Plain work

nounStandard termBuilding

A style of masonry featuring smooth, flat stone surfaces without decorative carving.

Masonry construction that uses dressed stones finished to a flat, smooth surface. It lacks any ornamental carving, rustication, or complex profiling. Masons use this technique to create clean, uniform facades where the focus is on the precision of the joints and the natural texture of the stone itself.

Heard on the job

The specs call for plain work on the lower facade, so make sure those ashlar blocks are dressed perfectly flat.