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Rock Your World
Manufactured stone comes inside
by Jason Miller

Gone are the days when manufactured stone was used only for retaining walls and exterior veneers. Interiors the world over are gaining from manufactured stone's looks, lightness and longevity—not to mention its favorable price point.

At first glance, manufactured stone is indistinguishable from natural stone. Both look like the real thing—the same undulations and textures, the same color patterns. But that's where the similarity ends.

While natural stone takes thousands of years to form, manufactured stone takes considerably less time. First, a mix of cement and aggregates is poured into molds that resemble natural stone types. Then, iron oxides are applied to provide the desired color for each "stone."

Heft a sample of manufactured stone. It's lighter than natural stone—75 percent lighter, to be exact. At only eight to ten pounds per square foot, it makes an excellent veneer choice. This makes a difference when you consider the uniform building code, which requires that building veneer systems weigh less than fifteen pounds per square foot, installed.

Once it's up, it stays. It doesn't react to the influences of water as natural stone does. One manufacturer, Stone Products Corporation, uses a "continuous pour" of its cement mixture, which prevents the surface of the manufactured stone from forming any cracks or fissures that would allow moisture to seep into the stone and shorten its life span. Natural stone can contain these fissures, which, over time, cause the stone to crack and crumble from the effects of water.

In addition to its physical advantages, your installer will love it. Manufactured stone is easier to cut and won't break the back of the person who works with it. Further, its application as a veneer is greatly simplified, since it needs no fasteners or ties.

But you're the one who will live with it. So what should you look for when you go shopping for manufactured stone?

Variety. Choose a brand that can be made to resemble any type or texture of natural stone. Most manufacturers offer a virtually unlimited palette of colors, textures and designs. This is important if uniformity of color and style of cut are crucial to your decision.

Value. National averages for the installed price of manufactured stone range from $7.50 to $12.50 per square foot, as opposed to natural stone, which can set you back as much as $20 per square foot. And since you won't want to pay for costly renovations and repairs decades later, look for a manufacturer that offers a solid warranty. Stone Products Corporation, for one, offers a 30-year warranty on their Cultured Stone line.

Variety again. Interior uses of manufactured stone are limited only by your imagination. Impress visitors with a stunning stone-clad entrance or atrium. A soaring two-story treatment will make jaws drop!

The kitchen shouldn't be left out. Frame your barbecue grill with smooth rock that looks as though it were pulled from a river or farmer's field just last spring. Or surround the base of your island snack bar or cooktop with its rustic beauty.

A staircase cloaked in cobblestone makes for a majestic ascent. If it takes in a view of a stone-clad fireplace, all the better!

Consider also a wall treatment in any room you choose. In the dining room: you'll almost convince yourself that you're dining in an English cottage. In the recreation room: a balanced geometric application will please the eye and generate conversation.

Even your bathroom may be included. A walk-in shower can benefit from the touch of stone, although care should be taken in its installation. Be sure to seal the stone twice with a silene-based or other manufacturer-approved sealant.

No matter what room in your home is graced by manufactured stone, its benefits are obvious. It's classy and building-code-friendly, and it'll last until you've made your last mortgage payment.

You'd practically have to be made of stone to turn it down.

Hard facts—Need to know more?
Contact these companies for product information.
Stone Products Corporation
Coronado Stone Products
Cascade Stone

Source: Rochelle Kassens, Stone Products Corporation
Photos courtesy of Stone Products Corporation