The Art of Slipforming: A Stone Masonry Primer

By Thomas J. Elpel
Published on December 1, 1996
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Slipforming combines stone masonry and concrete work to form a wall that shares the attributes of both. The walls have the beauty and strength of stone with the reinforcement of concrete and steel.
Slipforming combines stone masonry and concrete work to form a wall that shares the attributes of both. The walls have the beauty and strength of stone with the reinforcement of concrete and steel.
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Slipforms set for the first pour.
Slipforms set for the first pour.
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Tom hefts a pebble during construction.
Tom hefts a pebble during construction.
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Foundation set and rebar in place.
Foundation set and rebar in place.
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Close-up of the form.
Close-up of the form.
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Gaps between the stones are filled in at the end of the process.
Gaps between the stones are filled in at the end of the process.
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These extra-large stones were positioned in the dining room wall before the forms went on to avoid hefting them in from above.
These extra-large stones were positioned in the dining room wall before the forms went on to avoid hefting them in from above.
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Diagram: Wall structure A, B and C.
Diagram: Wall structure A, B and C.
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Diagram: Wall structure D and E.
Diagram: Wall structure D and E.
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A beautiful storm approaches as the form
A beautiful storm approaches as the form "slips" up the nearly complete walls.
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The Elpels propped the floating rafters up with 2 by 4s until the supports were securely anchored in the wall.
The Elpels propped the floating rafters up with 2 by 4s until the supports were securely anchored in the wall.
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Setting forms for the level. Renee drills screws partway into the top of the window frame to anchor the wood in the concrete.
Setting forms for the level. Renee drills screws partway into the top of the window frame to anchor the wood in the concrete.
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Diagram: Slipform basic components and construction.
Diagram: Slipform basic components and construction.
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Diagram: Showing thermal leak through wood.
Diagram: Showing thermal leak through wood.
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Diagram: House using slipforming for building with stone.
Diagram: House using slipforming for building with stone.

Learn how to build houses using slipforming. This stone masonry primer shows how slipforming creates long-lasting, low maintenance and weatherproof and fireproof homes. (See the stone masonry photos and diagrams in the image gallery.)

Stone houses have both enduring and endearing qualities about them. Enter one and an immediate and palpable aura of timelessness becomes apparent, and makes all other forms of construction seem fragile in comparison Building with materials as old as nature also makes a home seem as if it were part of the story of the land. A monument to your family.

This stone masonry primer uses the method of stone masonry we call slipforming. Short fortes, up to two feet tall, are placed on both sides of the wall to serve as a guide for the stonework. You fill the forms with stone and concrete, then “slip” the forms up for the next level. Slipforming makes stonework easy, even for the novice.

Slipforming is an old-fashioned style of masonry, resulting in a random or “rubblestone” appearance, without the uniform joints or sharp, clean lines of most modern masonry. In fact, slipforming is comparatively messy, and you will often find cement drips permanently adhered to the face of the rocks when you remove the forms. Rut these stains also contribute to the “patina” of the stonework, giving it an antiqued appearance. We rarely remove the drips, even when we can.

Overview

Slipforming combines stone masonry and concrete work to form a wall that shares the attributes of both. The walls have the beauty and strength of stone with the reinforcement of concrete and steel. The final product is long-lasting, low maintenance, and virtually weather- and fireproof.

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