870-746-4595

Caston Stone is located in, the aptly named, Stone County in the scenic and rocky foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Onia, Arkansas. We specialize in natural stone and provide a high-quality selection of patio rock, creek rock, tumbled stone, boulders, slabs, and several varieties of fieldstone.

Check out our large selection of stone products

What is the ​difference between natural stone and manufactured stone?

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​​There are two main types of stone: Natural and manufactured or engineered. We specialize in natural stone.

Manufactured or engineered stone is a mixture of cement and other components that are poured into a mold and colored to look like real stone. It is basically an imitation of the real thing.

Natural stone is made by nature and is found either on top of the ground, fieldstone, or beneath the ground, flagstone, which is quarried or extracted from mines. This results in products that are different in color and texture but can have the same uses and can be cut into various sizes.

Both fieldstone and flagstone have multiple uses. They can be used for the same purposes as manufactured or engineered stone.
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Fieldstone or flagstone can be used for landscaping, fireplaces, fire pits, patios, stepping stones, pool deck, walkways/pathways, bridges, driveways, roadways, roofing, siding, floors, fences, garden walls, headstones, retaining walls, kitchen countertops, edging/borders in the garden area and other places in the yard, outside table and benches and many other uses. 

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​Benefits of natural stone

• Natural stone retains its original color over the course of time much better than manufactured or engineered stone.
  
  
• Natural stone can be buried within the landscape, whereas cultured stone should be installed a minimum of 4” above the soil.  Manufactured stone tends to get moisture trapped within the product because cement absorbs water as we’ve all seen in concrete driveways and sidewalks where there are cracks on the surface. When the freeze-thaw cycle begins, this can cause the stone to crack.
  
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• Natural stone has a timeless, natural look compared to manufactured stone.
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  Natural stone can be cut and then the edges can be artistically chiseled and carved by a mason to retain its natural appearance. Manufactured stone cannot be chiseled because it exposes the aggregate edge and reveals a concrete interior which no longer looks appealing.
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  Natural stone is more durable than manufactured stone.