Types of Wall Coping and How They Work

Peter Overton • June 2, 2022 • Aluminium Coping

We get it, learning all about wall coping can be overwhelming – after all, there are loads of options to choose from, and they all do slightly different jobs. So how do you know which one is best for you? And how do you install it? If you’ve ever asked yourself those questions, you’re in the right place. In this article we’re answering all of your burning questions. 

What is the Purpose of Wall Coping?

Let’s start with a question you definitely need to know the answer to – what even is wall coping? We’re glad you asked. The main purpose of wall coping is to protect the wall from water and other damage by creating a barrier, directing it away from the wall via drip channels inside the coping. It also acts as a decorative feature when considering the aesthetic finish of your building.

What are the Different Types of Wall Coping?

Various materials can be used for wall coping, some mainly for aesthetic purposes and others are better for their functionality – take a look… 

Brick Wall Coping

Brick is one of those materials best used for its aesthetic finish on non-parapet walls only. When it comes to protection, brick isn’t the best material for wall coping. Why? There are far too many joints that run the risk of water penetration, especially if you’ve been a victim of poor workmanship – in these instances brick and mortar will crumble away, leaving the wall exposed to the elements. 

Clay Wall Coping

Made from fired clay, this wall coping is a much better option than brick due to its long-lasting nature. Thanks to its ability to withstand exposure to sunlight and water, this material is most often used for garden walls, boundary walls and swimming pool surrounds. It adds a rustic vibe to any structure – if that’s the look you’re going for, it’s worth keeping clay coping in mind.

Be careful with this material though – if it’s not installed properly, clay wall coping can separate from the mortar bed and cause all kinds of unwanted issues. 

Concrete Wall Coping

Perhaps the cheapest option when it comes to coping is concrete. It’s extremely popular when it comes to finishing the top of brick, stone or masonry walls. It’s a great option for creating a visually appealing finish thanks to its versatility – coming in all sorts of shapes, textures, and finishes. 

Keep in mind, concrete wall coping is weighty and can often be too heavy for many walls, making installation difficult. It’s also one of those materials that easily weathers over time, requiring quite a bit of maintenance. 

Stone Wall Coping

You’ll find stone wall coping most commonly on buildings and walls with natural stone cladding. As it’s pretty expensive, stone coping is typically only chosen for its aesthetic value – if you’ve got a big budget, stone might be the material for you.

Metal Wall Coping

If the above materials aren’t going to cut it, you might want to look into metal wall coping. It’s a solid, safe and easily maintainable material – plus, it’s our favourite. 

Aluminium Wall Coping

If you’ve read any of our other articles, then you’ll know that aluminium is our go-to material. Why? Because it’s durable, lightweight, resistant to corrosion, environmentally friendly and (bonus) aesthetically pleasing. 

There are so many reasons why we love this material – if you’d like to know more, you can read all about it in these articles: Aluminium vs. Stone Coping and What is Aluminium Coping?

Copper Wall Copings

Copper wall coping is rarely used due to its high expense and susceptibility to theft – when chosen, it’s typically only used for its aesthetic value. 

Steel and Stainless Steel Wall Coping

When it comes to metal coping for walls, stainless steel is definitely on the pricier side, so it’s often chosen for its sleek, modern look or when a wall needs that special extra touch. It’s not just about function with stainless steel – though it’s super durable and resistant to rust, the real appeal is how great it looks. 

If you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, regular steel coping is way more budget-friendly and is actually one of the most commonly used metals for wall tops. You’ll find them on lots of residential walls, commercial properties, and even garden fences.  

Is Metal Coping Better than Stone Coping?

In short, yes. Metal wall coping is highly resistant to corrosion, durable, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer – some metal wall coping will even outlast the wall it sits on if taken care of properly. 

Aluminium Wall Coping at Kladworx

We proudly offer a range of Alumasc aluminum coping, custom-made for your to suit your project’s needs. Whether you need 3m length aluminium wall coping, junction wall coping, stop end wall coping, or 90 degree angle wall coping – we’ve got what you need in a variety of widths and colours.

Need a little guidance? No problem! Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your build. We offer tailored advice and, for those based in London or the South East, we can arrange a site survey to make sure you’re getting the right materials for the job. Let’s make your project a success!

Peter Overton

Accompanied by over 30 years of experience within the external construction sector, my skill set extends to many areas. As Director of Kladworx, I have oversight of every aspect of the business. I manage all of the general operations at Kladworx with this role including sales, marketing, and finance.

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