FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
At Castle Stone, we understand you may have questions regarding our process and materials. Feel free to browse the questions and answers below that may be applicable to your situation, or contact us today and we would be happy to clarify.
How thick are your stone veneers and what do they weigh?
Stones are from 1-1/2” to 2” in thickness and weigh from 8-10 lbs per square foot. No brick ledge or added supports are needed for installation.
How do I determine the quantity needed for a project?
Determine the total project square footage
- Multiply the length (in feet) times the height (in feet) of each surface area to be covered.
Subtract windows, doors or other openings
- Calculate the square footage occupied by windows, doors and other opening. Subtract this amount from the project square footage.
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.
Determine the square footage of flat pieces required. It is recommended that you add 10% for cuts & waste.
- Divide the linear footage of corner pieces needed by 2 (by example, 20 linear feet of corners equals approximately 10 sf)
Will Castle Stone Products fade?
The base color is blended throughout and permanent iron oxide pigments are applient 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.
Should I seal the stone?
It is not required to seal Castle Stone Products. However, a sealer will provide added protection and will usually be easier to clean if the surface becomes dirty.
Where can Castle Stone veneers be used?
Our stone veneer products and accessories can be used for interior or exterior uses.
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 cast from the actual stone themselves, thus capturing all the detail and definition of the natural stone.
Architectural stone veneer is approximately 1/3 to 1/2 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.
Stone colors can be specified to meet your needs; whereas quarried stones, in addition to having to mine mother earth for the material, may have different color variations from what you see at a showroom.
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.
Can I apply Castle Stone veneer over brick?
Brick (non-painted) makes a great surface to apply stone veneer. A thin coat of mortar is applied to the brick and the stone is then applied directly over the brick. (Note: if the brick is painted, then the paint will need to be removed or a different substrate created before installing stone veneer.)
How are Castle Stone Products shipped?
All material is packed out on pallets to your ordered quantity. You have the option of plant
pick-up at our St. Louis facility or material can be delivered to your job-site for an additional delivery fee. If doing plant pick-up, trucks / trailers will be needed.
How do I clean my stone veneer?
We recommend using white vinegar/water mix of 1:6 ratio or a mild detergent & water—both using a soft bristle brush. Never use any type of acid cleaners, wire brushes, pressure washers, bleach or any other type of concrete cleaner.
Can Castle Stone veneers be installed near water?
We do not recommend products be installed below a water line. As with any lightweight concrete product, exposure to various chemicals (i.e. chlorine) can cause discoloration and fading over time. Castle Stone does not recommend using stone veneer in areas with cascading water (i.e. swimming pool, water fountain, etc.), even if a sealer has been applied.
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 or fill out our professional inquiry form and we can put you in touch with the right craftsman for your project.
Is there a warranty on Castle Stone manufactured stone?
Castle Stone veneers are covered for a period of 50 years from the date purchased, when used on a vertical structure which conforms to local building codes and when installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Warranty coverage specifically excludes damage resulting from structure settlement and other types of wall movement; contact with paint or chemicals; discoloration due to contaminants; staining, oxidation and water damage. This Warranty covers only manufacturing defects in Castle Stone wall veneers and is limited to the replacement or repair of defective materials only and does not cover the cost of removal or installation of defective products. This Warranty is limited to the original purchaser and is non-transferable to any subsequent owner.