Homeowners can choose from exotic stone designs found all over the world--without leaving a large carbon footprint--by choosing man-made manufactured stone.
Do you want your house stand out from the rest on the block? Consider adding manufactured veneer stone or bricks to your walls, floors, kitchen counters or bar fronts for a unique look that showcases your home’s individuality.
Jennie Walker from Eagle Stone & Brick in Red Bud, IL, says their manufactured veneer stone products come with a 50-year warranty and require virtually no maintenance. “No rusting, rotting or burning,” she says.
Eldorado Stone is one option that combines beauty with durability. An added bonus is it’s a green building product that’s manufactured with recycled materials. Concrete is the main ingredient, but it also includes 25% fly ash, a by-product of coal burning. The use of fly ash helps divert the 80% that currently ends up in landfills, and actually makes concrete stronger, Jennie says.
Exterior Veneer Brick Has Come A Long Way
Before discounting manufactured brick or stone veneers, take a moment to consider that today’s technology allows companies to manufacture *fake* stone that looks like it was born to Mother Nature. “What people don’t realize,” Jennie says, “is that their geography limits them in choosing natural stone. There are usually only 3 or 4 types of stone indigenous to a location. That doesn’t allow for many designer choices.
“But manufactured stone is available in many colors and styles. You can achieve the natural stone look of any locale on Earth – be it California, Pennsylvania or even Europe. You can get the same look at a fraction of the cost of natural stone.”
One of the main advantages of today’s fake stone is that it can be produced to match a home’s existing stone. It can be manufactured to blend with your siding and current color scheme.
The lightweight veneer brick and stone can be used indoors and outdoors and requires no footings. However, manufactured stone is for aesthetic purposes only and not meant to be designed to be weight bearing.
Manufactured Stone Great For Creating Custom Outdoors Areas
The Eldorado Outdoor line of products is opening new doors for those looking to create their own custom outdoor areas. Manufactured stonewalls and pre-fabricated concrete boxes are made to bolt together to create barbecue islands, fire pits, seating walls, large flower boxes or garden containers.
If you are frustrated with the appearance of your home, consider adding some stone or brick veneers to spruce up that outdated kitchen or add a little curb appeal.
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