Wall coping stones are typically used to cap freestanding walls, providing protection from weather damage while enhancing visual appeal. They also complement pier caps effectively. There are, however, a variety of different types of wall coping stones that have been designed to accommodate different requirements.
Here at Cawarden Brick & Tile Company Limited, we stock a range of wall copings that can help you add the final touch to your walls. We have, therefore, put together a guide to some of the main styles in our latest blog post below.
SADDLE OR TWICE-WEATHERED
Saddle, or twice-weathered, wall coping stones are shaped like a hip roof, specifically designed to maximize water runoff. Angled on both sides with a ridge down the center, they direct water to either side effectively.
Usually, these are found on garden walls and balustrades, where the direction of runoff is less critical. They may also feature ‘drip grooves’ on the underside of the overhanging section to prevent water from dripping onto the wall and causing damage.
Saddle wall coping stones can come with a pointed ridge or can be rounded at the top. Either serve the same purpose, so it’s usually an aesthetic decision to opt for one over the other.
SPLAYED, WEDGE, OR ONCE-WEATHERED
Once-weathered wall coping stones are designed to direct water in a specific direction. Typically, they guide runoff from the top of the roof inward, where an internal gutter channels water safely away from the walls to protect them.
These coping stones can also be applied to external and garden walls or balustrades, effectively shielding the top of the brickwork and directing water appropriately. They often include drip grooves to further safeguard the sides of the wall from water damage.
FLAT
Flat coping stones are commonly used at the tops of roofs, especially in gable designs, to shield the brickwork from rainwater. While they are less focused on directing runoff, flat wall coping stones enhance the visual appeal and serve as a finishing cap for the roof. They can be personalized with chamfered edges and other trimmings to add additional stylistic dimensions.
DECORATIVE
A final category of wall coping stones are those of the ‘decorative’ ilk. Traditionally, a lot of the coping stones you will see are ‘Romanesque’. These draw inspiration from where wall copings were arguably first found, in the Roman era. However, there is another category, where coping stones provide the same channelling of water but with more emphasis on exuberance and style.
Perhaps harking back to the ‘Perpendicular period’ of Gothic architecture. These copings are common on the roofs of the colleges of Oxford University, for example. You might also be lucky to find a good selection of these at your local salvation yard.
FORM AND FUNCTION
In essence, all types of wall coping stones are functional but also add an aesthetic appeal to walls. They protect the brickwork by channeling water and also provide a decorative finishing touch. They can be customized to your specifications and crafted from a variety of materials. Such as stone, concrete, slate, and others.
DISCOVER A VARIETY OF WALL COPINGS WITH CAWARDEN
Here at Cawarden Brick & Tile Company Limited, we stock a range of reclaimed wall coping that is ideal for suiting every taste – whether you are looking for something Romanesque or from the Perpendicular period. We also even have pillar caps to compliment these stones perfectly.
If you would like to contact us to discuss our products further, please call on 01889 574066 or fill out our simple online contact form and a member of our team will be happy to help.