Everything You Need to Know About Machine Cut Stones in Kenya
Machine cut stones are a type of building material that is commonly used in construction projects in Kenya. These stones are cut using machines to achieve a precise and uniform size and shape, which makes them highly sought after by builders and contractors.
Machine cut stones are commonly used for a variety of construction purposes, including the construction of foundations, walls, and floors. They are also used for making pathways, driveways, and patios. In addition to their durability and aesthetic appeal, machine cut stones are also prized for their low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Where Machine Cut Stones Are Found In Kenya
The demand for machine cut stones in Kenya has been on the rise in recent years, as the country’s construction industry continues to grow. This has led to an increase in the number of quarries and stone cutting businesses, which are now found in many parts of the country.
One of the most common types of machine cut stones used in Kenya is the Ndarugu stone, which is named after the location of Ndarugu in Thika where it is quarried. The Ndarugu stone is known for its durability and resistance to weathering, making it ideal for use in a variety of construction projects. It is also available in a range of colors, including grey, pink, and brown, which allows for greater flexibility in design.
Another popular type of machine cut stone in Kenya is the Nakuru stone, which is quarried in the Nakuru County. This stone is known for its versatility and is commonly used for both residential and commercial construction projects. It is also available in a range of colors, including red, brown, and grey.
In addition to the Nakuru and Ndarugu stones, there are also several other types of machine cut stones available in Kenya. These include the, Narok, Kedowa and Kitui stone, which is quarried in the Kitui County, and the Kisii stone, which is quarried in the Kisii County. Both of these stones are known for their durability and resistance to weathering, making them ideal for use in construction projects.
How are Machine Cut Stones Produced/Cut
The process of cutting stones using machines is a highly skilled task that requires specialized equipment and expertise. The stones are first drilled using a drilling machine, which creates holes for the blade to pass through. The blade, which is made of diamond or carbide, is then inserted into the holes and used to cut the stone into the desired shape and size.
Once the stones have been cut, they are transported to the construction site, where they are used in the building process. The stones are typically laid out in a specific pattern, with mortar used to secure them in place. This process is known as stone masonry, and it is commonly used in the construction of walls, floors, and other structures.
Advantages of Machine Cut Stones
One of the key advantages of using machine cut stones in construction projects is their precision and uniformity. Unlike natural stones, which can vary in size and shape, machine cut stones are consistently the same size and shape, which makes them easier to work with and helps to ensure that the finished product is of a high quality.
In addition to their precision and uniformity, machine cut stones are also known for their durability and resistance to weathering.
Unlike other stones, which can be damaged by exposure to the elements, machine cut stones are able to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. This makes them ideal for use in a variety of construction projects, including those in areas with harsh weather conditions.
In addition to their practical benefits, machine cut stones are also a popular choice for their aesthetic appeal. The stones are available in a range of colors, textures, and finishes, which allows for greater flexibility in design.
For example, the Nakuru stone is available in a range of colors, including grey, pink, and brown, which allows for a more natural look.
Challenges in Machine Cut Stone Production
While machine cut stones are a popular choice for construction projects in Kenya, they are not without their challenges. One of the main challenges facing the industry is the high cost of the machinery and equipment used to cut the stones.
This can make it difficult for small-scale stone cutting businesses to compete with larger companies, which have access to more advanced and expensive equipment.
Another challenge facing the machine cut stone industry in Kenya is the issue of quarrying. Quarrying is the process of extracting stone from the ground, and it can have negative environmental and social impacts.
For example, quarrying can result in the destruction of natural habitats, as well as the displacement of local communities. As a result, many people are calling for greater regulation of the quarrying industry in Kenya to minimize these negative impacts.
Despite these challenges, the demand for machine cut stones in Kenya is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as the country’s construction industry continues to expand. This will provide opportunities for both small-scale and large-scale stone cutting businesses, as well as for the local communities involved in the quarrying process.
Overall, machine cut stones are an essential building material in Kenya, and their popularity is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
With their precision, durability, and resistance to weathering, as well as their aesthetic appeal, machine cut stones are a reliable and cost-effective choice for a wide range of construction projects.
Machine Cut Stones FAQs
What Are Machine Cut Stones?
Machine cut stones are stones that have been cut to precise measurements and shapes with the use of a machine. This process is vastly different from the hand-cutting of stones that has historically been used in the past, due to the ability of machines to cut with greater precision and accuracy.
The process of machine cutting stones involves the use of a diamond saw blade, which is driven by a motor, to cut into the stone. This can be done to create intricate shapes and patterns, or to form the basic shape of the stone. The advantage of using a machine to cut stones is that it eliminates the need for manual labor, and allows for faster production of stones with greater precision and accuracy.
How Do You Cut Stones With A Machine?
