Masonry products bring to a home a touch of nostalgia and class that's unmatched by any other product, with the possible exception of EIF systems (which I'll discuss next). Personally, I just like the look of brick and stone. When you mix it with redwood or cedar, it makes quite an impact on the overall design. You can often find used bricks salvaged from demolished commercial buildings. These bricks have character that's hard to reproduce. Not only do they look great in siding, but consider using them in interior walls, fireplaces, and outside barbecues.

Some companies produce traditional brick veneer that's so realistic you can't tell it's not full-sized brick. Installing a product like this reduces material and labor costs. One company has created a panelized brick system. The panel increases insulation values, holds the brick in place while the adhesive sets, and keeps the veneer brick straight for a great-looking grout line.

Even imitation stones are so close to a natural stone that you may find it impossible to tell them apart! I've used them in many projects, not just because of their realistic appearance but because they're lightweight and easy to handle. If you haven't had an opportunity to use masonry products, either real or synthetic, I encourage you to consider them. Visit your nearest salvage yard and let your imagination run wild!

Cultured Stone is the brand name for a man-made "stone" manufactured by Cultured Stone Corporation, a company that has offered a wide variety of stone and brick products for more than 30 years. The product was designed for use in nonstructural applications, such as a veneer facing on masonry, metal, or frame construction. This includes:

• New construction, both exterior and interior walls

• Remodeling and redecorating of existing walls

• Fireplaces (around openings, hearth, exterior chimney or chase finishes)

• Landscaping

They create flexible molds from natural stones of varying sizes and textures. Then they pour a mixture of portland cement, lightweight aggregates, and iron oxide pigments (for color) into the molds, then vibrate them. While still in the molds, the stone backs are raked to provide a textured surface to assist in bonding to mortar. This process creates random (and realistic) sizes, shapes, and textures.

All Cultured Stone is covered by a 30-year limited warranty and, just like natural stone, it's noncombustible. Since it's lightweight and doesn't require additional foundations or supports, it's also less expensive to install than natural stone. Tight quality control ensures that product color and texture are maintained from lot to lot and year to year.

The product line of wall stones consists of more than 70 different colors and styles in 18 texture and shape families, all with matching 90-degree corners. In addition, they supply stepping stones, pavers, capstones, quoins, watertables, sills, and hearthstones. Also look for a line of complementary door and window molding (Figure 6-30). You can cut or shape the stone to conform to any arch radius. They have so many different products that you'll never run out of design ideas.

Photo Courtesy of: Cultured Stone Corporation

Figure 6-30: Cultured Stone window molding

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