how to guide

Both materials have their positive and negative sides. The installation process is roughly the same, but the manufactured stone is more predictable and installer-friendly. It is lightweight and easier to cut, making the material more practical in most cases. When properly installed, even manufactured stone (at least the good quality one) can be as durable as their natural counterparts. The original colors do fade over time, but it won’t happen in many years if not decades. The visual difference between manufactured and natural stone is minimal to the point where you may not be able to distinguish one from another just by looking.

Both of them come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors, although the manufactured stone is actually more flexible because factories can create just about every pattern imaginably. With that in mind, you can even choose specific variant that complements the overall appearance of your house, room, or landscape. As a matter of fact, it is possible to create an entirely new pattern, combination of colors, or textures with manufactured stone. You have complete freedom to explore limitless design and be creative about it. For example, ZEMENT STONE, a Colorado-based manufactured stone company, offers a massive collection of colors and textures suitable for nearly all architectural styles and designs. Popular product styles include Colosseum, Stonehenge, Bavaria, Kea, Medina, Verona, Patagonia, Monaco, Petra, Golden Gate, and more. Textures also vary such as Limestone, Sandstone, Castle, Weathered-Edge, Thin Brick, Custom Mixes, etc.

Artificial stone is not exactly a new invention; the industry has been in existence for hundreds of years. The modern manufacturing process uses molds made from real stones and incorporates artistic coloring systems to create a natural realistic look.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and project purpose. Natural stone is best used in a construction project in which the structures are installed to look as if it has always been part of the landscape. Manufactured stone can imitate that same appearance quite well also, added with an easier and more practical installation process. Let us not forget that manufactured stone is more environment-friendly. Their production process does not involve digging holes in the ground and disturbing the Earth’s surface.