Limestone Columns versus Synthetic Columns

Limestone columns are a very desirable product, but due to the cost of labor to make these columns they are in most cases, not an option for many homeowners. This section is for homeowners looking for an alternative to real limestone columns.

Limestone: Real limestone columns are very difficult to install, they can be sent to the jobsite in, either, full columns or in three to four foot sections. They require a mechanical lift in order to set them due to the extreme weight. It will take a masonry crew about one full day to set a limestone column, this is very labor intensive.
Synthetic: Our columns are load bearing and hollow, eliminating 80% of the weight; they can be installed by two men in about thirty minutes, saving many man hours in the process. We mix real limestone into our product, to give each column the look and feel of real stone.

Limestone: If a limestone column is damaged or chipped it is almost impossible to repair it. The cost to take it out is often not an option, therefore, the homeowner is forced to live with the unsightly patch.
Synthetic: If for some reason our synthetic column is damaged, we can use the same material to patch the damaged area, a slight discoloration may be noticeable, but the patch will be permanent and seamless.

Limestone: Stone columns are a very porous product, thus, allowing water to penetrate the column, this spawns the growth of mold. It is a constant issue that requires the homeowner to clean their columns regularly.
Synthetic: Our columns are water resistant, therefore not allowing mold to grow on our product. They are mold resistant.

Limestone: After 10 years of being exposed to the elements, limestone columns begin to look weathered. Nothing can be done to reverse this process.
Synthetic: Every city has businesses that go around and sandblast paint from old buildings. This is not an expensive process, you as a homeowner can have them spray our columns with a portable sandblaster and remove the top layer of buildup. Because our color is throughout our column, the results are a column that looks, virtually, like it did the day it was installed.

Limestone: These columns are solid, when you go up and knock on these columns they feel and sound like a solid piece of stone because they are, that is very appealing to most homeowners.
Synthetic: In the case of our columns, they are hollow as explained above, but if the homeowner would like to achieve the same sound of real limestone, once the column is set and attached, you simply fill the cylinder with concrete. Never caulk the bottom of the column where it sets on the ground. This could cause the column to crack during a deep freeze. Water must be allowed to escape from the bottom.