About Cast Stone

Cast stone is finding a growing market. It can add distinction and value out of all proportion to its cost. The material has caught the imagination of architects, builders and their clients from the classical past in Britain to the present day. There’s a simple reason why. It can transform plain facades into something special. It offers class at an affordable price.

What is Cast Stone?

Cast stone is a special form of simulated stone, a high quality facing material synonymous with reconstructed stone. According to the UKCSA, cast stone is ‘any material made with natural aggregates and cementitious binder that is intended to resemble and be used in a similar way to natural stone.'

Cast stone is made by using one of three main manufacturing methods, semi-dry, wet-cast or fibre reinforced. It must meet the requirements of BS1217: 2008 or, better still, the more stringent requirements of the UKCSA Standard. Made off-site, cast stone is ideal for any architectural purpose that calls for fine detail around entrances, openings and gables. It can also take the form of ashlar masonry and garden ornamentation. All types of architectural stonework can be produced – large, small and structurally reinforced. Cast stone units are either homogenous throughout or consist of facing and backing materials.

Comparison with Natural Stone

Cast stone is a much-used alternative to carved natural stone which it stands alongside in appearance and performance but is more readily available and normally costs significantly less.

It can beat natural stone on strength, moisture penetration, colour and textural consistency. It’s free from imperfections and stratification is never an issue. Cast stone can weather like natural stone and it looks much the same.

Where to Use

Cast stone evokes a sense of timelessness which fits in with any type of massive construction, from domestic housing to cathedrals. It’s a highly versatile material, suitable for period and contemporary styles. It complements a range of cladding materials, from brick, stone and reconstructed stone to rendered finishes.

Cast stone is regularly used internally and externally for newbuild, extension and refurbishment projects, including areas of sensitive planning constraints or where stone is a predominant material.

History and Development

A firm favourite in Britain since Georgian times, cast stone has a fascinating history. Today it is widely used for mouldings, columns and their entablatures, gables, cornices, balustrading and keystones. In housing, cast stone details such as porticos, window heads and cills, string courses and quoins are a tried and tested solution.

Compositions have been refined and today’s cast stone is far better made, with better ingredients than ever before. The material provides an ever closer match to natural stone and a wider range of design possibilities.