n a past newsletter, we announced that Benson Stone Company is a representative of cast stone produced by Continental Cast Stone Mfg., Inc.

We would like to give you a brief explanation of the manufacturing process and options available regarding a specific group of products called select stone.

Select stone units are modular. The modular sizes allow for creativity of design and cost efficiency.

The process:

1. Cement, color, sand and water are mixed. A zero slump mix design (a dry mix that has just enough moisture in it to activate the cement) is used.
2. The mix goes into a mold and is tamped using a vibrant dry tamp process. Once tamped, the top is leveled and the mold is removed. then the piece is ready to go into the curing room.
3. In the curing room, temperature is controlled by an under-the-floor radiant heating system. Carbonated steam from a direct-fired steam generator accelerates the curing process. Within 12 to 24 hours, the pieces are hardened to 3,500 psi.
4. Pieces are washed and stacked on pallets, ready for shipment to the job site.
5. After the full curing time of 28 days, the product reaches its ultimate strength of 6,000 psi.