Cast stone is a popular material in both architecture and construction, known for its ability to mimic natural stone. Despite its widespread use, however, many myths and misconceptions surround this material. In this article, you can find out the truth about cast stone products, and discover why they are a valuable investment for your property.
The Key Cast Stone Misconceptions
Cast stone is an often misunderstood building material, overlooked due to misconceptions that are readily believed about it. Below, you can discover the truth about cast stone, helping you to learn why it is so popular for decorative and construction projects alike.
Cast Stone is Just Concrete
While cast stone may be similar in its characteristics to concrete, there are some key differences between the two that many people often overlook. One of the largest differences between the two is their appearance. Cast stone is crafted to mimic natural stone, without the hefty weight and costly price tag. Contrastingly, concrete is a more utilitarian material, designed for use in a variety of places and not intended to look like cast stone.
Additionally, the materials used to make cast stone and concrete differ. Cast stone supplied by professional companies is made from high-quality fine aggregates such as sand and limestone. The use of quality products results in a refined and elegant finish, which is why many homeowners across the UK are proud to decorate their space using cast stone products. Concrete, on the other hand, is typically made from large aggregates such as gravel or crushed stone, which can result in a rougher finish.
Cast Stone is Too Fragile for Outdoor Use
One common myth about cast stone is that, unlike natural stone, it isn’t equipped to deal with use outdoors. Many people believe that the material isn’t durable enough, and will easily become weathered by local conditions, ruining its appearance or impacting its functionality. Luckily, this is far from true.
Cast stone is highly durable, thanks to the materials used to craft it. As mentioned, cast stone is made with fine aggregates that are chosen for their strength, durability and resistance to weathering. A cast stone manufacturer will also cure the stone using specialist methods, helping the stone to reach its optimal hardness and improve its resistance to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, cast stone is inherently fire-resistant and has low porosity, making it equipped for extreme weather too.
Cast Stone is Only Suitable for Decorative Purposes
As many believe that cast stone is not a durable material, people can be led to believe that cast stone is only suitable for decorative purposes. While cast stone signs and decorations can be highly pleasing to the eye, cast stone does have its uses as a popular construction material as well.
Cast stone is a popular material for the construction of properties, particularly when it comes to statement features. Cast stone copings pair beautifully with red brick walls and offer the structure protection from the elements as well as reinforcing the wall’s structural integrity.
Cast Stone is Difficult to Maintain
Detering them from implementing cast stone on their property, many people believe that cast stone is a difficult material to maintain and look after. Demanding construction materials can be incredibly offputting, especially when a household is busy and finds it difficult to find the time to care for structural materials. Thankfully, cast stones being difficult to maintain is just a myth.
Contrary to these beliefs, cast stone is incredibly easy to maintain. When provided by expert cast stone suppliers, cast stone features will need little maintenance, as the professionals will ensure that the stone is properly sealed to prevent staining and the absorption of moisture. Once fitted on a property, the cast stone will only require routine cleaning to keep it looking beautiful, which is easily carried out.
Cast Stone is More Expensive Than Natural Stone
As cast stone is manufactured and refined, it has become easy for people to believe that cast stone is more expensive than natural stone. Fortunately, this is not always the case. Natural stone needs to be quarried from the earth, requiring extensive extraction and cutting. The process is labour-intensive, involving large machinery.
Cast stone, on the other hand, is made using readily available aggregates and materials, saving on quarrying and transportation costs. Cast stone is also often a more cost-effective alternative to stone, particularly when large quantities of stone are needed for a project.
Cast Stone Offers Limited Design Options
When looking for construction materials to decorate your property with, don’t be fooled by the common misconception that cast stone offers limited design options. Many people believe that cast stone is available only in standard shapes and sizes, deterring them from purchasing this fantastic material.
Cast stone is great for use in mimicking or replicating historical architectural features, while also being perfect for modern and minimalist styles. The material itself is incredibly versatile and can be moulded and transformed into a wide range of custom shapes. With the right team, the possibilities for unique and intricate designs in cast stone are nearly limitless, making it a great choice of affordable material for the home.
Cast Stone is Too Heavy
Another misconception about cast stone is that it is difficult to handle, making it hard to install. The connotations of stone often lead people to believe that cast stone is heavy and can be challenging to haul, preventing them from investing in this highly advantageous material.
While cast stone is denser than some other materials, it generally weighs less than natural stone. It is often easier to install than cast stone, making it a great alternative for DIY projects in particular. Many advances in cast stone manufacturing have also led to lighter versions of cast stone, which are far easier to transport and work with.
Cast Stone Lacks Longevity
As cast stone is neither a natural stone nor concrete, some people believe cast stone doesn’t last and lacks longevity, making it a poor choice for construction projects. Thankfully, this is not often the case, especially when cast stone products are crafted by experts.
In truth, high-quality cast stone supplies offer longevity when properly sealed and maintained. Features constructed from this material can often last for decades if treated correctly, much like natural stone. Its longevity is arguably superior to certain types of natural stone, especially when it is protected effectively from the elements.
The Benefits of Choosing Cast Stone
Now that the myths have been busted, it’s time to learn about the true nature of cast stone. As a highly beneficial material, cast stone has multiple advantages that make it great for both indoor and outdoor use. Below, discover the key advantages of choosing cast stone as one of your construction materials.
Aesthetically Appealing
Cast stone replicates the appearance of natural stone, making it easy to achieve elegance and beauty without the high cost and weight. This ability allows it to blend into many design aesthetics, suiting a wide range of properties. Cast stone is highly customisable, allowing it to be shaped into different features, offering a wide range of aesthetic options.
Versatile
Cast stone offers a wide range of applications, from indoor to outdoor use, making it an incredibly versatile construction material. Cast stone is commonly used for facades, fireplaces, garden features, and copings, adding elegance and beauty to any property with ease. Additionally, cast stone works well with a wide range of architectural styles, from classical to modern.
Increased Property Value
Cast stone features can elevate a property’s overall design, making it more attractive to potential buyers and tenants by adding a sense of elegance and sophistication. Well-placed cast stone elements, such as window surrounds, columns, or fireplaces, can create focal points that draw attention and increase perceived value. This makes the property more desirable and potentially commands a higher sale or rental price.
Our Services at Shropshire Brick & Stone
Interested in purchasing cast stone for your property? From wall copings to porticos, we have a range of cast stone products here at Shropshire Brick & Stone for you to choose from. As professional cast stone suppliers, we offer only our customers high-quality products that are designed to suit their property perfectly.
Visit our website to discover more about us and our cast stone here at Shropshire Brick & Stone UK. Here, you can also find more helpful blog posts, guiding you through our services and the products we offer. Alternatively, for any further support or advice, get in touch with us directly today.
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