What is cultured stone?

In masonry, cultured stone commonly means manufactured stone veneer: a concrete facing made to look like natural stone. It covers a building surface; water management behind an exterior veneer matters as much as the visible facing.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated 31 October 2026

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How thick is a piece of manufactured stone?

Thickness varies by profile. CMHA’s FAQ, revised in 2016, summarizes an average-thickness limit of 2.625 inches (67 mm) for the units it describes. That is a dated standards summary, not a statement that every piece has that thickness or that every current wall assembly uses the same limit. “Additionally, the units shall have an average thickness of no more than 2.625 inches (67 mm), with no face dimension greater than 36 inches (915 mm).” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), read 2026-10-31.

What does cultured stone mean in masonry?

Here, cultured stone refers to the manufactured masonry veneer used as a decorative building facing. InterNACHI notes that the brand name is sometimes used generically; this page explains the material category. CMHA describes that category as concrete cladding, with different colors, textures and patterns. “Produced from concrete, manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is a premier cladding system for buildings.” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), read 2026-10-31.

Are There ASTM Standards for Manufactured Stone Veneer?

Yes. CMHA’s 2016 FAQ distinguishes ASTM C1670/C1670M for the veneer units from ASTM C1780 for installation practices. Those are different subjects: product properties and the wall’s construction. The FAQ is a dated technical overview, so project specifications should identify the applicable editions. “ASTM C1670/C1670M covers the minimum product requirements for the units used in adhered manufactured stone masonry veneer systems.” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), read 2026-10-31.

Do I need to seal the stone after installation?

A surface treatment is optional in CMHA’s guide specification, revised August 29, 2025. It describes treatments that slow water absorption and make cleaning easier, and limits the type to breathable silane or siloxane. It also calls for following the treatment maker’s recommendations and trying a sample first. “Only use either silane or siloxane breathable protective treatments.” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), read 2026-10-31.

Are there any water issues?

Yes. The appearance of stone does not remove the need for water management behind the facing. CMHA’s installation checkpoints describe two separate water-resistive layers over wood sheathing in exterior applications, integrated with flashing. Their shingled arrangement helps direct water outward; the veneer face alone is not the drainage system. “The standard also requires that the two separate layers be installed in shingle fashion.” Source: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), read 2026-10-31.

Sources

Manufactured Stone Veneer — Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA); published Undated overview; read 2026-10-31.
Are There ASTM Standards for Manufactured Stone Veneer? — Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA); published Revised 2016; read 2026-10-31.
Adhered Manufactured Stone Veneer: Guide Specification — Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA); published Revised August 29, 2025; read 2026-10-31.
Key Installation Checkpoints for Manufactured Stone Veneer — Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA); published Technical bulletin MSV-TEC-001-14; read 2026-10-31.
Inspecting Manufactured Stone for Water Damage — InterNACHI; published Undated technical article; used for terminology only; read 2026-10-31.