Hand-Carved Stone | Backyard Retaining Wall

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

Improving your home’s landscape from average to excellent can increase its value by 10-12%, which is particularly important in Florida where our outdoor lifestyle is a major draw. Many homeowners in Central Florida opt for stone to enhance their landscapes because it offers natural beauty, detail, character, and a sense of importance. Its strength and durability make it an excellent choice for patios, retaining walls, and walkways.

However, the cost of larger stones and limited color options can be a challenge. That’s where hand-carved stone comes in. It is the perfect material to create affordable, large-format faux-stones with a fully customizable color palette. Hand-carved stone has been used for over 40 years at theme parks, water parks, zoos, and resorts, yet it is not often used on residential properties due to it not being an option at big box stores. But don’t let that discourage you.

Many qualified concrete contractors specialize in hand-carved stone, offering expertise in transforming your outdoor space. Take a look at this project by Chris Becker, VP of Marketing and Head Trainer for the Fenix Group, who used SureCrete WallStamp on a concrete cinder block to create a half wall that beautifully frames the outdoor space. The wall was colored using a water-based concrete stain called Eco-Stain, with three colors: Domino, Pewter, and Espresso. Whether you’re interested in learning how to do hand-carved stone yourself or need a local contractor to handle the installation, the team at Select Surface Solutions is here to assist you.

Hand-Carved Stone PRODUCTS USED

Concrete Overlay | WallStamp

Concrete Stain | Eco Stain

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO Create Carved Stone?

Training is available at Select Surface Solutions of Orlando, FL

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