Ridgewater Ledge expresses the layered character of natural stone through extended linear forms, split-faced texture, and pronounced shadow lines. Stones project and recede in varied relief, creating a dimensional surface that echoes the natural stratification of sandstone cliffs. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, one of architecture's most celebrated expressions of harmony between structure and landscape.
What's in your stone veneer? Ours is a superior mix made up of 70% post-industrial content, which means we eliminate the need for the smokestack-produced fly ash used by other manufacturers. Instead, we use 100% natural pozzolan pumice that enhances natural color and strength, minimizes efflorescence, resists sulfate attack, reduces permeability and improves durability.
Creative Mines stone and brick veneer products are designed to resist mold, mildew, and efflorescence. However, these issues can sometimes develop on adjacent materials, such as grout, which may come into contact with our veneer. Proper installation, drainage, and maintenance can help prevent these concerns and ensure the lasting beauty of your project.
No, we recommend against pressure washing our stone. Consult Creative Mines Customer Support if cleaning requires a method outside our care & maintenance recommendations. Please contact them directly at create@creativemines.us
One of the benefits of Creative Mines stone and brick veneer is that it requires very little maintenance. If cleaning is needed, simply follow Creative Mines Care & Maintenance guide.
Occasional cleaning with mild soap and water to remove surface dust and dirt is typically all that's required to keep the stone veneer looking its best. Download Creative Mines Care & Maintenance PDF.
Creative Mines provides hatch patterns, seamless textures for CAD drawings which can be downloaded directly from our website or from https://architextures.org/ . If using architextures.org, please type in Creative Mines to find a full library of our seamless textures.
Yes, for larger projects we can help coordinate a mock-up board in collaboration with the project’s mason to ensure the selected materials, grout techniques and colors align with your design vision.
Yes, Creative Mines provides a variety or resources for the A&D community, including technical support, samples, project mock ups and design consultations.
Custom textures, colors, and profiles may be available depending on the project type, timeline, and scale. To explore custom options, consult your local Creative Mines Sales Representative for details and feasibility. Please fill out our Start A Project form to get started.
Yes. As with all cladding systems, adhered veneers do not contribute to the design strength of the wall assembly and instead transfer loads into their structural backing. Whether these loads are present, as well as their orientation and magnitude, will vary depending on the load under consideration (wind, seismic, gravity, etc.) and the type of cladding system being detailed (anchored masonry veneer, adhered masonry veneer, or other system). By addressing these common questions, we aim to provide clarity and confidence in choosing Creative Mines' manufactured stone veneer products for your next project.
Our lightweight concrete stone veneer is meticulously engineered with specific attention to its fire-resistant & non-combustible properties. The main components of our veneer include Portland cement, lightweight aggregates, pozzolan, mineral oxide colors, and concrete admixtures. Notably, it exhibits "0" flame spread and "0" Smoke-developed properties when tested in accordance with ASTM E84-23 Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (UL 723, ANSI/NFPA No.255, and UBC No.18-1).
The R-value contribution of our products to the wall will vary by profile due to the product’s thickness, the wall’s assembly, and the installation technique grouted joint vs dry-stacked. Consult the projects architect or design engineer for specific R-value.
Pozzolan along with proprietary raw materials and processes, create a gladiator strong mix design that provides a high compressive strength and unmatched freeze-thaw durability in our products. As a result, Creative Mines products will outperform all other stone veneer products in the marketplace. See the test results here.
The compressive strength of Creative Mines stone veneer will average 3800 psi. The water absorption rate will average 17%. For a complete view of Creative Mines test results, click here.
Creative Mines products comply with applicable building code requirements. They have been tested and meet and/or exceed ASTM C1670 Standards for fire safety, structural performance, and durability as detailed in our ICC Evaluation Report 3685.
Creative Mines stone veneer will range in size and shapes. The average thickness of each unit is less than or equal to 2 5/8 in, do not exceed 36 in. in any face dimension, do not exceed more than 2.5 ft2 in total face area. The weight of our masonry veneer products averages between 8 to 12 pounds per square foot, depending on the specific profile and texture.
Project costs vary based on multiple factors, including material selection, installation complexity, and regional labor rates. We recommend consulting your local distributor and mason for the most accurate estimate.
Several factors influence cost, including:
Flat stone is sold by the square foot, while corner pieces are sold by the lineal foot. Our products are available in a range of large and small boxes to accommodate projects of all sizes, from major commercial installations to smaller home renovations.
Yes, we work closely with our distributor partners to offer preferred pricing for large-scale projects or trade professionals in the industry. Contact your local Creative Mines Sales Representative to discuss pricing options. You can contact us at create@creativemines.us
Manufactured stone veneer often costs about half to two-thirds less than natural stone veneer because:
Raw Materials & Production
Creative Mines stone and brick veneer is created using lightweight aggregates and molds, reducing the need for quarrying, cutting, and transporting heavy natural stone.
Installation Efficiency
Its lighter weight means fewer structural modifications and simpler installation methods—lowering labor and equipment costs compared to natural stone veneer.
