About

COCKBURN STONEWORKS PTY LTD

  OUR SPECIALTY: Cockburn Stoneworks specialises in providing stone walls where the stone is the feature. We see no reason why mortared block walls shouldn’t approximate the quality of finish expected in well presented feature brick. Mortar plastered all over the face of the stone is neither pleasing in appearance nor beneficial to the longevity of the stonework. Please have a look in our Gallery and then compare our walls with those in your area. If you don’t believe us then please take a trip to Europe or the UK and have a look at some 500 year old walls that are still standing strong today without mortar all over the stone.    

QUOTATIONS: Every task differs to some degree. We are unable to provide “over the phone” estimates without first inspecting your site. Cockburn Stoneworks provides free initial quotations. Following a site inspection we will provide you with a detailed written quotation (typically 2 to 4 pages). The quotation will identify the scope of works, special considerations for your works and define our standard conditions of trading. Sometimes, we may require more information or drawings. We can assist with engineered drawings and council applications. Cockburn Stoneworks does not quote “per block”. All our quotes are based on a time and materials analysis of the particular task.    

 A CHECKLIST FOR YOUR TASK: If you want a stone construction on your property we suggest you use the following checklist or at least ask these questions:

  • Is the contractor carrying public liability insurance and are they prepared to have the insurance broker forward a certificate of currency?
  • Does the contractor have a proven track record with testimonials and a portfolio?
  • Does the contractor have the necessary tools and equipment for the task?
  • Is your quotation including compaction of footings area to applicable standards?
  • Are you getting a full written quotation detailing the scope of works expected and have any “grey areas” been identified and estimated before work starts?
  • Has the contractor discussed various options for your situation with you and offered alternatives?

    COCKBURN STONEWORKS PREMIUM SERVICE:

 To enhance the appearance and longevity of your stone construction Cockburn Stoneworks can provide the following premium options:

  • Back Sealing/Waterproofing – A durable waterproof coating for the back of retaining walls. Recommended where constant moisture from reticulation is likely or soak wells are in close proximity. Reduces moisture travelling through the wall and collection of salts on the stone face.
  • Pressure Washing– following construction there is invariably dirt, dust, mortar spatter etc blemishing the face stonework.Frequently the stones will be covered with some slurry from cutting or manufacture. A pressure clean 1 to 2 days post construction will greatly enhance the appearance of a stone wall.  Care must be taken with cleaning stone walls as damage to the mortar and stonework can result.
  • Face Stonework Seal/Binder – A totally transparent breathable coating applied to exposed stonework. Helps to bind up sedimentary stone and help in stain resistance. Often coupled with an application of mould inhibitor. Applied 5 to 10 days post construction. Pressure cleaning may be required prior. Recommended for natural stone where a fresh appearance is desired.
  • Round cornering/pillowing of stone – a process of removing sharp edges for blocks and smoothing the edges. Ranging from simple rounded coving to more substantial “pillowing” which gives a cobbled appearance. Recommended for feature walls constructed of natural stone.  Natural limestone retaining wall

 

  •  Face Sanding – Smoothing and slow speed sanding of the face stonework. Recommended for reconstituted stone walls where a clean smooth finish is desirable.

 

  • Capping & Coping – Often a relatively plain wall can be greatly enhanced by capping with smaller, thinner stones. Properly installed coping will protect your wall against the elements.  This is particularly important for free-standing exterior walls.   Pre-cut bull-nosing (round edged) stone of various types and manufacture are also available. Some examples are in our Gallery.

 

    A WORD ABOUT STONEMASONS: Are we real Stonemasons? – Maybe not in the truest sense……but as Stoneworkers and utility contractors we aspire to master as many techniques of the craft as we can.

In our humble opinion a true Stonemason is one what uses natural stone and traditional techniques to build structures. He/She will have risen to a level of competence such that they are then considered (by their peers) to be capable of passing their skills on to the next generation. In other words, they are a Master Craftsman.

Since we are still learning something on every wall we build perhaps we are not there yet?. Add to this a market which is dominated by manufactured stone products (reconstituted blocks). Many traditionalists consider the act of laying manufactured stone blocks (with its relatively precise dimensions) is not true stonemasonry. We try and stay out of the debate and use our skills to provide the best product we can for your situation.  What we do promise is that constant research into time proven techniques is an inherent part of our business.  Sometimes you need to look back in order to progress forward.

Techniques used in Stonemasonry have always been regional. The stonemason has had to adapt to the local conditions and products available. Here in Western Australia, there is no formal registration or licensing for stonemasons. Ironically, this means stoneworkers have to survive on their reputation and referral, just as the Journeyman Stonemason did of bygone days. For this reason we provide our photo gallery and testimonials for your review.