CONCRETE BUILDING BLOCKS
21. Concrete building blocks usually present about 2 square feet of surface in the wall and are generally 8 inches thick, thus making a volume of 1⅓ cubic feet. Since one-third of this volume as a rule is air space, the actual volume of concrete is a little less than 1 cubic foot. The materials in a block of this kind, if used in a 1-4 mixture, will cost about 18 cents. If the block is 12 inches thick instead of 8 inches, the materials will cost about half again as much, or 27 cents. The cost of labor to manufacture these blocks depends on whether they are made in great quantities, and the wages paid the workmen, etc., and varies from 6 to 10½ cents for each block. To lay a block in the wall costs from 5 to 10 cents, 7 cents being about the average price. This price includes the mortar used in laying. For teaming and haulage, an allowance of 5 cents per block is usually sufficient. The cost per block, 8 inches thick, set in the wall is then as follows:
| Maximum Cost Cents | Minimum Cost Cents | ||
| Materials | 18 | 18 | |
| Labor | 10½ | 6 | |
| Placing | 10 | 5 | |
| Haulage | 5 | none | |
| Total | 43½ | 29 |
These results divided by 2 will give the cost of the wall per square foot, since each block is supposed to have a surface of 2 square feet. If the wall is 12 inches thick instead of 8 inches, one-half as much again should be added to the price.
MASONRY
22. Stone masonry is generally measured by the perch; in some sections of the United States, however, measurement by the cord is preferred, but the best method (as being invariable) is by the cubic yard. In estimating by the perch, it is necessary to state how much the perch is taken at, whether 24¾ or 25 cubic feet. Note should also be made in regard to corners and deduction for openings. In most localities it is not customary to deduct openings under a certain size, and corners are usually measured twice.
23. Rough stone from the quarry is generally sold under two classifications; namely, rubble and dimension stone. Rubble consists of pieces of irregular size, such as are most easily obtained from the quarry, up to 12 inches in thickness by 24 inches in length. Stone ordered of a certain size, or to square over 24 inches each way and to be of a particular thickness, is called dimension stone.
Rubble masonry and stone backing are generally figured by the perch or cubic yard. Dimension-stone footings are measured by the square foot unless they are built of large, irregular stone, in which case they are measured the same as rubble. Ashlar work is always figured by the superficial foot; openings are usually deducted, and the jambs are measured in with the face work. Flagging and slabs of all kinds, such as hearths, treads for steps, etc., are measured by the square foot; sills, lintels, molding, belt courses, and cornices, by the linear foot; and irregular pieces, by the cubic foot. All carved work is done at an agreed price by the piece.
DATA ON RUBBLE MASONRY
24. The following proportions and cost of materials and amount of labor required to lay 1 perch of rubble masonry are reasonably accurate, and will serve to give an idea of how to estimate such work. A perch of rubble masonry requires, approximately, 2,500 pounds of stone.