Manufactured stone veneer is cast from molds of real stone which makes it lighter than natural stone. Natural stone may require wall ties and footings, which, in turn, can increase installation cost and difficulty. Architectural stone veneer is lighter weight, designed to adhere easily to a variety of structurally sound surfaces, and is capable of installations that would normally be very difficult and costly to achieve with natural stone. Installed, manufactured stone is approximately ⅓ to ½ the cost of natural stone.