Cultured Stone FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions

Cultured stone, aka fabricated or manufactured stone, has so many stylish options for your home or office.

Stone can be a beautiful way to upgrade your kitchen, bath, fireplace, or home remodeling project. But, if you’ve ever shopped for stone, you know that there are many options on the market. It can be confusing to understand the terminology associated with the stone industry.

• Cultured stone is referring to manufactured stone, and fabricated stone.
• Stone veneer, on the other hand, is stone that has been mined from the earth, then cut into uniform shapes and thicknesses for use on fireplaces and walls.

While it may seem that real stone would always be preferable to “fake” stone, you may want to take a second look at manufactured stone. One reason to consider is is the weight of real stone. Even when it is cut into a thinner veneer, stone can be very heavy. This can become a major issue if you want to add it to the front of your fireplace. Unless your floor is reinforced properly to accommodate the extra weight, manufactured stone may be a better option. This is especially a problem with standard-cut stone; it is much thicker than stone veneer and manufactured stone.

Another reason to use manufactured stone is cost. Most often real stone is more expensive than manufactured stone. If you plan to cover a large area with stone, the cost savings can add up to a significant dollar amount both in materials and labor.

For the most realistic look, many architects and designers recommend choosing a manufactured stone that is installed since it is made with less seams or cracks, and requires almost no maintenance. Many manufactured stones have become so realistic, even when installed in panels, that you may not be able to tell the difference between them and real stone once they are installed.

What are cultured stone products made of?
Cultured stone products are cast in molds taken from carefully selected natural stone, using a process that faithfully captures even the faintest detail. Each color and texture uses its own blend of cement, lightweight natural aggregates and iron oxide pigments. Even on close examination, these manufactured stones look and feel just like the originals.

How heavy are fabricated stone products?
The weight is approximately 8-12 lbs. per square foot.

Does the color go all the way through?
Base color is blended throughout the entire product during the casting process.

Do all manufactured stone products look the same?
No, cultured stone products are cast from thousands of individual molds essentially eliminating repetition. In addition, to further eliminate the possibility of repetition, no two stones are ever reproduced with the exact same coloring.

How long will cultured stone products last and are they warranted?
Fabricated stone products are lightweight and last as long as any quality concrete or masonry material such as concrete block, or brick. Typically their life span is 50 years.

Can Cultured Stone products be used on both exterior and interior applications?
Yes. cultured stone products are suitable for both, and allow you to bring the outdoors inside, emphasizing design and continuity in color and texture.

Can manufactured stone products be used on fireplace facings, or behind a free standing stove?
Yes. Fabricated stone products have been tested and classified by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. as a non-combustible material (UL Classification #209T). Test results showed zero flame spread and zero smoke developed. Be sure to refer to the fireplace or stove manufacturers installation instructions and your local building codes.

Can fabricated stone products be used on walkways or patios?
No. Manufactured stone products are not suitable for foot traffic.

Can cultured stone products be cut?
Yes. Cultured stone products are easily cut and trimmed using a hatchet or wide-mouth nippers, or with a masonry blade used with a circular or masonry saw.

Can fabricate stone cover anything?
Yes, cultured stone can go over anything, and also create realistic 90 degree corners.

Who manufactures cultured stone products?
Marble Concepts & Designs, LLC has the largest plant for produced cultured stones in Oregon. We have been taking care of residential and business customers since 1995. Send us an email to receive more information.

• Fabricated stone has come along way. The advances in colors, textures, and forming – there are hundreds of great product selections that look indigenous (and real) in any home or business environment.
• Keep in mind, a greatly improved product can still look unnatural if improperly installed by someone who doesn’t understand how to work specifically with the ins and outs of cultured stone. We know the “do’s” and “don’t” from our decades of experience.
• At Marble Concepts & Designs, LLC we manufacture the stone product you can purchase, even customize, along with installing it. We do cover all the bases and can work your designer, contractor, or project manger to accommodate your schedule(s).