Cutting stones with a machine requires a highly precise process and a specialized set of tools. Typically, the stones are cut using a diamond-tipped saw blade, which is mounted on a machine with a series of pulleys that move the blade in a precise manner.
The pulley system allows for the cutting of intricate shapes and designs in the stone, as well as for cutting the stone into various sizes and shapes. The blade is usually made of a diamond-tipped alloy, which is capable of cutting through the toughest materials. The speed of the blade and the pressure applied to the surface of the stone are both carefully controlled to ensure a smooth and precise cut.
In order to ensure that the cutting process is accurate and secure, the stone must be securely clamped to the machine and the blade should be sharpened and cooled to prevent overheating.
What Is The Size Of Machine Cut Stones In Kenya?
In Kenya, machine cut stones are typically available in a variety of sizes including 4*9, 6*9, and 9*9. The 9 by 9-inch machine cut stones are typically larger than the 6 by 9 stones and has a width of the 9 by 9 stones is typically 200mm, whereas the width of the 6 by 9 stones is typically 150mm.
The 9 by 9 inches’ stones are often used in the construction of storey buildings while 6*9 and 4*9 often used in wall partition.
This is due to the fact that the larger stones provide more structural integrity and support for the building, thus 9*9 are common in taller structures with more levels or storeys.
Furthermore, the larger stone size can also better withstand the weight of the building and its contents, thereby increasing the strength and longevity of the structure.
How Many Machine Cut Stones Can A Lorry Carry?
A lorry’s carrying capacity for machine cut stones depends on a variety of factors, such as the size and weight of the stones, the type of lorry being used, and the lorry’s load capacity. Generally speaking, the size of a lorry’s load capacity is determined by the size of the lorry itself, with larger lorries having higher capacity.
Furthermore, the type of lorry used can also affect its load capacity, as some lorries may have higher or lower load capacities than others.
Here is the machine cut stones capacity for size 6*9 stones as per different trucks:
- Trailer-1800pcs
- Double Steering-1100pcs
- Mguu kumi-1000pcs
- FR-700pcs
- FRR-700pcs
- FSR-650pcs
Additionally, the size of the stones must also be taken into account, as heavier stones will require a greater load capacity in order to be transported.
Note that Mguu Kumi truck can carry 1000pcs of 6*9 stones but can only carry 700pcs of 9*9.
How Much Is A Lorry Of Machine Cut Stones?
The cost of a lorry of machine cut stones can vary significantly depending upon a variety of factors. The size of the stones, the type of stone, the quality of the stone, the quantity of stone, and the market price of the stone all play a role in determining the cost.
Additionally, the cost of the fuel, the cost of labor for cutting the stones, and the cost of transporting the stones to their destination must also be taken into account.
All of these factors work together to determine the total cost of a lorry of machine cut stones. Prices per piece at quarry are Ksh. 23 for 4*9 stones, Ksh. 25 for 6*9 stones and Ksh. 28 for 9*9 stones respectively.
Generally, the cost of a lorry of machine cut stones (6*9) is summarized below:
- Trailer-1800pcs X25 = KES. 45, 000
- Double Steering-1100pcs X25 = KES. 27,500
- Mguu Kumi-1000pcs X25 = KES. 25, 000
- FR-700pcs X25 = KES. 17,500
- FRR-700pcs X25 = KSh. 17,500
- FSR-650pcs X25 =Ksh. 16,250
Note that the cost of Ksh. 25 (above) is price at the quarry and is exclusive of the transport.
With transport included, here is the estimated cost per stone at different locations.
✓Kiambu -Ksh. 42 per piece
✓Nyeri -Ksh. 55 per piece
✓Nakuru -Ksh. 58 per piece
✓Eldoret –Ksh. 75 per piece
✓Bungoma-Ksh. 80 per piece
✓Kisumu -Ksh. 78 per piece
✓Busia-Ksh. 80 per piece
✓ Kisii -Ksh. 75 per piece
✓ Migori -Ksh. 80 per piece
Are Machine Cut Stones Good For Building?
Yes, machine cut stones can be a good option for building and construction projects. They offer a number of benefits, including less work during plastering, increased accuracy and uniformity, which can make the building process easier and more efficient.
Machine cut stones are also less prone to cracking or chipping, as they are cut with precision and to a much higher quality than hand-cut stones.
Additionally, machine cut stones are not prone to the same degree of weathering and erosion as hand-cut stones can be, as the machine’s cutting is more precise and exact, creating a more uniform surface with fewer imperfections. This makes machine cut stones ideal for use in a variety of construction projects, from masonry walls and patios to driveways and more.
How Many Machine-Cut Stones Can Build A 3-Bedroom House?
A standard 3-bedroom house requires between 2,500-3,200 machine-cut stones, but the exact number is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the type of stone, the size of the house, and the complexity
