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A common material used to improve the appearance of surfaces both inside and outside is stone veneer. It comprises thin slices of either actual stone or a composite material specially made to seem like real stone. A clear understanding of stone veneer can aid in making well-informed decisions concerning its application in different projects.
Is stone veneer made of actual stone? Natural stone veneer, created from genuine stone that has been thinly sliced, and manufactured stone veneer, produced from a mixture of cement, aggregates, and colors, are the two primary varieties of stone veneer. Natural stone veneer is real stone while manufactured, often referred to as faux, stone veneer is manmade.
Both Natural Stone Veneer and Manufactured Stone Veneer have their advantages and disadvantages which we’ll explore in this article to help the reader understand and make the best choice for their project and application.
Stone veneer is a decorative material that consists of a thin layer of real stone or material that looks like stone applied to surfaces. It mimics the appearance of traditional natural stone without the heavy expense or hassle, making it a popular choice for building facades, fireplaces, and walls.
Compared to what might be referred to as traditional stone masonry or “full bed” stone masonry, which can be 4+” thick and weigh 40+ lbs per square foot, stone veneer is advantageous in terms of how it is quarried, transported, and installed.
Natural stone veneer and the manufactured stone veneer are the two main categories of stone veneer. Real stone is thinly sliced to create natural stone veneer. However, manufactured stone veneer combines cement, aggregates, and colors to create the illusion of genuine stone. Sometimes manufactured stone veneer is even made out of other materials like plastics and polymers. Although it provides a convincing and affordable alternative to natural stone veneer, synthetic stone is not real.
Natural stone veneer and faux (or manufactured) stone veneer are very different. With this knowledge, you’ll be better able to select a material that suits your project’s demands, finances, and personal taste. Real stone veneers can be more expensive and have more distinct and unique features and style, while imitation stone veneers are more uniform and can be less costly.
Thinly sliced real stone is the material used to create natural stone veneer. Veneer in this style mimics the appearance and feel of actual stone while providing the variety of colors and textures found in natural stone.
Natural stone veneer is long-lasting, low-maintenance, and resistant to wear and weather. Each installation is one-of-a-kind thanks to its inherent variations, which enhance its aesthetic value and lend an air of refined sophistication to any room. Surface Shop focuses exclusively on natural stone veneer products and has different sizes, colors, and finishes to suit the needs of any project.
Manufactured stone veneer, or faux stone veneer, typically combines cement with aggregates and colors. It is possible to shape this mixture to look like real stone. Other types of manufactured stone veneer are made from plastics or other materials and can sometimes come in large panels that allow for fast installation. Despite its lack of authenticity, it is a substitute for natural stone in certain situations.
Manufactured stone veneer can be more portable due its lighter weight and easier to install due to its modular nature, as compared to certain types of natural stone veneer. Plus, because it’s made in a mould with concrete and coloring, it often costs less than natural stone veneer, which can be helpful for projects with a tighter budget that may not appreciate benefits of natural stone; these types of projects could be investment properties or commercial projects. This makes faux stone veneers a functional alternative to natural stone in those circumstances.
Many building and remodeling projects opt for stone veneer instead of full-sized stone due to its many advantages. These benefits include reduced costs, increased longevity and durability, improved aesthetics, and a lightweight design.
In most cases, stone veneer will yield a cost savings as compared to traditional full bed stone masonry. The simplicity of installation and the decreased amount of material needed contribute to this cost-effectiveness.
Stone veneer’s small profile and light weight allow faster installation with less labor, lowering project costs. Because of its reduced weight, shipping expenses are also reduced, making it an affordable solution for projects of all sizes.
Veneer stone is more versatile in design than full-sized stone because of its large range of colors, textures, and shapes. You can personalize stone veneer to suit your aesthetic tastes, whether rustic, classic style, or a sleek, modern appearance.
Because of its adaptability, it can be used for various purposes, from exterior facades to accent walls and fireplaces, allowing you to express your style while getting the job done.
Stone veneer is perfect for tight quarters because it doesn’t take up as much room as full-sized stone. Its narrow form makes it ideal for an accent wall indoors, where it may add style without taking over the room.
Due to this, stone veneer is a great material to make a smaller room seem more expansive while still achieving your design goals. Its lower weight per square foot lessens the strain on building structures, opening up more design and use possibilities.
