Builders' Show: Versetta Stone offers high style at a low price

Want a stone wall or mantle? Boral Versetta Stone lets you put one in your home yourself—with simple nails or screws—in as little as a few hours. Each two-foot-square composite panel has the look and feel of real ledgestone or limestone, and includes a galvanized fastener strip. It almost had us fooled at the International Builders' Show.

Just fasten the starter strip, then attach each "stone" panel by nailing or screwing it into masonry or wall studs. Tongues and grooves let the tops and bottoms snap together, while dovetails attach the sides—no mortar or high-priced masonry needed. This faux stone can also go outside your house as siding with the usual plywood and weather barrier beneath.

Each square foot of Boral Versetta costs just $12 to $15 and weighs only eight pounds. It also has a Class A Fire Rating and includes 50 percent recycled content. You'll find it at East coast siding and lumber-supply stores or visit Boral's website if you live elsewhere and want the high style of stone without the high price.

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