If you're looking for a way to protect your outdoor concrete surface from the harsh elements, bullnose coping stones may be the perfect solution! In this blog post, we will describe what bullnose coping stones are, and explain why they are such a good option for protecting your wall. We'll also provide some tips on how to choose the right bullnose coping stone for your needs!
What Is A Wall Coping?
A bullnose coping stone is a type of wall coping with a rounded edge on all exposed sides. Copings are typically used on walls that are exposed to the elements and in need of extra protection. Coping stones can be decorative but also serve a functional purpose by protecting delicate parts of a wall from being exposed to water or frost for example.
How Is A "Bullnosed" Coping Different From A Regular Coping?
A bullnose coping stone is different from a regular coping in that it has a rounded edge on all exposed sides. This gives the bullnose coping stone a softer look, as well as provides extra protection from the elements.
Why Are Bullnosed Copings So Good At Protecting From The Elements?
Bullnose copings are so good at protecting from the elements because of their rounded edges. Rounded edges deflect water and force it to run off in a specific pattern, which prevents the water from seeping into cracks or crevices in the wall. They also provide extra protection against frost damage by preventing moisture from accumulating on the wall's surface. Water can sit in regular/rustic coping, resulting in a freeze-thaw cycle that can damage the integrity of the coping or wall underneath.
The final factor for a bullnose coping that sets it apart from a regular coping is the addition of a drip-groove cut into the underside of the coping. This drip groove is a functional element of a bullnose coping that can be overlooked. The water that runs down the bullnose edge is forced toward the drip-groove underneath - once the water drop reaches the drip-groove, the deep cut into the underside of the coping forces the water to detach from the coping and drop onto the ground. Therefore protecting the fragile parts of the wall from water running all the way around the coping and forcing itself underneath the coping and sitting in any internal cracks or crevices inside the wall.
How To Choose The Right Bullnosed Coping Stone For Your Needs?
When choosing a bullnose coping stone for your needs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first thing to consider is the size of the bullnose coping stone. You'll want to make sure that the bullnose coping stone you choose is large enough to cover the entire exposed edge of your wall, plus enough for an overhang. The drip groove should sit outside the width of the wall itself, and the bullnose naturally sits out wider than that again. This usually totals a 25-35mm overhang plus the bullnose edge.
The second thing to consider is the thickness of the coping stone. Bullnosed coping stones are typically between 30-40mm thick, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, at Primethorpe, all our copings are manufactured to 30mm thickness which is suitable for the vast majority of situations. However, if you have been recommended by your installer to go thicker, it may be worth listening to.
The third thing to consider is the material of the bullnose coping stone. Bullnosed coping stones are typically made from concrete or natural stone, but can also be found in plastic and metal. The most common bullnose coping stones are made from concrete: they look fairly generic and uninteresting but do serve a very good functional purpose as they are the most durable and cost-effective option. However, natural stone bullnose copings are a more expensive option, but offer a more natural look and have plenty of variations for a more design/style-focused build. We even have natural black coping stones available in ready-made corner pieces or pier caps.
Bullnosed Coping Stones Are A Perfect Solution
There are many reasons to choose bullnose coping stones for your next project. They are an attractive and durable option that will protect your wall from the elements much better than a natural or straight edge coping. With so many options available, you can find the perfect bullnose coping stone to suit your needs. So why not give them a try on your next build? You won't regret it.
