Natural Stone vs Manufactured Stone

Manufactured Stone (faux stone, man-made stone, cultured stone) is concrete poured into a mold with integral color to simulate the look of real stone. It was introduced decades ago as an alternative to the heavier four-inch thick natural stone (prior to the introduction of the natural sawn thin stone veneer). The lighter manufactured stone made for easy installation causing the product to grow in popularity.

The natural stone market came up with a sawing process to produce a lighter natural stone veneer. A growing number of quarries now produce a thin veneer product that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Thin veneer natural stone gives the look of real stone construction for a fraction of the cost. Today, depending on material selected, there is little difference between the two in materials cost

From a distance it may be hard for some to tell the difference but upon closer inspection there is no comparison. Natural stone has an undeniable beauty with each stone being unique in both appearance and texture. Manufactured stone is made from a variety of molds, if you look closely you can usually find the same piece twice. The inability to cut manufactured stone and have a finished cut means you must use the pieces as is or see the cut edges or gaps in the finished product.

One stone manufacturer cautions, “We do not recommend manufactured stone with water applications such as fountains and pools because chemicals will cause it to deteriorate, as will the constant moisture.”

With proper installation, natural stone veneer will bring a lifetime of beauty with nothing to worry about. The natural stone veneer will also make for a seamless transition should you wish to landscape your home with natural stone. Natural stone veneer will retain its colors whereas the colors of manufactured stone will fade after a few years.