Homeowners Rock Dramatic Style with Manufactured Stone

    SUGAR CREEK, OH, June 28, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Manufactured stone is the new "it" accessory for residential construction - and this growing trend is catching on for both exteriors and interiors. The driving factors are new technology that delivers extremely authentic looks along with easier, faster installation that makes stone more accessible.

There are many ways to rock manufactured stone, and as its popularity grows, four key trends emerge as homeowner tastes and preferences become more sophisticated.

Trend #1: Dry Stack Rules
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, manufactured stone was typically chosen to emulate available materials in the local natural environment. For example, Ohioans favored Limestone manufactured stone, while in Michigan it was River Rock. This has changed dramatically in the past five years.

Today there is one clear favorite nationwide - Dry Stack stone. The style features the look of smaller stones that provide an elegant, natural look that is very versatile in both exterior and interior stone applications. The Dry Stack Collection from Heritage Stone by ProVia is an example of this style.

Trend #2: Exotic Designer Colors
While today's manufactured stone is prized for its natural look, designers and architects are increasingly specifying stone colors not exactly found in nature. While the blends and shades are still earthy, more reds, purples and burgundies are being mixed with earth tones to complement colors in carpet, walls or window treatments. Responding to this demand, Heritage Stone recently added 15 new stone colors, and there are 11 stone color choices for their Dry Stack Collection.

Trend #3: Dramatic Accents
As technology has made manufactured stone more accessible to the masses, today it's showing up on more than just a home's exterior. In interior applications, stone adds a dramatic frame for kitchen stoves and islands, and is used around bathtubs to create a spa-like retreat. Manufactured stone is also a popular choice for masonry surface application in finished basements or for stone fireplaces. Exterior stone accents, like an outdoor kitchen, deliver plenty of wow factor, without the wallet cringe that a traditional stone-laying job would entail.

Trend #4: Recapturing Home Equity
As home values have dropped in recent years, homeowners are now seeking ways to add value by increasing curb appeal and upgrading finishes in the home. For rental properties, exterior stone siding can enable owners to command top dollar. For builders, manufactured stone can be used to create unique offerings in the local market.

Like a favorite go-to accessory, today's manufactured stone is just the "bling" homeowners are looking for.

Visit www.proviaproducts.com for more information about Heritage Stone by ProVia.

About Heritage Stone by ProVia
Headquartered in Sugarcreek, Ohio, Heritage Stone by ProVia is a leading manufacturer of professional-class manufactured stone that is used for stone siding, fireplace surrounds, stone fire pits, stone walls, outdoor kitchens, finished basements and other exterior and interior stone applications. Heritage Stone's products and methods are tested using the toughest criteria in the industry, the AC-51. Fewer than 5% of manufactured stone producers maintain this third-party endorsement that ensures code compliance. In business for more than 14 years, Heritage Stone was acquired by ProVia in 2011 as part of ProVia's product portfolio expansion implemented to provide additional design options for beautifying homes, multi-family dwellings, and commercial buildings. For more information, visit www.proviaproducts.com/stone.

About ProVia
Headquartered in Sugarcreek, Ohio, ProVia is a leading manufacturer of professional-class entry doors, storm doors, patio doors, windows, vinyl siding and manufactured stone. The professional-class designation reflects the company's high level of quality, service and customization. ProVia has been an ENERGY STAR Partner with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy since 2002, and has won the prestigious ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for Door Manufacturing four times, and the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award three times. The company employs approximately 500 people at its headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Sugarcreek, Walnut Creek, Baltic and Zanesville, Ohio, and Booneville, Miss. For more information, visit www.proviaproducts.com.

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