Stone has been one of the most sought-after materials for architectural detailing for centuries. It is durable, elegant, and offers a level of authenticity that many other building materials attempt to replicate.
However, natural stone also presents challenges. It is heavy, costly to fabricate and transport, and requires skilled labor and *significant* reinforcement during installation. These factors can make stone impractical for many residential and commercial projects, or add considerably to the project cost and timeline.
At Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles, we provide architectural alternatives that capture the look and texture of stone while reducing cost, weight, and complexity. Our products are used by architects, contractors, and builders throughout the United States and Canada who want the appeal of stone, but need a solution that is faster to produce, easier to install, less costly, and more efficient for the entire project.
If you are considering stone detailing but want to explore a modern alternative, Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles is available to provide additional information. Call us at 206.953.5209 in the United States or 604.285.6550 in Canada for more information, or complete our online form.
About Stone and How It Compares to Our Cement Coated Architectural EPS
Stone remains a standard for high-end projects because of its natural beauty and durability. From columns and cornices to wall cladding and trim, stone is a versatile material that can transform the look of any building.
But working with stone involves many challenges:
- High material and fabrication costs.
- Long production and delivery times.
- Significant shipping expenses due to weight.
- Labor-intensive installation that often requires structural reinforcement.
These limitations mean that stone is often restricted to luxury projects or large-scale commercial properties, and even then, it still has many challenges that make it not always the ideal choice.
Many contractors and architects find that stone is “a problem” and, despite its appearance, seek alternatives that provide the same visual impact without the logistical and financial hurdles.
That is where PW Profiles offers an effective replacement.
Cement Coated Architectural EPS – A Modern Alternative to Architectural Stone
Our products are manufactured from reinforced EPS coated with a proprietary blend of polymers and cementitious materials. The result is a profile that can be produced in a wide variety of shapes and sizes while maintaining the authentic appearance of cut stone.
These profiles provide the following benefits:
- Weather resistance and long-term durability with minimal maintenance.
- Lightweight structure that reduces shipping costs and simplifies installation.
- Fast production and shorter lead times compared to stone fabrication.
- Eco-friendly components with recyclable material and reduced jobsite waste.
Our material has been tested under extreme conditions, including repeated freeze/thaw cycles and exposure to heat above 100 degrees, and maintains its performance without cracking or damage.
Because it is so lightweight, it can often be installed without any manual reinforcement and often by only one or two contractors, significantly decreasing labor time. It is, overall, a much better choice for those that are looking for stone products.
Types of Stone That Can Be Replaced
Architectural EPS profiles are designed to replicate the look and feel of many different natural stones. This makes it possible to achieve the same aesthetic without the challenges of quarrying, shipping, or installing heavy stone blocks. The material can be finished to resemble:
- Limestone – Often used for trim, sills, and cladding but prone to weathering in freeze/thaw environments
- Sandstone – Valued for its warm tones but vulnerable to erosion and surface breakdown
- Travertine – Known for its decorative texture but softer and more porous than other stones
- Granite – Admired for its strength and polished appearance, but very costly and difficult to work with on intricate designs
- Marble – A traditional choice for high-end detail, yet heavy, expensive, and prone to staining
- Slate – Frequently applied as a cladding or accent, but brittle and labor-intensive to install
Because EPS can be coated and finished to mimic these materials, it allows contractors and architects to integrate the visual appeal of natural stone into their projects at a fraction of the cost and weight.
Architectural Applications
Because our profiles are engineered to replicate the look and performance of stone, they can replace nearly any stone detail, including:
- Stone Arches
- Stone Columns
- Stone Balustrades And Bases
- Stone Brackets
- Stone Chimney Trim
- Stone Cornices
- Stone Door And Window Surrounds
- Stone Headers, Sills, And Casings
- Stone Mouldings And Crowns
- Stone Veneers
- Stone Wall Panels And Cladding Systems
In addition to replacing stone, our system can also serve as an alternative to other materials, such as stucco shapes, GFRC, and precast concrete. This flexibility makes it possible to complete much of a project using a single material system, reducing complexity and cost.
Why More Projects Are Moving Away from Stone
Natural stone will always have a place in architecture. But for many projects, the time, cost, and installation requirements make it less practical.
Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles can provide an EPS core product that delivers the same visual results while addressing these concerns. They provide architects and builders with greater design freedom, reduced labor demands, and a final product that continues to look and perform well for decades.
To learn more about our architectural stone alternatives, contact Patterson Whittaker Architectural Profiles today for details or a project estimate.