Types of Stone
Thin Stone Veneer
Thin stone veneers offer the look of real stone without the installation hassles and weight of full-sized stones. Measuring anywhere from 0.5 to 2.5 inches deep, stone veneer panels are lightweight and suitable for use on most interior and exterior walls. Each thin stone veneer panel is composed of a number of individual manufactured or natural stones that have been adhered together. These modular panels fit seamlessly together and allow installers to cover a large surface area in a short amount of time. Realstone Systems uses only natural stones in its natural stone veneers, to offer the beauty durability of real stone.
Stone Mats
Stone mats are used in stone flooring and offer the look of real stone flooring without the installation hassles and weight of full-sized stones. A stone mat is composed of individual manufactured or natural stones that are adhered to a mesh backing in a geometric design. These mats fit together and allow installers to cover a large surface area in a short amount of time. Measuring anywhere from 0.5 to 5/8 of an inch deep, stone mats are lightweight and suitable for use in most interior and exterior floors. Realstone Systems uses only natural stones in its natural stone mats, to offer the beauty durability of real stone.
Man-made stone
Man-made stone is a manufactured product that only offers the appearance of natural stone. Made of concrete and dyed with chemicals, man-made stone offers the look of real stone, but does not offer the durability a natural stone veneer. When exposed to the elements, the color of a man-made stone can fade, and the stone itself can decay or crumble. In addition, only the surface of a man-made stone is colored. If the surface of a man-made stone becomes chipped or damaged, the true concrete color of the stone will be revealed.
Moreover, man-made stone is sold in separate pieces that must be individually installed using grout. In contrast, Realstone's natural Thin stone veneers offer the strength and true colors of real stone – they will not fade or change when chipped or weathered. Best of all, Realstone Systems thin stone veneer panels are composed of a number of individual manufactured or natural stones that have been adhered together to speed installation.
Manufactured Stone
Manufactured stone comes from a mold, meaning that all stones have exactly the same look and finish. Like man-made stone, manufactured stone is made of concrete and dyed with chemicals. These stones can fade when weathered, and expose their true color when chipped. In contrast, each Realstone Systems product is unique – offering the natural variations inherent in natural stone.
Contact us to learn more about the various stone options at your disposal or visit our thin stone veneer and stone mat pages to learn more.