FAQ’s

Where can Castle Stone veneers be used?

Our stone veneer products and accessories can be used for interior or exterior uses.

 

How thick are your stone veneers and what do they weigh?

 Stones are from ½” to 2” in thickness and weigh from 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 lbs per square foot.  No brick ledge or added supports are needed for installation.

 

What are the benefits of using architectural stone veneer over natural stone?

Architectural stone gives you the same look, texture, color and shape as natural stone.  Our stones are made in molds from the actual stone themselves, thus capturing all the detail and definition of the natural stone

Architectural stone veneer is approximately 1/3  to ½ the cost of natural stone; gives you all the benefits of real stone but at a fraction of the price.

A project using architectural stone vs natural stone will be approximately 30-50% less expensive to complete.  Because of the lightweight properties associated with stone veneers, no wall ties or footings are required to be constructed.

 

Do Castle Stone Products withstand the freeze / thaw cycles?

Our products are tested for freeze / thaw durability.  As with any installation, making sure good building practices are in place will help ensure a successful installation.

 

Will Castle Stone Products fade?

The base color is blended throughout and permanent iron oxide pigments are applied and absorbed when the veneer is cast.  Color becomes an integral part of the stone, and similar to natural stone, there are minimal color changes after years of weathering.

 

Where can I find a skilled mason to install my architectural stone?

Castle Stone has a selectively defined list of masons we can recommend for your project.  Call us at 314.997.1600 and we can put you in touch with the right craftsman for your project.

 

How do I clean my stone veneer?

 We recommend using a mild detergent and a soft bristle brush.  Never use any type of acid cleaners, wire brushes, pressure washers, bleach or any other type of concrete cleaner.

 

Should I seal Castle stone?

It is not required to seal Castle stone.  However, a sealer will provide added protection and will usually be easier to clean if the surface becomes dirty.  Castle Stone sells the Aqua Shield brand of sealer; we prefer this brand for its durability and that it does not leave a gloss or matte finish.

 

DETERMINING QUANTITIES NEEDED

Two components, flats and corners, are used for most installations. Flats are applied to the flat wall surface and are ordered in square feet. Corners are applied to outside corners and are ordered in linear feet. Using corners around window and door openings provides added dimension and depth and enhances the finished design.

1: Determine the total project square footage

Multiply the length (in feet) times the height (in feet) of each surface area to be covered.

2: Subtract windows, doors or other openings

Calculate the square footage occupied by windows, doors and other openings. Subtract this amount from the project square footage.

3: Determine the linear footage of corner pieces needed

Measure the linear feet of outside corner areas to be covered including any doorways and windows that will have corners.

4: Determine the square footage of flat pieces required

Divide the linear footage of corner pieces needed by 2 (One linear foot of corner veneer equals approximately 0.5 square foot of flat veneer) and subtract this corner square footage from the total project square footage. This will give you the square footage of flat veneer required.

However, some extra quantity of flats is desirable for best fitting, including cutting and trimming.