Natural Stone vs. Cast Stone: Which Is Best for Outdoor Living Projects at Home?
Confused by the difference between cast stone and natural stone? Trying to figure out which is best for your new outdoor patio or hardscape decorations? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
In this 5-minute read, we’ll take a quick look at:
- • What is natural and cast stone?
- • Pros and cons of each.
Let’s start with this natural stone vs. cast stone overview.
Points to Consider | Natural Stone | Cast Stone |
Definition | Stone quarried from the earth. | Man-made artificial stones. |
Type of Material | Granite, limestone, travertine, marble, etc. | Specialized precast concrete mixes. |
Color and Pattern Consistency | As a natural material, each piece is unique. | Can be made in virtually every variation in color and pattern. |
Versatility | Versatility depends on the size and shape of pieces needed. | Can be cast in virtually any shape. |
Strength and Durability | Strength varies but most natural stones are very dense and strong. | Strength properties can be manipulated but are generally less durable than dense stones like granite. |
Material and Installation Cost | Usually more expensive than cast stone. | Generally less expensive than natural stone. |
Repair Cost | More difficult to repair and therefore more expensive. | Usually easier and cheaper to repair. |
Main Advantages | Natural beauty and strength. | Customizable versatility. |
Quick Definitions: What is natural stone? What is cast stone?
Natural cut stone is a real stone made by nature and quarried from the earth. Think stones like granite, travertine, limestone, marble, slate, and sandstone among others.
Cast stone is man-made stone. It’s made with special blends of pre-cast concrete and other natural elements that are dyed and poured into molds in order to mimic natural stone.
Types of Materials Between Natural Stone and Cast Stone
Natural stone pieces are cut from stone quarries and then cut, shaped, ground, and polished to achieve the desired look and finish. Because the properties of different types of natural stones vary, not all are suitable for use in outdoor patio or landscaping projects.
Since cast stone pieces are man-made, their properties can be manipulated to achieve a wide range of desired looks.
- • Need cast stone products with a higher PSI (is denser)? The concrete mixture can be adjusted accordingly.
- • Need a cast stone with greater structural integrity? Fiberglass and steel reinforcing can be added to the precast concrete mix.
Color Patterns and Consistency
One of the big advantages of hand-carved or cut natural stone is its uniqueness. No two pieces are alike. Each piece will have different veins, patterns, and speckles and it comes in a variety of colors. So if you use natural stone for an outdoor fireplace or patio, you know that yours is truly unique.
But what if you want a uniform look and consistent coloring? Then go with cast stone. As a manufactured stone, cast stone can be tinted and dyed so that every single piece looks the same.
That means you can achieve 100% color consistency across your entire project. And while you can create a cast stone that simulates the look of natural stone, it is difficult to create the same timeless beauty of a natural stone that has been formed over millions of years.
Comparing Versatility, Strength, and Durability of Natural and Cast Stones
Natural stone pieces are cut from stone quarries and then cut, shaped, ground, and polished to achieve the desired look and finish. Because the properties of different types of natural stones vary, not all are suitable for use in outdoor patio or landscaping projects.
Since cast stone pieces are man-made, their properties can be manipulated to achieve a wide range of desired looks.
- • Need cast stone products with a higher PSI (is denser)? The concrete mixture can be adjusted accordingly.
- • Need a cast stone with greater structural integrity? Fiberglass and steel reinforcing can be added to the precast concrete mix.
Cost Differences - Installation and Repair Costs of Stones
Both cast and natural stone pieces require skilled installers, but the cast stone is a tad easier to install. As a manufactured product, cast stone pieces have consistent sizes and properties. Natural stone pieces tend to have more variation in sizes and properties that need to be taken into account by the installer.
Cast stone repair also tends to be easier. If a natural stone piece is damaged, likely the entire piece will need to be replaced. But since cast stone is essentially a type of concrete, it can be repaired with a similar specialized concrete mix as to what was used to cast the stone.
Main Advantages of Natural Stones and Cast Stones
Here are the main advantages of natural stone and cast stone in one easy place so you can decide which is right for your project. In some cases, a combination of both is the right answer for your project.
Benefits of natural stone:
- • Timeless beauty
- • Unique look
- • Stones like granite, marble, and travertine are durable
- • Low-maintenance
Benefits of cast stone:
- • Quicker and easier to manufacture
- • Usually less expensive
- • Consistent colors and styles
- • Easier to repair
- • Can resemble natural stone
Which Type of Stone Should You Use for Outdoor Living Projects?
If you’re looking for unique timeless beauty and rugged durability, go with natural stone. If you’re on a budget and are looking for something that resembles stone, cast stone might be for you. What we’ve found is that in most cases, a combination of both is the right answer.
Want help planning your next outdoor masonry project?
If you’re in the Garland, Texas area, give us a call today at Alexander and Xavier Masonry to schedule your free consultation. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out our other blog articles.