Property boom increases demand for manufactured stones

With real estate development still expanding in an aggressive manner, demand for stones--natural and manufactured alike--continue to rise. However, the latter has several characteristics that have endeared it to homeowners, architects, and property developers.

Artificial stones, unlike natural ones, are 40 percent lighter which makes them easier to transport and install even in the most demanding locations. Manufactured stones also offer minimal wastage when it comes to cutting.

A novelty no more, specifiers want the artificial stones' more practical, flexible, and more affordable values.

"Artificial stones have the ability to replicate the looks of natural stones (composed of minerals, aggregates and sediments that harden over a long period of time) using the same materials. The difference is you get the exact color, profile and weight you want,” Kirdwin Cu, marketing manager for GT Stoneworks (a company that makes manufactured stones), told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

GT Stoneworks started producing artificial stones in 2004 and has since racked up more than 60 profiles in its stable of stone designs that makes them stand out from other companies who offer similar items.

"Artificial stones are practical solutions to homeowners because the products come in a box and ready to install," said Cu, who is an architect himself. He added that with GT Stoneworks and its manufactured stones, homeowners get to choose among a wide variety of choices that suit anyone's  preference.

Many of GT Stoneworks' customers prefer vibrant colors such as red, orange, and yellow for their accents but neutral shades like beige, cream and sand for the larger areas, according to Cu. The more linear patterns are becoming popular, as well as accent walls that carry a lot of lines and textures.

Another advantage of using artificial stones is that clients can choose from a variety of virtually unlimited color combinations. Chosen patterns can be delivered across the country in as fast as one week.

The stones that GT Stoneworks manufacture are made locally. While they make the popular profiles on a regular basis, the company gets lots of custom-made colors and profiles that architects and designers want for specific projects.

Cu said: "We focus on quality, product innovation and constant product improvements for our customers. We continue to push design boundaries, to continually make our brand and designs relevant in the current construction industry."

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This article was first published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer's real estate supplement on March 15, 2013. It has been edited for TWIST.

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