Cultured Stone for Houses

History

• The term "cultured stone" is trademarked by a company known as Boral Stone Products. California brothers Floyd and Garrett Brown were plasterers by trade who researched and developed the product in 1962. The Browns initially sold the cultured stone for use around their hometown of Vallejo, California. Soon, the company took off and today it operates three plants across the country.

  Many homeowners and contractors, however, use the term "cultured stone" to refer to any type of stone-like veneer. Consumers may choose from a wide variety of manufacturers today, all of whom put their unique spin on the product.

Visual Characteristics

• Stone veneer is usually comprised of a mixture of ingredients in including Portland cement, lightweight aggregates, concrete and iron-oxide pigments. Often, these materials are pressed into molds made from real stones. The end result is a product so realistic that you may need a magnifying glass to tell manufactured stones apart from real stones. Because it's a manufactured product, artificial stone veneer offers a very consistent look. It also fits together well, forming a pleasing pattern with tight joints. Stone veneer is available in a seemingly endless array of colors, patterns and styles as well.

Benefits

• Manufactured stone veneer is durable and solid. One of the biggest advantages, however, is the lighter weight. Manufactured stone is 75 percent lighter than real stone. The lighter weight makes the veneer less challenging to install and easier to handle. It also goes up more quickly and it can be applied to almost any wall surface with no additional support necessary. Cultured stone also allows homeowners to get the sophisticated, upscale look of real stone at about half the cost. Because it's such a versatile material, it's not difficult for a contractor to remove a home's traditional siding and install the veneer for a quick and affordable upgrade.

Installation and Maintenance

• Installation still needs to be performed by a professional mason. Contractors install a water-resistant barrier first, which is then covered by mesh or lathe, depending on local building codes. A mason applies a layer of mortar, waits until it dries a bit, and then scores it horizontally with a special tool. After that, the manufactured stones may be applied to the wall. A mason would apply more mortar to the back of the stone and then press it into place, grouting and finishing the joints once the stone has been applied.

  Manufactured stone requires very little maintenance -- a soft bristle brush and water should take care of most dirt. Mix up a solution of one part vinegar to seven parts water for tougher stains.