Renovation With Manufactured Stone

Words: Justin Whitman
https://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20100115080000-1.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="A great way to enhance a home is by updating a fireplace with manufactured stone.">
A great way to enhance a home is by updating a fireplace with manufactured stone.

The fireplace is the focal point of every room. Furniture often is arranged to face it, our favorite items are placed on our mantels, and it is the heart of every home. Updating the look of a fireplace is a great way to enhance a home, and an easy way to update a fireplace is by giving it a new face with manufactured stone.

Manufactured stone is gaining popularity as a building material for both indoor and outdoor projects, due to its authenticity and versatility. First and foremost, it is difficult for the untrained eye to differentiate between manufactured and natural stone. Manufactured stone, which comes in countless styles, is easy to install over most substrates.

Weight can be a factor when renovating a fireplace. If a fireplace is above a basement or on the second floor, extra caution should be taken to find a lightweight product. Manufactured stone is a fraction of the weight of natural stone, so the concern of putting too much strain and stress on the foundation possibly can be eliminated.

Manufactured stone is available in a large variety of colors and styles. The most successful projects are created using stone styles that look native to the project area. Many companies will customize a color, making it easy to match just about anything from a paint color to a natural stone.

Another way to get a custom look from manufactured stone is by selecting the type of grouting technique that works for the project. There are three main techniques: dry stack, ?-inch mortar, and over-grouting. The dry stack technique means there are no mortar or grout joints. It gives a cleaner and more contemporary look to any stone profile. The ?-inch mortar technique is the most common and lends itself to a traditional look. The over-grouting technique is stylish and can give the stone profile a more Tuscan look. All three of these can dramatically change the appearance of a project. Custom colors for grout also can be used.
About: Featured
 0
The Cornerstone of Success: Safety and Documentation in Masonry
April 2025

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

Erin Laird
Featured MAP Partner
Safety Training
Read More
How It's Made: Natural Stone Veneer
April 2025

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Rob McKay
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Vibing Masonry #5 - The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

Steve Blye
Featured
General Education Residential Restoration
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin

Justin Stengel
Featured
Training
Read More