What stones are good for building?
Wondering what stones are good for building? In Kenya, two types of stones are commonly used in construction: ndarugo stones and quarry stones. Both of these stones have distinct properties that make them suitable for a variety of building applications. This article will explain what ndarugo stones and quarry stones are and how they are used in construction.
Ndarugo Stones
Machine-cut stones are another name for Ndarugo stones. They are commonly used in the construction of walls, foundations, and pavements. These stones are created by cutting and shaping Rift Valley volcanic rocks. The volcanic rocks are mined first, then cut into various sizes and shapes with special machinery. Because of their durability and strength, Ndarugo stones are a popular building material in Kenya. They are weather and erosion resistant.
In comparison to other types of stones, these stones are cheaper. They are easily accessible throughout the nation, particularly in central Kenya, where they serve as the main material of both residential and commercial construction. Ndarugo stones can be used for landscaping, for example building retaining walls, garden walkways in addition to being utilized for walls, foundations, and pavements.
Quarry Stones
Quarry stones are naturally occurring stones that are mined from quarries. They are extensively utilized in the construction of walls and facades In Kenya. They are sold on a` per feet basis unlike machine cut stones that are sold on a per piece basis.
These stones tend to be the most preferred for use as foundation stones. They are however, not the best for constructing walls as they utilize too much cement and sand. This is due to their rough edges.
Quarry stones are advantageous though, in that they are resilient to all kinds of weather.
In conclusion, ndarugo stones and quarry stones are popular building materials in Kenya. Ndarugo stones are affordable, durable, and readily available, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings. Quarry stones, on the other hand, are natural stones that are known for their strength, durability, and aesthetic value. Coral stone, granite, and limestone are just a few examples of the quarry stones available in Kenya. To answer your question on what stones are good for building in Kenya, it all depends on the intended use of the stones and the location of the building.
