Cultured stone is less expensive than natural stone and has a similar look. It is also less weighty than natural stone. We offer cultured stone installation in Surrey, BC, and the surrounding Lower Mainland area. We can install stone veneer on walls, fireplaces, and other structures.
The look of cultured stone can vary, depending on the surface it is installed on. It is also available in a range of shapes, colors, and textures and can be used in a variety of settings, both commercially and residentially.
Man-made stone is lighter than natural stone, so the use of proper installation is critical. Also, the performance of the installed stone unit is directly related to the preparation of the supporting wall. Given the climate of BC, it is important to use adequate protective and installation barriers.
Cultured stone is manufactured to mimic natural stone. It is also lighter than natural stone. Because it is manufactured, it can be standardized. Unlike natural stone that is cut from the quarry, cultured stone can be manufactured in patterns and shapes like ledgestone, stacked stone, and other irregular shapes and sizes.
It is less expensive and a lighter weight option than natural stone. Because it is manufactured to mimic natural stone, it can also be used as a veneer to cover a supporting wall. Compared to natural stone, the designs can be standardized and repeated.
It is also used to create design appeal by providing a means to subdivide space and add an architectural element to a design.
How Does Cultured Stone Compare to Real Stone?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Cultured stone is a good option if natural stone is required, but there are budget and weight constraints.
Not all stone veneer products are lightweight, and just because a stone veneer product is lightweight doesn't mean it can be installed on any substrate. The supporting wall must be suitable for the selected veneer system.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
| Feature | Cultured Stone | Real Stone |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Manufactured cement product | Naturally quarried product |
| Weight | Generally lighter than full-depth natural stone | Weight varies; thicker stone is heavier. |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher cost |
| Appearance | Manufactured colors and textures | Natural variations |
| Installation | Easier to handle because of dimensions | More difficult to handle because of thickness variation |
| Durability | Depends on quality and installation | Depends on the stone and the installation |
Cultured stone is a good option if natural stone is required, but there are budget and weight constraints.
Not all stone veneer products are lightweight, and just because a stone veneer product is lightweight doesn't mean it can be installed on any substrate. The supporting wall must be suitable for the selected veneer system.
There are multiple areas on a building where stone veneer can be installed. Some are fully exposed to the elements, and some are completely or partially protected. Other factors that influence the method of installation include the conditions of the surface and the exposure to moisture. Manufacturer requirements also influence the method of installation.
As stone is available in many natural colors and textures, it is adaptable to various kinds of designs and interiors.
Before a stone can be installed, the wall must be tested to ensure the stone can be affixed to the wall. This is largely dependent on the surface preparation of the wall.
The adhesive/bonding agent used to secure the stone to the wall must be acceptable and approved for that application.
We do cultured stone feature walls for both the residential and commercial markets.
Cultured stone for exterior walls is usually found on the front of houses as well as entrance walls for commercial buildings. It is often used in combination with other exterior materials to create a contrasting finish.
Surrey has a maritime climate and receives a high level of precipitation throughout the year, so the management of moisture is an important consideration during the installation of exterior stone veneer.
An appropriate exterior wall system may require a weather resistant barrier, drainage, flashing and other components of the veneer system.
It is important to ensure that water is not trapped behind the stone because moisture can damage the wall material.
We consider the wall construction, site conditions, the recommendations of the stone veneer manufacturer and other relevant building codes when installing exterior cultured stone.
A cultured stone fireplace surround provides the look of a masonry fireplace without using full depth stone.
Manufactured stone is often installed in conjunction with fireplaces, surrounds and decorative chimney walls.
The veneer, mortar, and supporting materials must be acceptable for the application. Stone veneer must be installed in accordance with the instructions of the fireplace manufacturer and other applicable safety requirements.
We install cultured stone over various fireplace features and surrounds.
Cultured stone can be installed on doors and other architectural features.
Manufactured veneer can simulate a stone finish using a column of less depth than the full column.
The supporting column has to be able to take the selected material and the method of installation.
Finished edges to pillars may be available.
The same attention to detail is given when installing cultured stone to pillars to ensure pieces are aligned and joints are spaced correctly.
Stone veneer is also used for accent walls. Other features may also require stone veneer. These may be interior or exterior.
Various patterns, colors and styles of stone veneer are available for installation.
These are distributed as evenly as possible prior to installation to achieve an optimal appearance.
The same attention is also given to other areas of the work where stone veneer is used.
The appearance and finish of manufactured stone veneer can be of various textures and colors and mimic other stone appearances.
It can also be of consistent dimensions and can be used on interior and exterior walls and other architectural features.
Manufactured stone has a more consistent and even dimension than irregular stone. This makes it easier to work with and install.
Cultured Stone has an attractive appearance for a long time. The durability also depends on many environmental conditions and factors on the site of installation.
Cultured Stone must be maintained. If there are cracked joints or veneer units, then this must be taken care of to stop further problems.
There are different methods used to install manufactured stone veneers and each method uses a different supporting structure.
At Father & Son Masonry, we always consider the conditions of the existing wall, the site, and the type of stone to be used before starting any installation.
We always look at the area to be installed and the conditions that the wall will be exposed to including effects of the weather and the surroundings.
Drainage and weather protection need to be considered for exterior installations.
It has to be appropriate for the work to be done.
For work done in Surrey, it is best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for exposure to moisture and freeze-thaw conditions.
We take on any masonry work that you may require. Whether it is a partial or complete exterior wall, a fireplace surround, a decorative feature or something else, we can do it all.
When contacting us, the following information is helpful: the location of the project; approximate size of area to be covered; what type of wall it is; and what product you are thinking of using.
Pictures of the project area can be helpful for our employees to understand the work.
For more information or a price quote, call 604-719-5057 or email info@fatherandsonmasonry.ca
You can also contact us through our website.
Properly manufactured and installed cultured stone can last for decades. The lifespan of a cultured stone product varies due to many factors. In BC sufficient moisture barrier and drainage are critical in exterior masonry work. BC's climate varies from moderate to extreme and includes freezing temperatures.
Compared to natural stone that varies in price based on thickness, cultured stone is cheaper. The total cost of the job varies due to many factors including the size of the job, the materials used, and labor.
Yes. Manufactured stone veneer can be installed on exterior walls as long as adequate moisture management details are included and manufacturer's instructions are followed.
A manufacture stone product, whether cultured or artificial stone, is designed to simulate natural stone.
The company Cultured Stone manufactures one type of artificial stone veneer, but others make similar products as well.
As manufacturing processes and ingredients vary by manufacturer, there will, of course, be differences in the actual products.
Cultured stone is typically lighter than full-depth natural stone. Some thin natural stone veneers are similar in weight to cultured stone. The supporting wall and method of installation must be appropriate for the selected veneer.
Yes, manufactured stone veneers can be used for any decorative walls, including fireplace surrounds. The installation must comply with the fireplace manufacturer's clearances and use materials acceptable for the expected temperatures.