What Is the Difference Between Cast Stone and Concrete?

What is Cast Stone?

• Cast stone is a refined building material made from Portland cement and various types of aggregate that are mixed and precast into shapes to simulate the look of natural stone. It can be fabricated to look like slate, travertine, limestone, brownstone, granite, sandstone and other natural materials. Cast stone products often contain small particles of crushed natural stone added to the mixture. The size of the aggregate in the material is generally under 3/8-inch in size, according to the Continental Cast Stone website. Pigments and other admixtures are added to produce certain physical characteristics. The concrete mixture is tamped into molds under pressure. The resulting product has the visual characteristics of the type of stone desired.

Advantages of Cast Stone

• Cast stone products provide an attractive appearance that closely simulates the look of natural materials. Cast stone provides a solid and traditional look to building structures and exterior areas. Cast stone is less expensive than natural stone products, which must must be mined from quarries and further processed for use as a building material. Being a cementitious material, it is durable and withstands exposure to the elements well.

Disadvantages of Cast Stone

• Cast stone can be reinforced to some extent. It has only limited structural application and is generally for aesthetic or design uses. Cast stone is more expensive than traditional precast concrete.

What is Concrete?

• Concrete is a mixture of Portland cement, aggregate, sand and water that is poured or precast into shapes for a wide variety of architectural design and structural components. The aggregate in concrete is generally larger than in cast stone, that is, between 3/8 to ¾ inch. Typically, the concrete mixture contains 10 to 15 percent cement, 60 to 75 percent aggregate and 15 to 20 percent water, according to the Portland Cement Association website. Entrapped air may also be in the mix in ratios from 5 to 8 percent.

Advantages of Concrete

• Concrete is a strong and durable material that resists the elements and can be molded into any shape required. Reinforcing materials such as steel can be incorporated into the concrete material to provide additional strength. Concrete is an inexpensive material to use for building purposes and is noncombustible.

Disadvantages of Concrete

• Concrete is low in tensile strength and can be subject to cracking. Aggregate material is more likely to be exposed in concrete. It is not as attractive as a cast stone product for decorative purposes.