Introduction to Cast Stone

Architectural Cast Stone: A Cost-Effective and Versatile Alternative to Natural Stone

Architectural Cast Stone is as a practical and cost-effective alternative to natural stone. Offering exceptional versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal, cast stone allows architects, builders, and designers to achieve a premium stone finish without the expense or limitations associated with natural stone materials.

Traditional Brick & Stone provide a complete range of high-quality cast stone products, manufactured using premium natural materials. Every piece is produced in precision-engineered timber, resin, or steel moulds using the latest CAD technology, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and a wide variety of styles and colours to suit both modern and traditional designs.

Brick Type: York Red Multi with cast stone quoins and string course

 

What Is Cast Stone?

Cast stone is manufactured to replicate the appearance and performance of natural stone such as limestone, granite, and sandstone for architectural products including window cills, porticos and copings.  Using a carefully controlled blend of natural aggregates, high quality pigments, cement and additives this manufacturing process results in a dense, refined product with exceptional uniformity and detailed surface finish. When properly produced, cast stone can equal or even exceed natural stone in terms of weather resistance, durability, and strength.

Different Types of Cast Stone

Traditional Brick & Stone supply three main types of cast stone, each suited to different design requirements and performance needs.

1. Wet Cast Stone

Wet cast stone is a high-strength product, manufactured using a higher water content. It is ideal for applications that require:

Increased load-bearing capacity.

Enhanced durability.

Larger or more complex components.

Wet cast units also provide a smoother, more refined modern finish than semi-dry cast stone items.

2. Semi-Dry Cast Stone

Semi-dry cast stone offers a naturally textured appearance, closely resembling natural stone products. Its benefits include:

A more natural, rough-textured finish

More cost effective.

Shorter production and delivery times

This makes semi-dry cast stone a popular choice for projects aiming for authenticity with budget considerations.

3. Lite Stone

Lite Stone provides the visual appeal of cast stone while weighing only around one-third of the equivalent semi-dry component. This lightweight alternative is ideal for:

Renovations

Projects with structural weight limitations.

Installations requiring easier handling and lifting.

Product Type: Wet-Cast Stone Pier Cap

 

Cast Stone Colour Options

Traditional Brick & Stone offer an extensive range of cast stone colours to complement different architectural styles, designed to complement any style of brick or rendering. Standard colours are available in both wet-cast and semi-dry and include:

Bathstone

Portland

Black

Natural

Amber

 

 

 

Common Applications of Cast Stone

Cast stone is used across a vast range of architectural and decorative features, there are many examples of cast stone projects combined with a wide range of our bricks that can be seen in our brick collection.

Typical applications for cast stone include:

Window and door surrounds

Bullseye windows

Bay window and standard window cills

Band and string courses

Porticos

Balustrades

Quoins

Date and name stones

Cornices, coping stones, and string courses

Ashlar blocks

Steps

Product Type: Window Surrounds and Poritco 

 

Conclusion

Cast stone continues to be a trusted material in architecture due to its balance of beauty, strength, and practicality. Whether replicating historical stonework or forming sleek modern façades, cast stone offers exceptional design freedom and long-lasting performance for all construction projects.

Check out more information on our cast stone range, or contact our sales team for more information.

Brick Type: Grantchester Blend with Cast Stone Heads and Cills.