Cut stone with even faces and squared edges, which are laid in horizontal courses “Random” ashlar uses stones of varying sizes which interlock but do not form continuous horizontal or vertical courses “Coursed” ashlar is cut to a regular size but the finish has a rough texture
Walls or facings of stonework laid in courses of evenly dressed stone with thin joints about 3mm thick, which should be raked out 20mm and pointed during cleaning down
Stones cut smooth on all surfaces, including the face From the Latin "axis" for board or plank (which also gives us "axis", a straight line about which sometime rotates, "axle", but apparently not "ax" ) The opposite, to make the surface rough-hewn (but the sides still square so they fit together with a minimum of mortar), is "rustication"
The practice of laying stone in smooth cut - or dressed - blocks in regular courses, seperated by only the thinnest of joints Originated by the ancient Egyptians and adopted as an important element of classical architecture