Stone veneers can often be adhered directly to existing surfaces using adhesives without requiring additional structural support, reducing installation time and costs. Its lightweight nature makes it easier to handle and position compared to full-sized stone, which can require labor intense mechanical fastening, allowing for quicker and more efficient application.
This straightforward stone veneer installation process means less labor and fewer materials are needed, making stone veneer a cost-effective and convenient option for many projects.
Stone veneer’s adaptability allows it to be used for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications. Some of the most typical applications for it are listed below:
The exterior walls of both commercial and residential buildings are frequently covered in stone veneer to give the impression that they are made of real stone. This application provides the structure with extra security and improves its aesthetic appeal.
Exterior stone veneer is available in various sizes, colors and finishes to complement different architectural styles. Quartz, Limestone, Granite, and Basat are common types of exterior stone used in these kinds of applicaitons.
Stone veneer can be applied to full or accent walls in interior spaces, including basements, kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms.
The results are gorgeous accent walls. These interior stone walls subtle beauty and unique charm would benefit any area.
Stone veneer is a common material for covering mantels, hearths, and fireplace surrounds. It’s perfect for creating a warm and fashionable center point in any room because of its natural appearance and heat resilience.
Stone veneer fireplaces are more popular among homeowners due to their utility and visual appeal and because often times a stone veneer product can be overlaid directly over the existing fireplace surround making for an easy installation project.
When renovating older structures, stone veneer is frequently utilized to improve the outside appearance.
It maintains the building’s structural integrity while giving it a clean, contemporary appearance. Stone facades are a great way to enhance a property’s curb appeal and increase its value.
Some considerations, including your lifestyle, taste in design, and financial limitations, must be considered when deciding whether to install stone veneer in your house. Here are some things to consider when making a decision about using stone veneer:
Stone veneers can be made from natural stone or manufactured stone. The difference between natural and manufactured stone veneer is that the former is produced from thinly sliced actual stone, and the latter is a mixture of cement, aggregates, and colors intended to resemble real stone.
Most stone veneers need to be installed a certain way, using the correct wall build outs, substrates and setting materials. While it's less expensive than traditional full bed stone masonry, high-quality stone veneer is still a premium priced building product as compared to other options like stucco, cement siding, wall paper, thin brick, etc..
Stone veneer has an extended lifespan of several decades when installed and maintained properly. Because natural stone veneer is naturally durable, it usually lasts longer than artificial stone veneer.
The main difference is that natural stone veneer is cut from real natural stone so will always be the authentic real thing. Manufactured stone veneer will be made of cement, aggregates, pigments, and plastics meant to look like natural stone in a lighter and sometimes more affordable substitute for natural stone veneer.
Look through our carefully chosen natural stone veneer choices to discover the ideal choice for your undertaking. Our best picks combine robustness, visual appeal, and adaptability to accommodate different design tastes.
Visit thesurfaceshop.com for a wider range of options and comprehensive details on our natural stone veneer offerings. Some of our favorite products include our easy to use stone veneer wall panel systems, which are simple to install as well as our Linear Stone Veneer Collection which embodies the modern clean lines of contemporary architecture and design.
The adaptability of the stone veneer makes it a great choice for enhancing the visual appeal of indoor and outdoor surfaces. Stone veneer can be either constructed from thin slices of actual stone (natural stone veneer) or a mixture of cement, aggregates, pigments, and sometimes even plastics (manufactured stone veneer).
Compared with traditional full bed stone masonry stone veneer provides many advantages, including lower cost, simpler installation, and more design flexibility. Its low weight makes it an attractive option for outside cladding, interior walls, fireplaces, and facades, among other uses, because it doesn’t require as much structural support.
Your budget, personal taste, and way of life will determine if stone veneer is a good fit for your house. It’s important to understand their differences before deciding to enhance your area with manufactured or natural stone veneer.
Create stunning Natural Stone finishes around your home or commercial building, using our award winning pallet of products. Contact a Surface Shop Pro today to get your samples and pricing.
At Surface Shop, we believe there is a story behind every surface. That’s why we created Surface Culture, an industry leading digital publication that covers a range of topics from How To Guides to Architectural Trends in the world of luxury architectural finishes Browse our articles to dial in your knowledge of how surfaces impact architectural design, or simply use them to get inspired. Either way, we hope you enjoy, and wish you well on your journey toward appreciating materiality in architecture.
