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This section contains information on the questions most asked by our customers. If you need any additional information, design assistance or have a special application on your project, we would be happy to help. Call us at 1-866-878-6635 to speak to a representative.
 
  1. How are PRAIRIE stone units manufactured?
  2. Can I grind or split PRAIRIE stone corners or ends at the jobsite?
  3. Can PRAIRIE stone masonry units be patched?
    Can chips be repaired?
  4. Can I return PRAIRIE stone masonry units that I do not use?
  5. What happens if muratic acid is used on PRAIRIE stone masonry units?
  6. How can I be sure it will not be chipped and scuffed in shipment and jobsite handling?
  7. Can any mason install this product?
  8. Can PRAIRIE stone colors be matched to other types of masonry?
  9. Can PRAIRIE stone units be used in flooring or paving?
  10. What special shapes are available?
  11. Is there any special mortar required?
  12. What special precautions should be taken in the handling, storage and installation of the product?
  13. How does PRAIRIE stone rate on fire ratings and thermal R-Values?
  14. Can PRAIRIE stone be used with wood or metal stud back-up walls?
  15. Do you need special anchors or a wall tieback system?
  16. When cleaning, will dark colored brick installed above PRAIRIE stone stain the lighter colored PRAIRIE stone unit?
  17. Does PRAIRIE stone come in pieces larger than a 16"x 24" face dimension?
  18. Can PRAIRIE stone be used for interior applications?
  19. Should you use horizontal joint reinforcement?
  20. How far apart should the control joints be spaced?
  21. How does PRAIRIE stone compare in price to other similar products on the market?
  22. Where is PRAIRIE stone available?

1.  How are PRAIRIE stone units manufactured?
The PRAIRIE stone natural look is achieved through combining crushed limestone aggregates, silica, cement and other densifiers. This admixture is carefully molded with automatic machinery. The units are then cured for a minimum of 28 days.

One or more faces are split, then ground, polished or machine cut to expose the natural aggregates to create a uniquely colored limestone effect, or in the case of the Earth Blend Collection, a blended two-tone color. These molded units are then customized according to our customer's requirements. Cutting these units is easy because the all-natural aggregates are dispersed through the entire unit, ensuring the same consistent color all the way through.

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2.  Can I grind or split PRAIRIE stone corners or ends at the jobsite?
Yes. Pre-finished PRAIRIE stone units may be cut, ground or split at the jobsite. Please contact customer service for detailed information before proceeding.

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3.  Can PRAIRIE stone masonry units be patched?
Can chips be repaired?
Yes, PRAIRIE stone masonry units can be patched for very small chips just like repairing stone. Many scratches and scuffs will become almost unnoticed when the wall is clean. Units with large imperfections should not be installed and should be replaced. A matching color PRAIRIE stone patch kit is available. Please call Northfield Block for more information.

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4.  Can I return PRAIRIE stone masonry units that I do not use?
No. PRAIRIE stone masonry units are custom manufactured. We require a signed sales contract before we proceed with any order. PRAIRIE stone masonry units that are ordered in excess must be taken and cannot be returned. We strongly recommend that extra care be taken with "take offs" to avoid this problem.

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5.  What happens if muratic acid is used on PRAIRIE stone masonry units?
The danger in using muratic acid on PRAIRIE stone masonry surfaces is that even a small amount of the solution may burn or permanently mar the face of the unit.

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6.  How can I be sure it will not be chipped and scuffed in shipment and jobsite handling?
We take great care in the manufacturing, packaging and shipping of PRAIRIE stone units to protect the finished surfaces. The units are placed on sturdy wooden pallets and covered with a protective layer. PRAIRIE stone units should be handled as finished material on the jobsite to avoid scuffing, chipping or other damage.

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7.  Can any mason install this product?
Any mason can install this product. However, masons who are not experienced in laying architectural units may do a poor job installing PRAIRIE stone. Conversely, masons experienced in laying architectural units who follow best masonry practices can lay masonry units expertly. Unfortunately, no matter how well PRAIRIE stone units are manufactured, if they are not installed properly, the appearance of the project may be disappointing.

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8.  Can PRAIRIE stone colors be matched to other types of masonry?
No, Because PRAIRIE stone units are produced using select natural limestone aggregates, and this is what produces its unique look, any additional pigments may adversely affect its unique texture.

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9.  Can PRAIRIE stone units be used in flooring or paving?
No. PRAIRIE stone units are designed as wall material and are not suitable for flooring or paving. However, Northfield Block Company does make a line of pavers and retaining walls suitable for architectural landscape design.

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10.  What special shapes are available?
PRAIRIE stone specializes in a large assortment of special shapes. PRAIRIE stone can be easily customized using a set of our standard sizes (see the Shapes Section). Just send us a drawing or sketch of the special shape and let us demonstrate our capabilities in producing a one-of-a-kind architectural unit. PRAIRIE stone units are available in sizes up 8"x16"x 24". We would love to create something special for you.

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11.  Is there any special mortar required?
Colored mortar that complements PRAIRIE stone colors can create a seamless effect. Type N mortar is recommended as noted in the product specifications. For more information on mortars see NCMA TEK note 9-1A. Please also note W.R. Grace DRY-BLOCKŪ is recommended for all exterior mortar applications.

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12.  What special precautions should be taken in the handling, storage and installation of the product?
Please refer to the Installation Section or visit www.prairie-stone.com.

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13.  How does PRAIRIE stone rate on fire ratings and thermal R-Values?
The National Concrete Masonry Association has published standards for thermal values and fire ratings for masonry units. See NCMA TEK notes 6-1A and 7-1A, respectively.

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14.  Can PRAIRIE stone be used with wood or metal stud back-up walls?
Yes, it doesn't matter what back-up system is used, PRAIRIE stone is most often used as a veneer.

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15.  Do you need special anchors or a wall tieback system?
No, due to the limited size of units, typical brick veneer wall ties may be used. Always use horizontal joint reinforcement within the PRAIRIE stone veneer wall.

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16.  When cleaning, will dark colored brick installed above PRAIRIE stone stain the lighter colored PRAIRIE stone unit?
No, there has never been a problem with staining, but always remember to follow carefully manufacturers' recommendations.

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17.  Does PRAIRIE stone come in pieces larger than a 16"x 24" face dimension?
No, 16"x 24" is the largest single PRAIRIE stone size unit as of Spring 2006. The product line will continue to expand, so contact your local dealer to verify the sizes.

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18.  Can PRAIRIE stone be used for interior applications?
Yes, PRAIRIE stone is typically used as an exterior veneer, but is definitely an option for interior stone wall designs.

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19.  Should you use horizontal joint reinforcement?
All masonry units should use some type of horizontal joint reinforcement. When installing PRAIRIE stone it is recommended every 16" o.c. and every course when laying 12" or 16" tall units.

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20.  How far apart should the control joints be spaced?
This is one of the most critical issues when designing a masonry wall. Control joints should be no more than 25' apart. Placement of the joints is just as important. They should be located near corners, at openings, at wall height changes and at piers. When PRAIRIE stone is installed less than 8' high on a wall, control joint spacing should be reduced to approximately 16' apart.

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21.  How does PRAIRIE stone compare in price to other similar products on the market?
There are many factors to consider when determining the in-wall costs. PRAIRIE stone is very versatile and the most economical product for the amount of shape variations available to you.

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22.  Where is PRAIRIE stone available?
It is manufactured in Joliet, Illinois and is distributed nationally through dealers and manufacturer reps in every state. PRAIRIE stone has also been shipped to Panama and the islands of St. Maarten. There are no limits to where PRAIRIE stone will go!

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