CalStar chiseled cast stone unit

Words: Dan KamysCalStar is expanding its line of cast stone products with a 24-inch-long (nominal) unit with a chiseled appearance that emulates natural, cut limestone.

The chiseled-texture units have a bed depth of four inches (nominal) and are available in four heights: four, eight, 12 and 16 inches (nominal). CalStar’s cast stone starts with molds mastered from real stone, contributing to an authentic look. By using several different faces per size and an alphanumeric installation guide inscribed on each piece, CalStar ensures installers can place the units in patterns that are not repetitive to the eye. The CalStar staff will assist designers with developing an installation hierarchy. In addition, units are available with a chiseled end for use in corners.

Unlike some products, the units are suitable for at-grade applications and, therefore, eliminate the need for starter courses. Other uses include band courses, wainscoting and window accents.

The cast stone products are made with CalStar’s process that incorporates up to 18 percent recycled content and eliminates the need for Portland cement, used to bind concrete masonry products; for calcium silicate materials, which require energy-intensive autoclaving; or for kiln-firing, typical of traditional clay brick. As a result, each product requires less energy to make as well as having a lower carbon footprint. The chiseled-face units are available in any of CalStar’s monotone colors.

For more information, visit www.calstarproducts.com.
The Science of a Straight Line: Why Masonry’s Smallest Decisions Make the Biggest Differences
September 2026

There is a unique phenomenon in construction: the human eye can spot an out-of-plumb wall from 50 yards away across a crowded job site. We might not always be able to explain the exact mathematical deviation without a laser level, but our brains instantly

The Utah Masonry Council's Masonry Education Day
September 2026

The 2026 Masonry Education Day at Interstate Brick in West Jordan is bringing together members of Utah’s architecture, engineering, and construction community for a day focused on education, technical understanding, and workforce development. The event r

MCAA Upstate New York: Regaining Market Share Through Education
September 2026

The Upstate New York chapter of the MCAA was established in 2014 by a dedicated group of both union and non-union masonry contractors, producers, and suppliers who shared concerns about the declining use of masonry. T

GEN NXT: Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo