Concrete Versus Natural Stone
4 Examples Of The Superiority Of Natural Stone
- Veneer Stone
- Wall Stone
- Steps
- Walkway and Patio Stone
1) Veneer Stone Comparison - Concrete Stone vs. Natural Stone
Whether you call it cultured stone, fake stone, faux stone, man-made stone, or manufactured stone it is all made from concrete. Concrete veneer products can have familiar problems.
A) Appearance
Concrete stone is dyed or painted. A trained eye can quickly determine if the veneer is concrete or stone. Natural stone never looks fake or painted, the colors last, and the textures are natural.
B) Concrete deteriorates, cracks and crumbles over time
We have all seen how badly concrete cracks and our cold winters increase the chance of cracks. Concrete can deteriorate and the result can be extremely expensive to fix.
C) Price and Value
Very cheap concrete stone is less expensive than natural stone - but cheap cultured stone is typically painted and the colors can fade quickly. There are higher quality concrete stone products available but they cost more - they are similar in price to natural stone.
D) Cost For Repairs
Veneer stone repairs can be extremely expensive and disruptive. So often the problem extends beyond the stone and into the siding and even framing of the house.
2) Wall Stone - Concrete Products Compared To Natural Stone
Concrete wall stone products have familiar limitations and issues.
A) Appearance
Manufactured Concrete Wall Systems are typically repetitive pattern, look-alike blocks with limited color choices. You can instantly recognize a manufactured wall. Natural stone walls come in a full range of colors, shapes and sizes and are instantly recognized as a natural product.
B) Concrete deteriorates, cracks and crumbles over time
We have all seen how badly concrete cracks and our cold winters increase the chance of cracks. We have all seen concrete walls that are failing.
C) Colors, Textures and Shapes
Man-made interlocking wall blocks have limited colors, shapes and textures. They can be so repetitive, and uniform that they become unsightly.
Natural stone brings beauty, warmth and style into the landscape, concrete blocks don’t.
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Download a flyer that explains some of the differences of natural stone compared to concrete.
3) Steps - Concrete vs. Natural Stone Steps
A) Appearance
Concrete steps are not attractive. They are functional, but not pretty. Natural stone steps or treads are beautiful and functional.
B) Concrete deteriorates, cracks and crumbles over time
We have all seen how badly concrete cracks and our cold winters increase the chance of cracks. We have all seen broken concrete steps, sidewalks, and walls. Concrete deteriorates over time. Natural stone steps are already millions of years old. They have stood the test of time.
C) Colors
Concrete can be colored but the color range is limited. Natural stone steps come in a wide range of colors - but just as importantly - they can have unique color accents, waves, and gradients.
D) Size, Shape and Texture
Natural stone steps come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and textures. Concrete steps tend to be uniform and repetitive, there are no natural variations.
4) Concrete Patios & Walkways Compared To Natural Stone
A) Appearance
Concrete walkways, sidewalks and patios are rarely attractive, even when using stamped concrete. You are immediately aware that it is concrete. Concrete pavers only offer boring repetitive patterns. Natural stone walkway and patio stone create beautiful finished projects, in a wide range of patterns, colors and textures, and the stone lasts.
B) Concrete deteriorates, cracks and crumbles over time
We have all seen how badly concrete cracks and our cold winters increase the chance of cracks. We have all seen broken concrete patios or walkways. Another common problem with concrete is uneven seams that can easily cause someone to trip. Natural walkway and patio stone provides a strong surface that stands the test of time.
C) Colors
Concrete can be colored but the pallet is limited. Natural walkway and patio stone comes in a wide range of colors - but just as importantly - there are beautiful speckles, waves, and gradients in natural stone that you will never find in concrete or pavers.
