National Masonry’s Architectural Range features the leading collection of decorative masonry Designer Blocks.
In Queensland and New South Wales, Designer Blocks are available in 6 contemporary colours in either a Smooth Face, Honed, Shot-blast, Polished or Split Face finishes.
Value Added Finishes
Value added finished masonry is supplied as a single face product. When only one face is value added, the back side of the block may not be suitable as a face finish due to the value adding process. If both faces are value added, both faces will be suitable for a face work but care will be required when laying as there may be 2-5mm difference in the width of the individual blocks due to the honing / polishing process.
Lead Time
Lead times of up to 3 weeks for Smooth or Splitface or up to 6 weeks for Honed, Shot-blast or Polished apply to all coloured blocks and bricks. The longer lead times that apply to Honed, Shot-blast or Polished Finishes are due to the product needing time to cure (harden) sufficiently to withstand the pressures of processing and provide the ultimate in quality finishes.
Colour and Texture Variation
Some variation in colour and texture may occur due to natural variations in raw materials, including the colour of the stone aggregate that’s exposed in all finishes except Smooth. So please always work from currently supplied samples. You can order samples of Coloured Block range via the Contacts section of this website. Colour variation can also occur from batch to batch making it essential to order all product requirements at the same time. National Masonry® recommends that part sized blocks (fractions) are cut either at the factory on site from the same batch to maintain colour consistency. Please always ensure your order quantities have been carefully checked and allowances made for wastage in cutting or potential alterations, as we are unable to accept returns on products that are made or cut to order and any extra product that needs to be made may not match previously manufactured products due to the nature of the raw materials described above.
Blending
To obtain a consistent finish and mitigate colour variation, National Masonry® strongly recommends “blending” which is drawing product from multiple pallets on-site.
Blocks & Bricks Storage
Blocks must be kept dry on site before use and when laid. Freshly laid walls must be covered overnight and when rain interrupts work in order to prevent moisture entering the cores of the blocks. Failing to do this will increase the likelihood of efflorescence.
Mortar
Coloured Designer Range blocks and bricks contain an efflorescence inhibitor (Tech-Dry®). To complete the system, an additive must be used in mortar mix. National Masonry® supply and recommend TECH-DRYAD Mortar Additive. The consumption of additive varies significantly, 20 litres of mortar additive may lay approximately 1000-1500 Tech Dry Blocks.
Sealing
All Designer Range blocks and bricks should be cleaned and sealed with a quality penetrating sealer after installation. Failure to do so dramatically increases the likelihood and severity of efflorescence and general staining.
Our prestigious Coloured Block Range and accessories can be picked up or we can deliver.
Contact us to find a reseller near you.