Q. How does manufactured stone compare with real stone veneer?
A. Manufactured stone, sold under brand names such as Cultured Stone, Coronado Stone, etc., is a mixture of cement, aggregates and pigments that is cast in molds made from genuine natural stone. Even on close examination manufactured stone generally looks and feels like natural stone. Manufactured stone weighs less than real stone, and it’s easier to install with a flat backside that lays flush with the wall, unlike than the uneven surfaces of real stone. Manufactured stone generally requires no additional footings, foundations or wall ties, which reduces installation time and usually results in a lower overall cost of installation if contracting the labor.