Manufactured Stone that Makes an Impression

Impressions in Stone celebrates 10 years and a new showroom.

Mike Howell, VP of marketing, and Dagan Heaps, owner of Impressions in Stone.

Looking to update your home or business building? Like the look of stone, but wary of the cost and hassle associated with natural stone? Look no further – Impressions in Stone has the perfect solution.

    Impressions in Stone specializes in manufactured stone, a cast-cement product designed to look like real stone. Essentially, natural stones are used to create various molds. A special blend of Portland cement, lightweight aggregate, water and color pigment is poured into the molds. The result of this process offers a broad range of colors and shapes from which to choose.

    “We can match just about any pattern or color scheme,” says Mike Howell, vice president of marketing. Because everything is mixed, poured and cured at their warehouse, Impressions in Stone is ideal for clients who aim for a very specific aesthetic.

    Manufactured stone is a cost-effective alternative to utilizing natural stone in a building. The basic cost of material and transport for natural stone can be quite high, as are installation costs. Natural stone also may not be ideal for some buildings or locations, since its weight requires significantly more planning and engineering effort. A house on a slope, say alongside a lake or river, is an excellent candidate for manufactured stone’s less restrictive structural requirements. Manufactured stone can be a real problem solver.

    The company deals directly with designers, contractors and owners, and has a showroom with plenty of samples to aid in the selection process. Once a style and color scheme is decided upon, rubber molds are put together and the mixture of cement, pigment and additives is poured. Following the curing process, the stones are stacked on pallets and delivered to the project site.

    While the more experienced do-it-yourselfer could manage installation (the product comes with step-by-step instructions), the company recommends allowing professionals to handle bigger jobs and can recommend a qualified ­contractor.

    Manufactured stone, in addition to being a more cost-effective and customizable alternative to natural stone, is also a durable material. “All our stone products carry a 50-year warranty,” says Dagan Heaps, owner.

    Dagan Heaps started Impressions in Stone 10 years ago, following a 15-year career with an international consulting and software company. Heaps, who has a degree in industrial engineering from the University of Oklahoma, discovered the product through Eaves Stone Products while building his own home. He was so impressed with the concept that he approached Eaves about a joint venture. In mid-2004, the young business was founded. After a few high profile contracts (including banks and casinos), the business took off.

    Office hours at Impressions in Stone are 5:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but Howell and Heaps are able to make appointments outside normal hours. Drop by their new showroom, located just north of 15th between Yale and Sheridan, for a tour.  

For more information, contact

Impressions in Stone

www.impressionsinstone.biz 

About Author Christopher Davis

Christopher Davis is an educator and musician, as well as a writer. A California native, he resides in Tulsa with his wife, two sons and a modest menagerie of pets. When he isn't inspiring young minds, you will most likely find him spending time with his family or playing drums and percussion with Project Huckleberry or the Movetet. In addition to Value News, Davis also writes for Currentland. You can view his work at https://seedavis.wordpress.com.