Stone FAQs
How is it made?
Manufactured Stone is a cement and lightweight sand/gravel mixture usually wet cast and vibrated in rubber-like molds. The molds were made by being cast from real stone and reproduce the texture and shape of the real stone pieces. Before the wet mixture is poured into the mold, the mold has iron oxide color treatments that are then absorbed into the mixture to create a face that looks like the real stone. These pieces of manufactured stone are so much like the natural stone that when installed it is very difficult to tell they are not natural.
How heavy is manufacturered stone?
About 8-10 pounds per square foot.
How thick is manufacturered stone?
One to three inches depending on style.
Will manufacturered stone fade?
Colors become an integral part of the stone during molding. Existing applications show no undesirable change in color after years of weathering.
Does the color go all the way through?
Base color is blended throughout the entire stone. While color overtones are applied and integrated into the product during the molding process.
Will the same stone appear repeatedly in a typical application?
Manufacturered stone is cast from hundreds of individual molds, essentially eliminating repetition.
How does it compare in cost to natural stone?
Installed cost of manufacturered stone can be a fraction of the installed cost of natural stone. It requires no footings, foundation or wall ties so installation time is considerably reduced.
Is any maintenance required?
Occasional rinsing (if desired) will remove surface dust and dirt.
Can manufacturered stone be cut?
Yes. Manufacturered stone can be easily cut or trimmed with a masonry saw, wide-mouth nippers or a hatchet.
Will manufacturered stone stain if my fireplace smokes?
Yes, just as any natural stone or brick will.
How long will manufacturered stone last?
Manufacturered stone will last as long as any good quality masonry material such as brick or concrete block.