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Known for its strength and durability, natural stone has been the top choice in construction materials for centuries. Early twentieth century homes usually have natural stone foundations, fire places, chimneys, and other accents. Most of the building habits of the twentieth century have been outgrown due to their expensive and time consuming nature. Natural stone was not left out of this fad and has become more of a luxury than a commonly used building material. This sparked the creation of a replacement—a manufactured stone that is less expensive than natural stone but can create the same classy and expensive end look.

Manufactured stone is also referred to as manufactured veneer, veneer stone, cultured stone, fake stone, faux stone, and lick and lick stone. This manufactured stone is created through a concrete mix that is colored and textured to mimic natural stone. The concrete mix allows manufacturers to use lightweight aggregates. This makes manufactured stone drastically lighter than natural stone, which also makes it easier to install. The lightweight and flat back characteristics of manufactured stone usually eliminate the need for extra foundations, ledges, wall ties, and lintels.

This eliminated need for weight support makes manufactured stone much less costly and also leaves room for flexibility during design and construction. One example of this freedom is the ability to have a manufactured stone fireplace on an upper level floor directly above an open room. As the structure of the building is carrying the weight instead of a foundation that must be carried all the way into the ground, this is possible. New foundations do not have to be made to add in manufactured stone as the weight is manageable with the current foundation.

The installation process of manufactured stone is very similar to that of stucco. The only difference between the process of installing stucco and that of manufactured stone would be in cases where the installation is occurring outdoors. In this case, a weather resistant barrier must be applied to the building. The first step to this application process is a wire mesh layer. This is then followed by a scratch coat of mortar. Mortar is then applied to the backs of the stones and the stones are placed on the wall. Grout may or may not be needed; this is entirely depended upon the style of stone being used and the desired aesthetic. If grout must be used, this should be done by way of a grout bag which is similar to a bag used to ice a cake. Grout is squeezed out of this bag into the gaps between the stones.

If you are interested in remodeling your home with manufactured stone, contact us for more information. Our remodeling contractors will be happy to walk you through the entire process. Whether you have questions pertaining to cost, aesthetic, method, or something else entirely, let us know, we would be more than happy to answer any of them. Call us today for more information about how we can help you with your next manufactured stone remodel.