As a dealer in natural stone, I am extremely partial to real, honest to goodness, nature- made stone. Stone is part of the earth itself and has been a builder’s choice for centuries.
I am totally amazed that anyone would want imitation stone to adorn their home in this area, given our harsh weather elements of excessive wind, scorching sun, salt water spray, and sandblasts!
Like everything else there are pros and cons, likes and dislikes, and various marketing issues pitting manufactured or cultured stone against natural stone veneer. Not all stone is created equal, and not all cultured stone is manufactured equally.
Cultured stone and stone veneer are classic names for manufactured, artificial, imitation stone, man-made from concrete aggregate, cement, pumice (volcanic rock) and iron oxide pigments and placed in latex molds. Some manufacturers fabricate the color all the way through the stone and others on the surface area only.
While many homeowners, architects, builders and contractors assume that cultured stone is a more cost-effective option than real stone veneer, it can actually be more expensive depending on the manufacturer, country of origin, and quality of ingredients used in the manufacturing process. The same can be used to explain a very cheap product.
One of the most noticeable drawbacks to cultured stone is that it is not as durable as natural stone. Because cultured stone is made from a concrete mixture, it can sometimes break or chip, and as a result, that section must usually be replaced to preserve the look of the surface.
The coloring of manufactured stone does not always go through the stone, so a chip or cut edge could show through as plain concrete. Some dealers suggest painting the chip or edge to blend it in. Natural stone may also chip, but its signs of wear and tear are less obvious and cut edges are the same color throughout.
The installation process for cultured stone is extremely important because if installed improperly, a cultured stone surface can look highly unnatural. Manufactured stone does not have the density to support weight and may crush therefore it is not used for foot traffic, driveways, patios or near water features.
Specific cautions to avoid surface damage of manufactured stone requires that it not be installed where it will be in direct contact with water from irrigation sprinklers, downspouts, or drainage pipes and not be allowed to come in contact with de-icing materials, salt, harsh chemicals, or mud.
Efflorescence is a light powdery substance that may occur with cement-based products and is usually the result of moisture migration through the masonry substrate. Once the moisture is on the masonry surface, it evaporates, depositing dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence.
Efflorescence could disappear naturally over time if the source of the moisture is controlled or eliminated, or you can clean the chalky matter with distilled vinegar, water, a soft bristle brush, and a clean water rinse.
If you are still considering the use of cultured stone in your home, you should consider the cons, read the warranty and manufacturers specifications material to be sure you are using your investment dollars wisely. While cultured stone can pass for natural stone, its drawbacks may make natural stone a better option.
—Bryan Marriner, La Terra Stone, Cape May Court House
