Stone provides a great look to any outdoor project. No matter where you live or what type of home you have, stone can be a great accent and a stunning feature on the exterior of homes, walkways and on many other structures.
Today, homeowners have a lot of choice when it comes to stone for outdoor projects. Natural stone used to be the only option, but now, there are many manufactured stone choices that you can select from.
Natural stone refers to any organic rock that’s quarried from the earth and then used for decorative or building purposes. It’s a very unique material with individual characteristics, which makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Since natural stone is a product of nature, no two pieces are entirely alike. While this can be a huge attraction for the material, some people may also think it’s a deterrent, since it’s hard to achieve an exact coherent look throughout an entire structure.
That’s why some people prefer manufactured stone, which is a man-made product that’s designed to look like natural stone. It’s usually made of aggregate and concrete materials, and looks a lot like natural stone.
Below, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences of natural vs manufactured stone for outdoor projects to help you decide which one might be best for you.
Types of Natural Stone Materials
There are many different varieties of natural stone. This includes quartzite, granite and limestone, to name a few.
These names likely sound familiar to many homeowners, because they are highly-desired materials that are used throughout homes. Inside the home, they are often used as countertops or as decorative stone tiles for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes.
Outside the home, they can be used as paving stones for walkways, patios, porches and even driveways. They can also be used in different structures of the home itself, including pillars and as a facade on the front of the home.
Not only is each individual stone unique, but each type of natural stone also has its own distinct characteristics such as pattern, texture and color. For instance, limestone is more porous than other natural stones, which makes it more prone to staining.
Keeping these characteristics in mind is important when you’re deciding which applications a particular natural stone might be best for.
Benefits of Natural Stones
There are many benefits to using natural stone in your outdoor projects.
First and foremost, it’s prized for its timeless beauty and its durability. No matter how high-quality the manufactured stone is, it’s hard to truly compare to the natural beauty of natural stone.
Because it’s a material that comes directly from the earth, natural stone is also extremely durable. It can easily withstand not only harsh weather conditions — which is important in a climate such as Michigan’s — but also heavy foot traffic.
It’s heat resistant, too, which makes it ideal for outdoor projects. Plus, natural stone is stain resistant and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. So, if you’re looking for a material that you can be relatively “hands-free” with, natural stone is a great choice.
The Natural Stone Industry
One of the challenges of the past when it comes to natural stone has been improved in recent years. Thanks to new techniques and technologies, the natural stone industry has exploded.
It’s now easier for companies to quarry and process natural stone than it was in the past, and the entire process has become much more efficient. As such, natural stone products are more abundant, and there are a number of different materials on the market today than there were even 10 years ago.
This benefits consumers in a few different ways.
Since natural stone is more readily available, it is not nearly as expensive as it once was. True, it’s still more expensive than some other materials, but the price relative to what it used to be is reasonable.
In addition, there are many different uses for natural stone. Companies are able to process it so that it can be shaped in different ways and used in many different applications.
This makes natural stone much more versatile than it once was.
What is Manufactured Stone?
While there’s no denying the beauty, versatility and durability of natural stone, it’s still a more expensive material than others on the market. One very viable alternative is manufactured stone.
This man-made material is designed to mimic not only the look of natural stone but the feel as well. It’s made from a combination of cement and natural stone aggregates, which is why it’s able to look the way that it does.
For many people, the biggest advantage of manufactured stone is that it’s much more cost-effective. If you want the look of natural stone but don’t want to spend as much, then manufactured stone could be a good alternative.
It’s also much lighter than natural stone, which makes the installation process easier because it doesn’t require as much manpower to transport and put into place.
Of course, perhaps the biggest downside to manufactured stone is that it typically doesn’t offer the same level of durability. No matter how well the product is made, it’s hard to exactly replicate the strength of Mother Nature.
Comparison of Natural Stone and Manufactured Stone
So, what are some of the things to consider when choosing between natural stone and manufactured stone for your next outdoor project?
Cost is obviously a major factor. Natural stone will always be more expensive because of the installation process. As mentioned before, natural stone is heavy and can be cumbersome — depending on the type and the project. This increases the difficulty in installation, which usually increases the labor cost.
Another consideration is uniformity. Natural stones are cut right from nature. They often vary in size and can be uneven — sometimes greatly.
Manufactured stone, on the other hand, is extremely consistent. If you’re looking for a uniform look, then manufactured stone might be the best choice for you, regardless of your budget.
It’s also important to keep in mind that you might face other limitations when it comes to natural stone. Since it’s a natural product, you’ll be limited to what is available at that time.
Manufactured stone can be created over and over again in a factory, which means it’s often more abundant in supply.
Cost and Installation Considerations
For most homeowners, cost is a major determining factor when choosing materials. It’s not just the upfront cost that you should consider when deciding between natural stone and manufactured stone, though.
While natural stone is usually much more expensive than manufactured stone, the trade-off is that it usually lasts for decades with proper maintenance.
Manufactured stone comes with a much lower price tag upfront, though it typically requires much more frequent replacement. In other words, while you may save money initially with manufactured stone, you could end up spending more in the long run since you’ll likely have to replace it more often than natural stone.
In addition to the cost of the materials, it’s important to consider the cost of installation, too. Natural stone is commonly more expensive to install than manufactured stone, due to the fact that it’s heavier and more cumbersome.
Final installation costs will vary, though, depending on where the project is located and how complex it is. Make sure to ask your local mason the difference in installation cost between the two products so you can make a well-informed decision.
Choosing the Right Stone for Your Project
Like any project, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of natural stone vs manufactured stone for outdoor projects. Selecting the right material can really make or break your outdoor project, so time the time to exhaust all your options before making your final decision.
Some of the things to carefully consider are your budget, long-term goals and aesthetic preferences. Beyond that, you should also try to envision not only what your project would look like with each material but what it would feel like, too.
Consider if, for example, you plan to walk on the stone with bare feet or sit on it directly. What will the natural stone feel like if it’s going to sit in the hot sun all day, and what that feel might be like compared to manufactured stone.
Get Your Outdoor Project Installed by a Mason You Can Trust
Natural stone and manufactured stone are both very popular choices for outdoor projects. Each comes with its benefits and drawbacks, of course, which we have outlined above.
By taking the time to understand the characteristics of each material, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision so you get the look, feel and cost of the project you want.
Whether you choose natural stone or manufactured stone, proper installation and maintenance are crucial to ensuring the longevity of your outdoor project. That’s why you should trust a local mason who has years of experience in the field.At All Brick, we have been mastering the art of masonry for more than 10 years. For more information, or a free quote, please contact us today.