Reduced Waste
Creative Mines is made to consistent shapes and sizes, minimizing cutting and leftover material, which saves both time and money.
Predictable Supply
Because it’s produced in a controlled setting, Creative Mines stone and brick veneer offers more stable pricing and availability, avoiding the supply fluctuations common with natural stone. In addition, color palettes are manufactured consistently, making design and future additions more reliable than the variations found with natural stone.
Creative Mines ships to international distributors and special large projects, please fill out our Start A Project form and we will get back to you shortly.
Lead times will vary depending on the popularity of the profile and color. Many products are readily available. It is our goal to make our products available in less than 10 days.
Creative Mines is sold through our network of distribution partners. If there is not a Creative Mines distributor in your location, we can work directly with you to fulfill your project needs. You can find a local distributor by clicking here.
Creative Mines has a nationwide network of dealers that carry our products. You can locate a local distributor by clicking here.
At Creative Mines, sustainability is a key focus.
Creative Mines' products are made with only natural raw materials, ensuring a cleaner, non-toxic environment. We also avoid using fly-ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, so our materials remain safe and eco-friendly—perfect for indoor applications.
Creative Mines can help earn LEED points in several key areas:
Materials & Resources (MR): Recycled Content & Regional Sourcing: If your stone includes recycled materials or is produced locally, it can boost credits for reducing environmental impact through resource optimization. Life-Cycle Assessments & EPDs: Documenting a lower environmental footprint through environmental product declarations can further enhance sustainability credentials.
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ):
Low VOC Emissions: Manufactured stone typically has low volatile organic compounds, contributing to better indoor air quality.
Innovation (IN): New Sustainable Practices: If your product uses breakthrough technologies or materials (like incorporating Pozzolan for reduced carbon footprint), it can secure innovation credits.
Energy & Atmosphere (EA):
Thermal Mass Benefits: While not a direct LEED credit, the durability and energy efficiency of quality manufactured stone can contribute indirectly to overall energy performance strategies.
Please refer to our LEED Contribution Data Sheet available on our website.
Pozzolan not only cuts down on CO₂ emissions—it’s a game-changer for sustainable building. Here’s what makes Creative Mines stone, brick and masonry veneers shine;
Waste Reduction & Circular Economy: Sourced from natural volcanic ash, Pozzolan turns what might have been waste into a valuable resource. This supports circular economy principles and minimizes landfill contributions.
Enhanced Durability: Beyond boosting strength, Pozzolan’s lower heat of hydration reduces thermal stress during curing and reduces the chance for chemical attacks. This means fewer cracks, lower maintenance needs, and a longer-lasting product that stands up well in all elements.
Energy Efficiency & Green Certifications: With a more efficient manufacturing process and a lower overall carbon footprint, by Creative Mines incorporating Pozzolan into its mix design it can help projects meet green building standards and certifications, adding both environmental and market value.
Yes, Creative Mines' products are an environmentally friendly alternative to natural stone. By eliminating the need for quarrying, we reduce the environmental impact associated with mining. Additionally, our lightweight design helps lower material and transportation costs, further minimizing our carbon footprint.
The installed weight of our stone veneer will vary depending on the profile thickness and surface preparation. Creative Mines stone units alone vary in weight from 8-12 lbs/sf plus the weight of the assembly which includes lath, scratch coat, and setting bed can add an additional 5 lbs/sf
ASTM C1670 Standard for Manufactured Stone veneer requires the veneer be tested for a minimum of 50 freeze-thaw cycles and experience less than 1.5% mass loss / disintegration. Creative Mines has been tested in an industry first 300 freeze-thaw cycles with less than 0.5% mass loss.
Creative Mines provides 50-year warranty on all its products that are used and installed in line with our installation guidelines. Visit our website to download details of our 50-year warranty
Creative Mines products are designed to perform similarly to natural stone in terms of durability. When installed according to CMHA guidelines and maintained properly, they resist cracking, chipping, and other forms of damage, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Creative Mines masonry veneers excel in all weather conditions the seasons can produce. Our industry leading freeze-thaw durability with 0% degradation, 3800 compressive strength, and superior resistance to moisture intrusion and unsightly efflorescence is unmatched.
Creative Mines Paint-Grade Brick and Modern Block are designed to be painted with a high-quality masonry wall paint. However, some customers choose to leave them in their natural, unpainted state, which may display in its raw color with natural color variation.
Creative Mines stone veneer can be applied directly to properly prepared, clean, untreated, and structurally sound surfaces, including:
For a complete list of approved surfaces and installation guidelines, visit the Education section on our website and review the CMHA Installation Guidelines.
Yes, Creative Mines stone, brick and masonry veneers are non-combustible and suitable for installation around fireplaces and kitchen stoves. However, we recommend maintaining a minimum 18-inch clearance from direct flames to preserve the veneer’s appearance.
To see installations of Creative Mines we recommend visiting our Instagram site or viewing or Inspiration Gallery.
For projects exceeding 5,000 square feet, Creative Mines offers custom colors with a minimal upcharge for tooling modifications and color development. Tell us more about your project and we will get back to you soon. Click here to Start A Project.
