Stratum Masonry

Stratum Masonry Multi-award-winning stonemasonry company based in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

The best restoration work is often the work nobody will ever notice. This chimney restoration is a perfect example. Ever...
18/06/2026

The best restoration work is often the work nobody will ever notice.

This chimney restoration is a perfect example.

Every moulding, aris, and profile on these new sandstone copes was carefully replicated to match the original craftsmanship of the building.

The reality is that from ground level, most people will never see these details.

In fact, the stonemasons who carved and installed these stones will likely be the last people to appreciate the workmanship up close.

But that's exactly how restoration should be.

Our job isn't to leave our mark on a historic building. It's to respect the work of the craftspeople who came before us and ensure any repairs sit comfortably alongside the original masonry.

That means taking the time to reproduce even the smallest details accurately, whether anyone notices them or not.

It's this attention to detail that separates good work from great.

We're fortunate to have a team of highly skilled stonemasons who take great pride in preserving Scotland's built heritage.

There's something special about uncovering the original fabric of a historic building. Behind layers of plaster and mode...
17/06/2026

There's something special about uncovering the original fabric of a historic building.

Behind layers of plaster and modern alterations, many traditional properties still retain the masonry that has supported them for generations.

This recent project involved the careful rebuilding of both internal and external leaf’s of the existing masonry walls using traditional materials and techniques.

Each stone was dismantled, rebuilt, and finished using a compatible lime mortar, ensuring the wall remained sympathetic to the original construction.

One of the most common issues we encounter within traditional buildings is the use of modern cement based materials.

Whilst often well intentioned, cement mortars can restrict the natural movement of moisture within solid stone walls, contributing to dampness, trapped moisture, and accelerated deterioration of the surrounding masonry.

Lime mortar behaves very differently.

It allows moisture to evaporate naturally through the joints, helping the building regulate itself whilst protecting the historic fabric.

Projects such as these are a reminder that traditional buildings should be restored and conserved using materials they would have been originally constructed with.

Selecting materials that work with the building rather than against it.

A fantastic effort from John, Peter, and Jay in delivering another high quality restoration project.

All smiles on site today! Rev and John making the most of the Scottish sunshine while lime pointing the west elevation o...
16/06/2026

All smiles on site today!

Rev and John making the most of the Scottish sunshine while lime pointing the west elevation of our castle restoration project.

Between them, there are decades of experience working on traditional buildings, and it shows in the quality of the workmanship they deliver every day.

Projects like this are built on the skill, knowledge, and dedication of our team.

Great to see both of them enjoying the weather while helping preserve another piece of Scotland's built heritage.

Bay windows are one of the most complex features of a traditional sandstone home. They add character, architectural deta...
15/06/2026

Bay windows are one of the most complex features of a traditional sandstone home.

They add character, architectural detail, and kerb appeal, but they are also one of the area’s most commonly affected by long term deterioration.

Constant exposure to the elements, failed mortar joints, water ingress, and the significant loads they support can all contribute to the gradual decay of the stonework.

What many building owners do not realise is that bay windows are structural features.

They are designed to support masonry above, meaning defects should never be dismissed as purely cosmetic.

When deterioration occurs, it is important to understand the root cause and assess whether the stonework can be repaired or whether more extensive intervention is required.

We carry out a significant number of bay window restoration and replacement projects each year, helping homeowners preserve these important features while ensuring they remain structurally sound for years to come.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is seeing a bay window transformed from a deteriorating feature into something that once again complements the character and appearance of the building.

The examples shown here demonstrate just how much of an impact the correct approach can have.

If you have concerns about the condition of your bay window, it is always worth having it assessed before minor defects develop into more significant issues.

160 Years of History Back to Life One of the most rewarding aspects of building restoration is the opportunity to recrea...
12/06/2026

160 Years of History Back to Life

One of the most rewarding aspects of building restoration is the opportunity to recreate features that have been part of a building's history for generations.

Unfortunately, a storm had caused the stonework to fall from height and required complete replacement.

