Researching the right materials is an important part of the overall process of designing your new home or remodeling project. When it comes to selecting the right materials for your project, it’s important to consider every last detail during the design phase in order to streamline your processes and cost for the job.
Cultured Stone, the leader in MSV or Manufactured Stone Veneer, is produced by using a concrete mixture that’s poured into a mold and colored using mineral pigments. Its porous and lightweight properties make it easy to cut and handle; it can be more cost-efficient and maintenance-free for homeowners compared to natural stone products. With its wide variety of styles, colors, and textures, Cultured Stone has become a favorite for both interior and exterior use. With our newly-launched Visualizer Tool featuring Cultured Stone, you can build your perfect design virtually. We’ve put together this guide to help you and your clients better understand manufactured stone veneer and, ultimately, select the material that’s best-suited for the job.
What Is Cultured Stone?
Sometimes called faux stone because of its resemblance to real stone, Cultured Stone provides cost savings on installation per square foot compared to natural stone veneer. According to Cultured Stone’s website, their products “originated in 1962 when brothers Garrett and Floyd Brown of Vallejo, California, saw the need for a new kind of building material. The entrepreneurial pair of plasterers developed a manufactured stone veneer – a concrete mixture cast in flexible molds and hand-colored with iron oxide pigments to resemble natural stone. Made of lightweight aggregate materials, the veneers were approximately one-quarter the weight of natural stone and easily adhered to most wall surfaces.”
What is Manufactured Stone Veneer?
Manufactured stone veneer, also known as MSV, is a lightweight building material used as a decorative wall covering for exterior or interior surfaces. Produced by using a concrete mixture that’s poured into a mold and colored using mineral pigments – its porous and light weight properties make it easy to cut and handle, creating a streamlined and more cost-efficient installation process compared to natural stone. Manufactured stone veneer offers many benefits including a wide range of finishes and styles that remain consistent in shape, color, and availability proving to be a reliable and cost-effective product alternative. Unlike full-bed-depth natural stone, MSV can be applied to a variety of substrates including wall-cladding, cement board, and concrete.
The Bottom Line
When embarking on a new project, having the right information equips you to make smarter choices that align with your vision, just as the right materials help you build smarter for the future. Not only is Cultured Stone more versatile than natural stone, it’s just as visually striking for a fraction of the cost, meaning you can create beautiful, lasting structures under demanding time and cost constraints.
Find a Boral Cultured Stone Dealer Near You with trusted dealers across North America, plus an extensive warranty. Cultured Stone is always there to support every step of your process.
For several years, Mutual Materials has been a proud distributor of Cultured Stone and we are excited to provide this design feature to our customers. From rustic Country Ledgestone to the contemporary Pro-Fit Terrain Ledgestone, you are guaranteed to find a style that you will love. Need extra assistance or have questions? Please call us at (888) 688-8250.
Kick-off your next design project with our Visualizer Tool! Inspiration awaits and the design possibilities are endless.