Our Story
Eldorado Stone® began in 1969 with the objective of creating The Most Believable Architectural Stone Veneer In The World®. It had to be easy to install and less expensive than real stone but, more importantly, it had to look like the real thing - something not always true of other manufactured stone.
Hard as Rocks Ltd is proud to be New Zealand’s exclusive supplier of Eldorado Stone the most realistic architectural stone available on the market today.
Whether it be a Rustic Chimney, a contemporary feature wall, a grand English manor or even the entry pillars of your gateway, Hard as Rocks can provide a product to give you the look and feel of real stone without the weight and cost associated with the real thing.
Most Kiwis love the traditional look of Sth Island Schist, and River Rock from our local rivers. Hard as Rocks is New Zealand’s leading supplier of the man made versions of these profiles, but can also offer the unique look of other stone choices from around the world.
Eldorado Stone gives you the ability to let your imagination wander and create a truly authentic look to suit your project.
Have you ever wanted to replicate a Tuscan Villa? or model your house on the quaint country look as seen in Italy or France. Hard as Rocks has a huge range of stone profiles and colour choices from around the world to give you the ability to add the timeless beauty of stonework to your new build, renovation or landscaping requirements.
As each stone is an individual piece, not a panel system, (except Stacked stone) you can mix some stone profiles and colours and even change the mortar colours to give you a truly unique look.
Why Hard as Rocks
The architectural versatility of using Hard as Rocks stone veneer offers products that will challenge those with imagination to use stone in innovative ways and offer solutions to those creative minds.
Hard as Rocks has a BRANZ appraised Installation system over timber framing using 20mm cavity battens and BGC Fibre cement board.
This is a very simple way for architects and home owners to get the look of stone without the associated costs, as no footings or steel lintels are required. Eldorado stone can also be applied over concrete blocks or some brick installations and even some existing claddings for a renovation or feature wall addition.
Eldorado Stone® is manufactured from Portland Cement, high quality permanent iron oxide pigments and lightweight aggregates. It is this lightweight characteristic that enables this product to be used effectively where the shear weight of real stone would restrict application capabilities.
Why we install
Hard as Rocks has nationwide franchised distributors and maintains building code compliance and quality control by only using its own licensed applicators who are trained in not only waterproofing and stone application but also in detailing and the little extras that hold true to the eye and guarantee a professional finish.
Hard as Rocks Licensed Applicators will supply you with a Producer Statement to confirm the installation has been done as per consent and building code.
Some Stone veneer companies are more than too happy to sell direct to home owners and builders and tell them that a ‘builder’, landscaper’ or ‘Home handy man’ can install themselves by following their instructions.
Hard as Rocks believes this is extremely dangerous and irresponsible. Remember these companies are avoiding any warranties and installation guarantees just trying to get a quick sale. Waterproofing your home and installing stone must be completed by experienced and trained applicators.
Who is responsible if your building leaks?? Or stone falls off onto someone??
Builders, Architects and Council authorities need to take note when consenting to which product is used.
Who is going to carry the liability if the installation is undertaken by a ‘handyman’ installing a product for the first time???
Builders, Architects and Councils should consider who is going to write a Producer Statement to guarantee the work?
Eldorado Stone has been around since 1969 and is the World biggest selling stone veneer. Architects and home owners world wide specify Eldorado Stone with confidence as the product has truly stood the of time.
