Also known as cast stone or recon stone, reconstituted stone is a versatile and durable yet beautiful building material.
In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of reconstituted stone, highlighting its benefits, applications, colour options, and the advantages it holds over natural stone. Whether you are a homeowner looking to enhance your property or an architect seeking a reliable building material, reconstituted stone offers many advantages that make it a popular choice in the construction industry.
What Is It and What Is It Made From?
With roots back to ancient Rome, reconstituted stone, is made from a mixture of crushed limestone, washed sand, cement, and additives.
We use it because it is durable, affordable, easily workable, and it can replicate natural stone to add a ‘wow factor’ to your property.
For more information on cast stone, you can read our previous blog here.
Benefits of Using Reconstituted Stone
As previously mentioned, there are many benefits to using reconstituted stone. They include that it is adaptable, cost-effective, durable, has the ‘wow factor’, and suits a variety of properties and projects.
1). Adaptable & Versatile
As reconstituted stone is adaptable and versatile, it can easily be made bespoke and effectively to your own specification. You can find more information about our bespoke cast stone products here.
2) Cost Effective
One of the key benefits of reconstituted stone lies in its cost-effectiveness. The stone is manufactured using a mould during the process, allowing for efficient and replicable production. Unlike natural stone, which requires individual carving for each item, reconstituted stone can be filled into the mould multiple times a day thanks to the semi-dry method of manufacture. This not only increases productivity but also reduces the overall production costs, making reconstituted stone an attractive choice for both budget-conscious consumers and environmentally conscious individuals, and you’ll not be compromising on the style and the look of the product.
3) Durable
When it comes to the longevity of construction materials, reconstituted stone stands out as a highly durable option. Compared to natural stone, reconstituted stone requires less maintenance while offering strength and resilience.
4) ‘Wow Factor’
When it comes to boosting the aesthetics of your property, reconstituted stone can truly provide the ‘wow factor’ you desire. This versatile material has the ability to elevate the curb appeal of your home, adding style and desirability.
Additionally, reconstituted stone doesn’t just enhance the visual appeal of your property; it can also increase its overall value. By incorporating this durable and attractive material into your landscaping or architectural design, you’re not just creating a visually stunning environment, but also making a smart investment in your property.
5) Suits a Wide Variety of Properties
Versatility is key when choosing the right material for your property, Reconstituted stone offers just that, with a range of styles and personalisation options that make it suitable for a wide variety of properties.
From modern luxury house or a charming traditional luxury home, reconstituted stone can seamlessly fit into your design.
Reconstituted Stone Versus Natural Stone
When it comes to selecting the perfect stone for your project, the choice between reconstituted stone and natural stone can be a pivotal decision. Here are the key differences between the two options.
Lead Times and Cost
While natural stone is certainly prized for its beauty and charm, considerations such as cost, and availability frequently lead architects and builders to opt for reconstituted stone. The extraction, cutting, and finishing of natural stone are not only costly but also time-consuming, making reconstituted stone a more practical option for numerous construction undertakings.
Adaptability
Due to the adaptability of cast stone or reconstituted stone, the individual cutting is eliminated. The inclusion of intricate details during the moulding process allows for seamless replication of designs. This blend of efficiency and cost-effectiveness establishes cast stone as the favoured option for projects requiring repetitive elements.
For further insights into the distinctions between reconstituted stone and natural stones, you can read our previous blog here.
What Is Reconstituted Stone Used For?
Reconstituted stone can be used for a variety of products, from pier caps and porticos to balustrades and obelisks. It offers a wide range of uses and applications. Here are some of our favourites:
Pier Caps
Pier caps are essential elements that serve both functional and decorative purposes in enhancing the overall aesthetics of gate pillars and pillars. Placed on top of gate pillars, pier caps can beautifully frame a property.
Our range of pier caps come with a selection of coping stones designed to accommodate various wall widths with corners and terminal ends where appropriate.
Coping Stones
Coping stones are multifaceted, serving both functional and decorative purposes. They are positioned atop walls or brickwork to offer protection against the elements and enhance the look of the structure.
We love coping stones because they really can give your walls definition and will impress guests and passerby.
Our wide range of coping stones are designed to accommodate standard sized wall widths, ensuring a seamless fit for various architectural projects.
Gate Pillars
Reconstituted stone gate pillars are ideal in setting the perfect tone for your property’s entrance. These pillars are not just functional structures but are key elements in creating an impressive gateway for yourself and your guests.
Our diverse collection includes plain and moulded designs in various sizes, offering you the flexibility to choose the perfect style that complements your property. Additionally, these gate pillars can be adjusted in height to suit your specific requirements, ensuring a perfect fit for your entrance.
They are manufactured in sections for ease of handling and erection, and come with the option of matching pier caps, balls, finials, and name or number stones.
Cast stone gate pillars provide a great first impressions count, and they embody the ‘wow factor’. Gate pillars truly set the tone for a lasting impression for the rest of the property.
Balustrades
Cast stone balustrade can be used in many locations, but most commonly to create a stunning balcony or as a beautiful addition to garden stairs.
We love balustrades because when you see them you instantly think luxury and high-class.
Porticos
Our cast stone porticos (also known as a porches) provide a stunning entrance feature and are a cost-effective way to transform the entrance to your front door.
We offer standard and bespoke surrounds that can be manufactured to your own specification or existing porticos can be copied for extensions and refurbishments.
Reconstituted stone porticos can not only increase your property value by 6%1 and enhance the look of your property but also serve a practical purpose of providing a shelter from the weather.
For more applications and uses, you can view our full cast stone product range here.
Colour Options
We offer a wide range of natural stone colour choices to help you choose the right colour for your project. We have created a blog to help you through the process.
To truly get an idea of reconstituted stone feels and the colour, you can request a free sample. By being able to physically feel and see the stone, you can gain a better understanding of it and how it can work for your project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, reconstituted stone offers a variety of benefits that make it an excellent choice for various construction projects. Its adaptability, cost-effectiveness, durability, ‘wow factor’, and versatility make it a standout material that can elevate the aesthetics and value of any property.
When compared to natural stone, reconstituted stone shines in terms of lead times, cost-efficiency, adaptability, and strength. With recon stone, you’ll not be compromising on the look and quality either, making it a practical and popular choice for architects and homeowners alike.
If you’re considering using reconstituted stone for your next construction project, don’t hesitate to request a free sample to experience firsthand the quality and beauty it can bring to your property. Embrace the durability, style, and value that reconstituted stone brings, and create a lasting impression with this exceptional building material.
Why Acanthus
“At Acanthus, we offer an extensive range of reconstituted or cast stone products to complement any style and budget. They are truly versatile and suitable for many homes and commercial projects.”
Gavin, Project Manager at Acanthus
We take pride in supplying high-quality cast stone for a variety of projects across the country. But don’t just take our word for it. Our work speaks for itself. You can see first hand examples of our products in action by visiting our portfolio at acanthuscaststone.co.uk/portfolio.
All our products are available in a range of natural stone shades with the same texture and feel as carved stone. Items we supply are completely frost proof and exceed the performance requirements of BS1217, the UKCSA Specification for Cast Stone, and NBS clause F22.
If you require any further information, would like to get a quote on our range cast stone products, contact one of our friendly Acanthus team or call us on 01773 540704.
References
1 https://outdoormakeover.net/porticos-do-they-make-that-much-of-a-difference/
