Welcome to the Cast Stone Institute^®
The Cast Stone Institute^® (CSI) was formed in 1927 by a group of visionary Cast Stone producers who identified the need to have a common voice for the Cast Stone industry. Today our mission remains, not only to be the authoritative spokesperson for Cast Stone, but also to provide expert counsel to the architectural and engineering communities.

Members of the Cast Stone Institute^® are engaged in the relentless pursuit of excellence in manufacturing. Prior to admission, each potential CSI producer member must submit to a rigorous examination of product quality, safety, testing and meticulous record keeping. Cast Stone Institute^® producer members must also undergo the recertification process every two years. The results of this self-governing association of producers and suppliers to the Cast Stone industry include consistently high product quality, through continuous improvement in manufacturing methods and materials, and the assurance that Cast Stone Institute members are “on the job” keeping Cast Stone a premier building material. The Cast Stone Institute, through its standing committees disseminates current information and standards regarding the design, manufacturing, installation and use of Cast Stone.

As of January 1, 2011, all Certified Cast Stone Institute Producing Members provide a 10-year Limited Product Warranty for the Cast Stone they supply on projects. This warranty demonstrates that CSI Producer Members embrace sustainability, durability, and produce product that will stand the test of time.

All Cast Stone Institute Producer Members are required to supply product that complies with ASTM C1364. Not all of the Cast Stone industry necessarily complies with all of the requirements of ASTM C1364 (which includes a freeze thaw component).

Cast Stone is a masonry product that provides ornamental or functional features to buildings and other structures. Cast Stone is made from fine and coarse aggregates, Portland cement, mineral oxide color pigments, chemical admixtures and water. Not surprising then, Cast Stone products are available in virtually any color, and will give the appearance of a variety of natural building stones including but not limited to limestone, granite, slate, travertine or marble. Applications for Cast Stone range from the simplest windowsills to the most complicated architectural elements.

Properly manufactured, Cast Stone has the same or stronger physical properties as most dimensional building stone. Properly selected and installed, Cast Stone can result in an architectural project of enduring beauty to be enjoyed for decades.

Care and installation of Cast Stone are referenced in many of the Cast Stone Institute^® publications and tech bulletins available on this very web site. CSI producer members also stand ready to provide experienced and reliable counsel. Please consult the membership directory of this website for CSI Certified Cast Stone producers.

The Cast Stone Institute^® is particularly active in AIA related events and activities. In recent years we have provided Expo-Ed opportunities for attendees at the annual AIA Convention, and we now provide AIA CES credits through “Distance Education”. Cast Stone Institute^® educational efforts also include presentations to general contractors, masonry contractors, non-AIA architects and structural engineers. To take advantage of educational or informational opportunities, please contact the Cast Stone Institute^® office or a CSI member near you.

Each year the Cast Stone Institute^® convenes in an annual conference to provide information and training to its members. Topics of interest are covered expertly by producer and associate members alike; from the repair of air tools to proper repairing protocol for Cast Stone. Annually, awards are presented to producers of particularly noteworthy projects that incorporate Cast Stone. Producer members are encouraged to submit projects that honor the design of projects where Cast Stone is a critical element. Particularly difficult or challenging production solutions are also recognized to honor the manufacturing effort required for the successful use of Cast Stone. Award winning projects may also be viewed on this website.