Design and workshop drawing production are activities which must progress concurrently with the stone selection process, to avoid both duplication of effort and abortive time. APS Masonry will incorporate accurate traditional detailing and jointing into the clients concept, with the knowledge and experience of any restrictions imposed by the preferred stone type and finished unit weights, ensuring a practical, economic, and optimum overall design. Various restraint and support systems will be considered so as not to compromise the final appearance of the finished masonry.

Dedicated Computer Aided Design technicians, with masonry detailing experience, liaise continuously with the architect and engineer, ensuring co-ordinated information prior to production, CAD stations with direct links send the final design information to state of the art CNC machinery.

Selection of a suitable stone type is fundamental to providing a superior masonry design. There are many criteria which require reviewing when contemplating stone, none of which should be considered in isolation. In particular the stone type should be chosen in conjunction with the programme, budget, procurement strategy and not least appearance and durability. There is often more than one stone type which will be appropriate and APS Masonry will assess the pros and cons of each, advising on the most suitable one for the specific project, be it a large private residence or a small birdbath or garden bench.

The stone selection service provided by APS Masonry is not limited to UK or European quarries or mines. Stone providers worldwide are sought to provide a comprehensive choice, the best of which will then be recommended to clients.

The sawing and profiling machinery at APS Masonry operates under CNC (Computer Numeric Control) providing 24-hour production with a weekly output capacity in the order of 30 cubic metres of completed masonry; a typical split being 22 cubic metres of ashlar work and 8 cubic metres of profiled stone.

Eight-tonne stone blocks straight from the quarry or mine can be accommodated on the primary saws, with subsequent distribution to the circular secondary saws by two 5-tonne overhead cranes. Complex profiling is carried out using 'smart cam' and 5 axis milling technology capable of reproducing 'ramp and twist' shapes found in a spiral stair for example, as well as all forms of bespoke three-dimensional profiles and carvings.

APS Masonry continually invest to ensure the most efficient combination of machinery and craftsman is available to service the most demanding of projects. All stonework is individually checked and finished by APS Masonry-trained banker masons prior to delivery or collection, to ensure the very highest quality.