Why Natural Stone is the Superior Choice Over Cast Stone for Architectural Projects
When choosing materials for architectural projects, the debate between natural stone and cast stone is ongoing. While cast stone offers certain advantages, natural stone remains the superior choice for those who value quality, durability, and authentic beauty. Natural stone is celebrated for its unique and timeless beauty, particularly its inherent variations in texture, and shell content. These natural characteristics cannot be replicated by cast stone, which is produced using moulds and uniform mixtures. The subtle differences found in natural stone, such as the presence of shells, fossils, and other organic materials add depth and character to any structure. This authenticity is something cast stone simply cannot match, every natural stone is unique.
In an era where sustainability is increasingly important, the environmental impact of building materials is a significant consideration. Natural stone has a lower carbon footprint compared to cast stone. The production of cast stone involves the use of cement, dyes, and other industrial processes that contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, natural stone is extracted and cut with relatively minimal processing, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
The quality of natural stone far surpasses that of cast stone, particularly in terms of structural integrity and longevity. Cast stone is prone to several quality issues, including visible joint lines from the moulds used in its production. These lines can detract from the overall aesthetic and are a clear indication of the material’s artificial nature. Additionally, cast stone is often subject to colour variations between different batches, leading to inconsistent appearances in large projects. Natural stone, on the other hand, maintains its beauty and strength over time without these drawbacks.
If natural stone dust is not used to achieve the desired colour in cast stone and dye is used in its place, over time, these dyes could leach out, especially if the sand used in the mix contains certain impurities. This can result in the stone reverting to its original colour, leading to unsightly discolouration. Natural stone, by contrast, derives its colour naturally from the minerals within, ensuring that the colour remains consistent and stable throughout its life.
Natural stone such as our Portland Stone is inherently resistant to weathering and requires no maintenance. Cast stone, however, is more susceptible to damage from water and frost, necessitating protective measures to prevent cracking and deterioration. In hot weather, if cast stone becomes wet, it can suffer damage—a vulnerability highlighted even by cast stone manufacturers. This makes cast stone less durable and more maintenance-intensive compared to natural stone, which can withstand extreme weather conditions without such risks.
One of the often-overlooked advantages of natural stone is its ability to be reworked and reused. Whether it’s repurposing stone from an old structure for a new project or simply re-cutting and shaping existing stone to fit new design requirements, natural stone offers unmatched versatility. This not only makes natural stone a more sustainable option but also adds to its long-term value. Unlike cast stone, which can degrade over time and may not withstand multiple reworkings, natural stone maintains its integrity and aesthetic appeal, even after being reused or reworked in different contexts.
While cast stone may offer some cost advantages, it falls short in many critical areas when compared to natural stone. The unparalleled beauty, environmental benefits, superior quality, durability, and reusability of natural stone make it the clear choice for discerning architects, builders, and homeowners. When investing in a project meant to last a lifetime, natural stone offers a timeless elegance and reliability that cast stone simply cannot replicate.
Albion Stone, a fourth generation family business pride ourselves on having a helpful and skilled workforce as well as modern and traditional manufacturing process to enable us to produce the highest quality Portland Stone with minimal environmental impact.
