Forms of flintwork
Since its earliest use, flint has been exploited in buildings in numerous different ways and combinations, making walls of great variety. This variety derives from the relationship of two simple fundamentals: the materials and how they are laid.
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At the Kent Flint Walling Company we enjoy working with traditional materials such as hydraulic lime and use time honoured flint knapping techniques to create walls of all types. Here is a selection of the styles of flintwork we are passionate about.
Roughly knapped coursed squares
Less refined than the meticulously knapped squares, this type of flintwork is faster to produce and less labour intensive.
Rustication
Rustication is formed from a combination of finely and roughly knapped flint, which is laid proud of the flush work. It creates a classical feature and can be used around entrances or corners.
Roughly knapped randomly laid
This form of flintwork is also often found in rural housing, garden walls or at low level within barns.
Whilst flint is knapped the work is less refined and therefore more economical than galleted work for example.
Tightly jointed randomly laid
This form of flintwork results in minimal mortar being visible. Flint is knapped to reveal the white cortex and inner core and laid at random.
Galleted
The practice of inserting small shards of flint into exposed mortar joints provides a decorative finish whilst also protecting the mortar from exposure to weather. Most commonly found within Georgian buildings of high status, this is a time consuming and precise form of flintwork.
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Shards can be laid randomly or at the same angle.
Bungaroosh
Traditionally a more affordable way to create a wall, this makes use of all materials available. Materials can be laid either in courses or randomly.
