Manufactured Stone: A Guide

Whether you’re having work done on your home or you’re building it from scratch, there are a variety of different materials you can use. Which one you choose will rely on both aesthetic and practical factors. How do you want your home to look, and how much maintenance can you do if the materials are causing problems? 

In this article, we’ll discuss why manufactured stone is such a popular material. This includes explaining what it’s made of, why some people prefer it to natural stone, and more. By the end of the article, you should have a better idea if manufactured stone is right for your home building or renovation project.

What Is Manufactured Stone Made Of?

Manufactured stone is designed to look like natural stone while being easier to work with. This means it’s usually made of concrete and other aggregates. It’s then colored with pigmentation to help it look more like natural stone. 

Why Not Use Natural Stone?

Natural stone is more labor intensive than manufactured stone, since it has to be dug out of the ground naturally.

This makes manufactured stone cheaper to procure, which is one of the biggest reasons why it’s a more popular choice. That said, people have been building with natural stone for centuries, so that is an option if you’re most concerned with authenticity.

There are a few other advantages that manufactured stone holds over natural stone that you need to be aware of, though. One is that it’s easier to find the right color. You have to find stone that matches your vision of the house, while also making sure there’s enough of it to ensure everything matches.

Along with that, manufactured stone is also easier to maintain. If you choose to go with natural stone, you need to be prepared to regularly clean it.

What Kinds Of Manufactured Stone Can I Get?

Manufactured stone is separated into three different categories, based on their shape: ledgestones, fieldstones, and riverrock.

Ledgestones and fieldstones are both commonly used in home exteriors and interiors. Ledgestones tend to be symmetrical which makes them perfect if you want to give your home a more manicured look.

Fieldstones of varying sizes are often used on the same project, which gives a more rugged look. Both of them can be used for walls and fireplaces.

River rock isn’t generally isn’t used in homes. Instead, you’re more likely to find it being used for landscaping projects.

Need Masonry In South Jersey?

If so, Almand Bros can help. For years, we’ve been ensuring that South Jersey residents have the masonry, stone, and waterproofing services they need. We’re licensed and insured builders who pride ourselves on the work that we do, which is why every job is supervised by the owner, Mike Almand.

Whether you have questions about our services or you’re ready to get a free estimate, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. You can call us at (856) 310-1390, email us at almandbros@comcast.net, or fill out our contact form.