Master stone workers at Swan Builders International are skilled in many techniques. They work equally well with raw and block stone, with mortar lines and with dry-stacked designs. But for many projects, artisan-crafted stone can be more affordable, often is faster to complete, and can achieve specific looks we can customize to suit many designs.
We love working with natural stone…
The choice of natural or artisanal stone depends on preference, site, design, practicality, and budget.
Endlessly adaptable “faux stone”…
Many of our artificial stone works are virtually indistinguishable from natural stones, thanks to masterful stone artists. Few people appreciate natural stone more than they do, and they study it in detail throughout their careers. Only they know how difficult it is to achieve a truly natural look! The rest of us just enjoy the finished result, wondering where art ends and nature begins.
By the way, artificial stone is not a new idea — the techniques and ingredients may evolve, but the practice has been around for hundreds of years. Some even say it originated in the way ancient Egyptians prepared the walls of their tomb chambers.
Slideshows of some of our stone work:
- Project: faux stone makes a better fence at Diamond Head
- Project: Disney Yacht Club
- Project: Hyatt Regency — Saipan
To see more uses and examples of faux stone work, see the shotcrete section.