Using the surviving original sections as a template

Our team carefully set out, carved, and built a new pinnacle in blonde sandstone, reproducing the original moulds and details.

Every detail was considered to ensure the replacement remained true to the historic character of the building.

While the new sandstone stands out today, this is likely very close to how both pinnacles would have appeared when the church was first completed in the 1860s.

Over time, the stone will naturally weather and begin to blend in with the surrounding masonry.

Projects such as these are a reminder that building restoration is about more than repairing stonework.

It is about ensuring these buildings can be appreciated for generations to come.

A fantastic effort from everyone involved in delivering this project.

I stood in this spot 7 years ago...
11/06/2026

I stood in this spot 7 years ago...

The Story Behind Scotland's Bricked-Up Windows If you've ever walked around Glasgow's older sandstone buildings, you've...
10/06/2026

The Story Behind Scotland's Bricked-Up Windows

If you've ever walked around Glasgow's older sandstone buildings, you've probably noticed what appear to be windows that have been filled in with stonework.

These are often a reminder of the Window Tax, a property tax introduced across Britain in 1696.

The more windows a property had, the more tax the owner paid.

Windows were seen as a sign of wealth, making them an easy way for the government to assess how much tax someone could afford.

As a result, many property owners chose to brick up existing windows or design buildings with fewer windows altogether to reduce their tax.

This led to darker interiors and poorer ventilation.

Although the tax was eventually abolished in 1851, the evidence remains all around us.

Many of Glasgow's historic buildings still display these former window openings, often infilled with stone to match the surrounding masonry.

The blocked-up openings on this property are a perfect example of how history can be hidden in plain sight.

Have you ever noticed a blocked-up window and wondered why it was there?

One of the best parts of working on historic buildings is discovering features like this... Details such as these often ...
09/06/2026

One of the best parts of working on historic buildings is discovering features like this...

Details such as these often go unnoticed by passers by, but they form an important part of a building's history and character.

Every stone, carving, and decorative feature tells a story about the craftsmen who built the structure and the materials that were available at the time.

When carrying out restoration works, preserving these details is just as important as addressing remedial works elsewhere on the building.

Whether it's a significant stone replacement or a small decorative feature such as this, the same level of care, attention, and craftsmanship is required to ensure the building's character is retained for future generations.

We are fortunate that our work takes us to some remarkable buildings across Scotland and discovering details like this is a reminder of why protecting our built heritage is so important.

Hats off to our team who are doing a fantastic job with the restoration.

Choosing the right stone match,When selecting replacement stone, colour matching is about much more than comparing a dry...
08/06/2026

Choosing the right stone match,

When selecting replacement stone, colour matching is about much more than comparing a dry sample against the existing building.

With increased rainfall and moisture for a significant portion of the year. As a result, the appearance of sandstone can change dramatically between wet and dry conditions.

As this example demonstrates, the same stone can appear significantly darker when saturated, with variations in colour, grain, and overall tone becoming much more pronounced.

This is why we always assess stone samples in both wet and dry conditions before making a final recommendation.

A stone that appears to be an excellent match on a dry summer's day may look completely different during wet weather, resulting in a section of stone that stands out from the surrounding masonry.

When selecting replacement stone, considerations have to be given to:

• Colour

• Grain structure

• Texture

• Geological compatibility

• Wet and dry appearance

Taking the time to carry out this assessment helps ensure the new stonework sits naturally within the existing elevation and remains visually sympathetic throughout the changing seasons.

It is often the small details that make the biggest difference when working on traditional buildings.

Welcome to the team, James. James recently joined us to further develop his career and has already settled in well. He’...
04/06/2026

Welcome to the team, James.

James recently joined us to further develop his career and has already settled in well.

He’s fitted into the team naturally and shown a great attitude towards work.

He has been working alongside another new recruit, John. The two have formed a great working partnership, and we are looking forward to seeing James progress over the coming months.

We’re always looking to build a team of hardworking people who genuinely care about the standard of work they leave behind.

James has shown exactly that since coming on board, and we’re excited to see him continue to develop his career with us.

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