For many generations, even dating back to the ancient pyramids stone has graced buildings and architectural wonders of the world. Stone lasts forever and is magnificent to look at. In recent years though faux stone has made an appearance in the market. Faux stone provides the looks of stone, but without the high cost. Before you decide on either one though take a look at the pros and cons of each:
Stone
Stone used for your home is manufactured from real rocks and stones that are harvested directly from the earth, however, the process of obtaining, transporting and finishing the stone contributes to very high costs. It is also not the most environmentally friendly approach either because we are depleting the earth of its natural resources. Natural stone is very heavy and as a result the effort put in for labor is increased. This makes the cost of installation and the time required for the whole process quite high.
On a positive note though, stone cannot be matched in terms of durability and quality. It will last for hundreds of years, but this also raises the question of whether the structure will be around for that long. Stone can be easily cleaned with a pressure washer if it is used out doors and it resistant to heat, sunlight and ultraviolet rays. It will not peel, crack or fade in color. Even if there are accidental cracks it will still look beautiful because the entire material has the same look both inside and out. Stone is also resistant to moisture and humidity and very few materials can compare when it comes to the elegance and natural beauty of stone.
Faux stone
Faux stone is an engineered material that mimics the look and feel of natural stone. In fact most people can’t tell the difference between faux and real stone. The veneer applied on faux stone plays a large role in the overall appearance of the finish. Faux stone is very durable and most varieties come with a warranty of about 25 years. However, it certainly does not share the ageless quality of natural stone and faux stone can be damaged under the high intensity of a pressure washer.
On the upside faux stone is lightweight and easy to install. It is also much cheaper than natural stone. This is because the material is so easy to carry around. Faux stone although it can’t be pressure washed is still easy to clean and maintain. It is also resistant to moisture, mold, mildew and most environmental conditions. Faux stone is much more environmentally friendly then real stone too. In fact most products can be recycled and reused over time. Considering the cost benefits and durability of faux stone, many homeowners are beginning to choose it over original stone.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.