ashlars

Ashlar refers to finely dressed stone, cut or worked on all faces to produce regularly shaped blocks, usually rectangular and with square edges. These blocks are laid in walls with very tight joints to form a smooth, uniform surface.

In practice, ashlar masonry can be plain or rusticated and may be arranged in courses or in irregular patterns. Plain ashlar uses consistently sized blocks with aligned joints. Rusticated ashlar features textured or emphasized faces with deeper joints to create a bold, pronounced appearance.

Common materials are limestone, sandstone, or granite. Ashlar blocks may be set with mortar or used as dry masonry in some traditions. The method is valued for precision, strength, and a refined appearance, suited to façades, arches, and decorative cladding.

Compared with rubble masonry, ashlar requires skilled cutting and planning; it can be more costly but produces a durable wall with a crisp external line. It has a long history in classical and revival architecture and remains in use for both structural and decorative purposes.

Notable examples appear in classical temples and palaces, medieval cathedrals, and modern revival buildings, where ashlar is used to achieve smooth exterior surfaces and a formal, orderly rhythm.