Yes, samples are available at our dealer locations, or you can order online directly and have samples delivered to your doorstep!
Creative Mines offers an extensive line of premium stone, brick, and masonry veneers. Discover our curated collections—Timeless, Contemporary, Brick, Wood Cuts, and Accents. With over 100 natural color palettes and the freedom to blend elements from our Timeless collection into your own signature Mixology, the creative possibilities are endless.
Grouted Installations: Creative Mines recommends a Type N or S bonding mortar.
Dry-stacked (Tight-fit) Installations: Creative Mines recommends a polymer modified mortar meeting ANSI A118.4 or A118.15.
It's important to follow the CMHA Installation Guidelines.
Yes, our stone veneers are versatile and can be applied to both interior and exterior surfaces, allowing for cohesive design elements throughout your space. Since the wall preparation may differ, refer to the CMHA Installation Guidelines to ensure the wall is prepared in compliance with the installation guidelines.
Hot Weather: If the environmental conditions during installation exceed 90°F additional water may be needed on the scratch coat surface and the backs of the stone veneer being installed. Providing shade and/or frequent misting of the wall is recommended. The hot weather practices defined in TMS 602 should be followed for the installation of manufactured stone.
Cold Weather: Installations should be protected from temperatures below 40°F during and immediately following installation. The use of anti-freeze admixtures to lower the freezing point of the mortar is not recommended. Accelerating admixtures shall comply with ASTM C1384; accelerating admixtures containing calcium chloride are not permitted. Stone veneers containing visible frozen moisture shall not be installed. The cold weather practices defined in TMS 602 should be followed for the installation of AMSV systems.
Review the CMHA installation guidelines for more information to ensure proper installation.
For installations up to 30 feet in height over wood-frame construction, standard installation procedures are sufficient. For heights exceeding 30 feet or for installations over non-wood-framed sheathing, it's advisable to consult with a building code official or structural engineer to ensure compliance and safety.
Manufactured stone is virtually maintenance-free. Occasional cleaning with mild soap and water to remove surface dust and dirt is typically all that's required to keep the stone looking its best. Visit our Creative Mines website for information on care & maintenance of our products.
A professional mason is always recommended, however is not required to install our products. If the installer has some general masonry skills and is an experienced DIY, a successful masonry installation can be achieved. Please follow the CMHA installation guidelines for proper install techniques, substrates, mortars and grout. You can download a copy here.
Manufactured stone can be installed directly to existing brick and concrete surfaces as long as it is clean, untreated, unsealed, structurally sound, and is properly prepared. For drywall surfaces, it will require prep work to make the wall suitable to receive our stone veneer. Download CMHA Installation Guidelines here.
Creative Mines masonry veneers excel in all weather conditions the seasons can produce. Our industry leading freeze-thaw durability with 0% degradation, 3800 compressive strength, and superior resistance to moisture intrusion and unsightly efflorescence is unmatched.
Our stone veneer is meticulously engineered with specific attention to its fire-resistant properties. The main components of our veneer include portland cement, lightweight aggregates, pozzolan, mineral oxide colors, and concrete admixtures. Notably, it exhibits "0" flame spread and "0" Smoke-developed properties when tested in accordance with ASTM E84-23 Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (UL 723, ANSI/NFPA No.255, and UBC No.18-1).
Creative Mines stone veneer are designed with a gladiator tough concrete mix design that incorporates the use of a pozzolan -a natural additive found in icons like the colosseum, that outperforms and outlasts all other manufactured stone veneers products. Its integral color throughout the product and surface colorations to closely mimic natural stone. They are engineered to maintain their aesthetic appeal throughout the stone veneer’s lifespan. All products are backed by a 50-Year Limited Warranty.
Creative Mines is the only stone veneer manufacturer that uses a natural pozzolan to create a gladiator tough concrete mix design. Its proprietary mix design provides high compressive strength, with unmatched freeze-thaw durability performance, and physical properties that control efflorescence in the veneer.
Creative Mines uses a gladiator concrete mix design that consists of portland cement, natural pozzolan, lightweight aggregates, and iron oxide pigments to ensure each piece mirrors the physical properties and colors of natural stone.
Manufactured stone veneer is designed to replicate the appearance and texture of natural stone. These products provide the aesthetic appeal of natural stone with the added benefits of reduced weight and easier installation. They typically offer a more cost-effective solution than natural stone. It eliminates the need for additional structural support, footings, or wall ties, and its lighter weight can reduce installation time and labor costs.
Yes, Creative Mines can provide a repair or color touch-up kits should the product get accidentally damaged. Contact our customer service department at create@creativemines.us to make a request. Please have the color and profile details to ensure you request the correct materials.
Sealing is not required for manufactured stone and brick veneer, but it can offer added protection, particularly in areas exposed to water, dirt, or smoke. A breathable, non-film-forming masonry sealer—such as one with silane or siloxane—can help prevent stains and make cleaning easier. For large-format, light colored stone, sealing is especially beneficial during installation and over time to minimize staining.
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