Concrete has always been a favorite among manufacturers for several reasons: it's moldable, easy to work with, and most importantly, inexpensive when compared to the alternatives. Unfortunately, concrete rarely looks like real stone. How can it? It's concrete!
The Truth About Concrete
To understand why VersaStone has more strength and integrity than concrete, it is first necessary to understand concrete itself. Concrete is made from cement mixed with water and aggregates. Aggregates are basically additives that take up space, decrease costs, and alter the look of the product. Popular aggregates include gravel, crushed rock, and ash. Aggregates often decrease the strength and integrity of the concrete by breaking up the mixture's solidity and adding air bubbles to the mix.
To make matters worse, cast concrete pieces are often treated after molding to create a weathered look that more closely resembles stone. Techniques used include sandblasting, chipping, and acid washing. In many cases, ice, rock salt, or baking soda is mixed with the concrete to create "voids" in the piece. While voids on the surface of a piece can add to its attractiveness, voids within the piece are simply air pockets that significantly decrease the finished product's structural integrity.
The VersaStone Difference
VersaStone is 95% actual stone, with a few bonding agents for increased hardness. There are no internal voids or large aggregates, and no ice, rock salt, or baking soda in the mix. When a VersaStone piece is created it looks like real stone because it is real stone.
Lately, several manufacturers have switched to foam or fiberglass to create architectural elements. These products look even less like stone than concrete does. In fact, foam and fiberglass pieces are often hollow!
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