Artificial Stone
Versatile, consistent, and accessible.
Artificial stone — also called cultured stone, cast stone, or manufactured stone — covers a range of composite materials that replicate the appearance of natural stone using cement, aggregate, and pigments. It brings stone aesthetics within reach of applications where natural stone is impractical, too heavy, or too expensive.
Unlike engineered quartz (which is predominantly natural quartz crystal bound with resin) or sintered stone (which is fired ceramic), artificial stone is typically a cement-based composite. It is cast into moulds, meaning it can be produced in almost any shape — which is impossible with cut natural stone. This makes it particularly useful for curved forms, decorative elements, and architectural applications.
At Marcelina, we work with artificial stone selectively — typically for decorative architectural elements, cast concrete-look tops, and applications where a stone aesthetic is desired at a more accessible price point without compromising the quality of the overall piece.
What artificial stone is made from
The most common form of artificial stone in furniture and interiors is cast concrete — a mix of Portland cement, aggregate (sand, gravel, or stone dust), pigments, and water, often reinforced with fibreglass or steel mesh. GFRC (glass fibre reinforced concrete) is a lighter, thinner variant commonly used for table tops, countertops, and wall cladding.
Polyester resin stone (sometimes called onyx composite or alabaster composite) mixes translucent resin with stone powder, producing lightweight, vaguely translucent panels that can be backlit for decorative effect. Acrylic solid surface (Corian and its equivalents) is another category of artificial stone — non-porous, seamlessly joinable, and fully repairable by sanding.
The main categories of artificial stone
Cast concrete is the most widely used in furniture. Its raw, industrial aesthetic — with slight variations in texture and colour that come from hand-mixing and casting — gives it a character absent from factory-produced materials. GFRC tops weigh approximately one-third of natural stone at the same thickness, making them practical for dining tables and outdoor surfaces that need to be moved.
Acrylic solid surface (Corian, Staron, LG Hi-Macs) is the most maintenance-friendly category — non-porous, heat-resistant to 100°C, and uniquely, can be sanded and repaired if scratched or damaged. Its lack of visible variation gives it a distinctly manufactured look, which suits some design schemes and not others.
Cast Concrete / GFRC
Industrial, tactile, and surprisingly characterful. Can be cast in any shape. Lighter than natural stone. Requires sealing for furniture use.
Acrylic Solid Surface
Seamless joins, fully repairable, non-porous. Limited aesthetic range but unbeatable practicality. Best for applications needing seamless forming.
Resin Stone Composite
Lightweight and versatile. Can produce translucent effects. Often used in bathroom vanities and decorative applications.
Reconstituted Stone
Crushed natural stone bound with cement. More consistent than natural stone but retains mineral variation. Common in paving and architectural cladding.
Artificial stone in a tropical climate
Cast concrete performs reliably in Panama's indoor environments when properly sealed. Its cement-based composition is more moisture-sensitive than quartz or sintered stone — without sealing, it will absorb water and potentially develop efflorescence (white mineral deposits) or mould in high-humidity conditions.
For outdoor use, GFRC and properly formulated cast concrete perform acceptably under covered terraces and in shaded areas. Direct rain and UV exposure over time will weather the surface — this is considered a feature by some clients (the patina of concrete is part of its appeal) and a flaw by others. For truly weather-resistant outdoor surfaces, sintered stone is a superior specification.
Acrylic solid surface is entirely unsuitable for outdoor use — UV degradation causes yellowing and surface damage. It performs best as an indoor specification, particularly in bathroom vanities and kitchen-adjacent applications where its non-porous, repairable qualities are most valuable.
Caring for artificial stone
| Cast concrete sealing | Seal with a penetrating concrete sealer every 6–12 months for indoor pieces, more frequently outdoors. Unsealed concrete will stain easily. |
| Daily cleaning | pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads. Dry after cleaning. |
| Acrylic surface care | Mild soap and water. Light scratches can be sanded out with very fine sandpaper and polished — a unique advantage over all other surface materials. |
| Heat | Cast concrete is heat-resistant. Acrylic solid surface is not — use trivets. Resin composite is heat-sensitive — avoid hot objects. |
| Repairs | Concrete can be repaired with matching concrete filler. Acrylic can be sanded and repolished. Chips and deep scratches in resin composite are generally not repairable. |
Artificial Stone — pros and cons
Advantages
- Can be cast in any shape or form
- Lighter than natural stone (GFRC)
- More accessible price point
- Acrylic solid surface is fully repairable
- Consistent colour and texture available
Limitations
- Cast concrete requires regular sealing
- Less durable than natural marble or sintered stone
- Not UV-stable (acrylic, resin varieties)
- Perceived as less premium than natural stone
- Quality varies significantly by manufacturer
Where we specify
artificial stone.
We use cast concrete most often for industrial and contemporary dining table tops, where the material's raw texture and earthy tones create a character that polished engineered stone cannot deliver. GFRC allows us to produce large dining table tops that are light enough to move and position without structural reinforcement concerns.
For clients seeking practicality in bathrooms and utility areas, we occasionally specify acrylic solid surface for vanity tops and service areas — the ability to repair scratches and stains makes it uniquely practical in spaces that take heavy use.
Discuss Your ProjectWe work with established GFRC fabricators and source cast concrete from studios that produce consistent, well-sealed products. We advise clients honestly on the differences between artificial and natural stone — the right choice depends entirely on the application, the aesthetic goal, and the maintenance commitment.
Where artificial stone is specified, we treat the sealing and finishing process with the same care as natural stone. Cast concrete tops are sealed with a high-quality penetrating sealer before delivery and supplied with care instructions specific to the material.