Comparisons with Stone Products
Stone continues to be a benchmark for premium projects due to its inherent beauty and resilience. Whether used for columns, cornices, wall cladding, or trim, stone serves as a flexible material that can enhance the aesthetic of any structure. However, working with stone presents numerous challenges:
• High costs for materials and fabrication.
• Extended production and delivery timelines.
• Substantial shipping costs attributed to weight.
• Labor-intensive installation that frequently necessitates structural reinforcement.
These constraints often limit stone to luxury projects or large commercial properties, and even in those cases, it poses various challenges that may render it less than ideal. Many contractors and architects perceive stone as “a problem” and, despite its visual appeal, look for alternatives that deliver similar aesthetic effects without the associated logistical and financial complications.
​
Cement Coated Architectural EPS – A Contemporary Alternative to Architectural Stone
Our products are crafted from reinforced EPS that is coated with a unique mixture of polymers and cementitious materials. This results in profiles that can be created in a wide range of shapes and sizes while preserving the authentic look of cut stone.
These profiles offer the following advantages:
• Resistance to weather and long-lasting durability with minimal upkeep.
• Lightweight design that lowers shipping costs and eases installation.
• Rapid production and shorter lead times compared to traditional stone fabrication.
• Environmentally friendly components made from recyclable materials and reduced waste at the job site.
Due to its lightweight nature, it can often be installed without manual reinforcement and typically by just one or two contractors, significantly reducing labor time. Overall, it is a far superior option for those seeking stone-like products.
​
Why More Projects Are Shifting Away from Stone?
Natural stone will always hold its significance in architecture. However, for numerous projects, the time, expense, and installation demands render it less feasible.
DSG Mouldings offers an EPS core product that achieves the same aesthetic outcomes while tackling these issues. This allows architects and builders more design flexibility, lower labor requirements, and a finished product that maintains its appearance and functionality for many years.