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A Year of Progress: How 2025 Became Salthouse Stonemasonry’s Most Successful Year Yet
At Salthouse Stonemasonry progress has never been about rapid growth for the sake of it. Instead, it has always been rooted in craft, care, and a long term commitment to traditional building methods. Over the past year, that steady approach has culminated in what we can confidently say has been our most successful and defining year to date. This success has not come from one single milestone, but from a series of considered progressions that have strengthened our business, ou

Sam Salthouse
5 days ago3 min read


Are We Bespoke? The Real Story Behind Our Craft
At Salthouse Stonemasonry we are often asked whether our work can be described as “bespoke”. The short answer is yes. We design and create individual stone features for clients, including fireplaces, architectural mouldings, hand carved plaques and one off commissions. Every piece is carefully planned, measured and shaped to suit the needs of the project. However, the true identity of our craft goes far beyond the idea of simply being “bespoke”. The heart of our work lies in

James Elliott
Dec 132 min read


Why We Are Leaning Into Handcrafted Stonemasonry More Than Ever
In a world moving faster every year, it is easy to forget the quiet, steady value of true craftsmanship. Machines are becoming smarter, AI is reshaping industries and mass-produced materials are more available than ever before. Yet with all this progress, something essential is at risk of being lost: the human touch that gives stonework its soul. At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we believe the future of traditional craft depends on the choices we make today. This is why we are lean

Sam Salthouse
Dec 103 min read


Hand and Heart in the Age of the Machine
We live in a time of astonishing change. Artificial Intelligence is now writing, designing, and building at incredible speed. Every week brings new digital tools that make our lives easier but also take us further from the physical world. Yet as our surroundings become more virtual, something deeply human is stirring within us. The more we automate, the more we long for the touch of real materials and the honesty of true craftsmanship. The Irreplaceable Human Touch At Salthou

Sam Salthouse
Nov 142 min read


The Benefits of Hot Lime Mortar for Restoring and Building Period Properties
Hot lime mortar continues to emerge as a top choice for restoring, maintaining, and building period properties. As we produce this exceptional material in-house, we’re eager to share its many benefits and applications with you. This blog post highlights the advantages of hot lime mortar, its unique properties, and the reasons for its rising popularity among both DIY enthusiasts and professionals in the building field. Hot lime mortar is not just another building material; it

James Elliott
Oct 294 min read


Why Rainwater is the Secret Ingredient for Perfect Hot Lime Mixes
Introduction: The Overlooked Ingredient in Limework When we talk about making hot lime mixes , everyone focuses on the lime , quicklime quality, slaking method, curing, and storage.But few people consider one crucial detail: the water . Using the right water can dramatically change how your lime putty behaves, feels, and performs. And among all the options, rainwater stands out as the best choice , not just for traditionalists, but for anyone who wants to get the most from t

Sam Salthouse
Oct 243 min read


Hotlime Mortar: The Traditional Technique Making a Modern Comeback
Introduction Hotlime mortar, sometimes called hot-mixed lime , is an ancient building technique that’s experiencing a major revival in...

Sam Salthouse
Aug 223 min read


Because Some Things Deserve More Than Just a Coat of Paint.
Have you ever stood in front of your community’s war memorial and really looked at it?Not just in passing, but closely, noticing the...

Sam Salthouse
Aug 142 min read


Maintaining the Present: How Traditional Techniques Protect Stonework Today
At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we believe that the best way to care for a building in the present is to work with the same respect and...

James Elliott
Aug 142 min read


Why Hot Lime Mortar.
Why Hot Lime Mortar is the Only Choice for Heritage Restoration At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we are fully committed to using hot lime...

James Elliott
Aug 143 min read


The Different Types of Stonemasons: Understanding the Craft Behind the Stone
The Different Types of Stonemasons: Understanding the Craft Behind the Stone Stonemasonry is one of the oldest and most respected trades...

Sam Salthouse
Jun 223 min read


Relief Carving a Bee in Sandstone: Texture, Tooling, and Tradition
Relief carving a bee in sandstone is a subtle art one that blends form, texture, and tooling technique. At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we...

Sam Salthouse
Jun 153 min read


Learning from the Stonework of Haddon Hall
A visit in the name of tradition, detail and doing it properly Haddon Hall is one of those places where the past speaks quietly but...

Sam Salthouse
Jun 83 min read


Hot-Lime vs Lime Putty: The Sticky Debate
Hot-Lime vs Lime Putty: The Sticky Debate For centuries, lime has been the backbone of traditional masonry and conservation work....

Sam Salthouse
May 263 min read


Hydraulic vs Non-Hydraulic Lime Mortar: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?
When it comes to restoring traditional buildings or working with natural stone, choosing the right mortar is essential. At Salthouse...

Sam Salthouse
May 123 min read


The Right Way to Clean Stonework: Why We Use the DOFF System
Stonework is built to last — but only if it’s treated with care. When it comes to cleaning stone, especially on heritage or older...

Sam Salthouse
Apr 282 min read


Expert Advice on Stone and Lime Mortar – Guidance for Professionals and Clients
At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we believe that knowledge should be shared. The world of stonemasonry and lime mortar applications is built on...

Sam Salthouse
Apr 142 min read


Why Natural Stone and Reclaimed Materials Are the Ultimate Choice for Character and Longevity
At Salthouse Stonemasonry, we’ve always believed in the timeless beauty of natural stone. Recently, we had the pleasure of installing a...

James Elliott
Apr 73 min read


The Timeless Craft of Stonemasonry: a Legacy Set in Stone
The Timeless Craft of Stonemasonry: A Legacy Set in Stone Stonemasonry is one of the oldest and most enduring crafts in human history....

Sam Salthouse
Mar 313 min read


Understanding Lime Mortar and Its Benefits in Traditional Stonemasonry
In house mixed Lime Mortar pointing application Lime mortar has been a cornerstone of traditional stonemasonry for centuries, prized for...

James Elliott
Mar 242 min read
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