Types of Quoins and Where to Use Them

Previously used as a means of strengthening a stone or masonry building, quoins, or cornerstones, are today almost an entirely decorative feature. They are larger stones placed at the corners and edges of brickwork or stone walls. Generally, they are much larger in size than stones on the walls and in contrasting colors.

Quoins remain popular in modern construction where they can create a classic and distinguished look at residential and commercial properties. These are the different places you can install quoins and styles available.

Which Types of Quoins are Used in Architectural Designs?

There are 4 main categories of quoins depending on where they are installed and how they are fabricated. The different functional and design options available include:

• Return Quoins  – These are the most standard and original design used for quoins at corners of buildings. It creates a tooth-like design by laying alternating bricks with long and short sides exposed on either side.
• Reveal Quoins – These quoins go at the edge of walls surrounding windows and doors. Usually, two different sides bricks are used here to create a similar effect to the return quoins on corners.
• Chamfered Quoins – This is a purely stylistic element that gives a chamfered, or decorative cutaway edge, to the top, bottom, and sides of each quoin stone. Any quoin style can have chamfered edges.
• Cladding Quoins – These are purely decorative quoins that are affixed to the corners of finished walls. Both return and reveal quoins can be created with cladding quoins, as well as more modern looks where all quoins are the same size or gaps are added between quoins to expose the wall material behind. 

Since quoins are almost always a decorative element today, the majority of quoins are cladding quoins. These are possible with a range of weatherproof architectural materials. One of the leading options for architectural quoins is our proprietary EPS-based material at Patterson Whittaker, which is similar to precast concrete but lighter in weight, more durable, and more affordable. They provide an easy installation and a cost effective way to enhance the beauty and exterior appeal of your commercial or residential property with quoins. 

Learn more about our architectural materials and start your order for custom quoin stones by contacting Patterson Whittaker today.