FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
This is a family owned business who live in and support this valley. For decades, we have been providing local home improvement products to property owners and businesses.
We welcome inquiries from interior designers, builders, and homeowners to receive specific information concerning your project.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
This a family owned business who live in and support this valley. For decades, we have been providing local home improvement products to property owners and businesses.
We welcome inquiries from interior designers, builders, and homeowners to receive specific information concerning your project.
Cultured stone, aka fabricated or manufactured stone, has so many stylish options for your home or office. Be sure to review our cultured marble, cultured granite, and cultured onyx galleries.
Our products are a beautiful way to upgrade your kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, or countertop 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.


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 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 is cultured stone?
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.