Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | May 27, 1999 08:34pm | #1

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   Try this link as a starting point. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on any of the references to start your search.

   In case the link is bad, go to http://www.aj.com and do a search for "cultured stone manufacturers."

   Good luck.

2. 
   G.LaLonde | May 28, 1999 05:06am | #2

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   These cultured stones used to look so bad that I swore I would never use them anywhere, but now some of them are so realistic that it's almost impossible to tell them from real stone.

   The fitting of the stones and the details of the mortar work are the deciding factors in how real they look. There are many stone and brick dealers that I deal with on a regular basis and all of them sell cultured stone. Check your area and look at as many installed examples as possible.

   I would also suggest that you study installations where real stone was used to get an idea of how stone should be fitted and how to tool the mortar.

1. 
   Deanna_and_Jim | May 28, 1999 07:29pm | #3

   *Thanks, Mongo and G. for your help! My husband found information about the specific stones used on the "hometime" website:Cultured Stone for Fireplace Surround: ("Wisconsin Fieldstone") Bend Industries These stones were flat on one side for easy installation to the wall.deanna

1. 
   Ann_Berg | Jun 02, 1999 07:11am | #4

   *I hate to sound like a snob, but have you considered real stone? Buchtel Corporation in Chilton, Wisconsin sells real stone that has been cut to 1" on the back so that you generally do not need footings to install it on cement backer board. We put in a limestone wall behind our woodburner at our cabin, and it looks wonderful compared to the fake stuff, and the price was almost the same. Hedberg Aggregates in Minnesota is a source for the 1" thick fieldstone, as well.

3. 
   Deanna_and_Jim | Jun 02, 1999 07:11am | #5

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   Hi everyone!, I saw a show on PBS detailing a fireplace surround installation using lightweight cast stones. They looked beautiful and relatively easy to install. Has anyone heard of these and know where i can get more info? Have you ever used them? Do they look real?
   deanna