Stone Veneer: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

If you are thinking about using a stone veneer product on your property, you may have some questions. Before you decide whether or not stone veneer is the right choice for you, please feel free to review some of the answers to frequently asked questions below.

What is stone veneer?

Stone veneer (also called manufactured stone and sometimes called cultured stone or artificial stone) is a manufactured product which is made from cement and iron oxide pigments. Thanks to the fact that this product is manufactured as opposed to being mined from the earth, it tends to be less expensive than natural stone siding. Also, it does not weigh as much as natural stone, making it functional in a wider range of applications. Where natural stone may be too expensive or too heavy to work as a solution, stone veneer is a great choice.

How long will it last?

Another advantage of using stone veneer is the long lifespan you can expect from this type of product. Once installed, you can bet on the veneer lasting at least as long as the building it is covering. Durability is a strength of this product, so investing in this manufactured stone is a choice which is likely to pay off for many years to come.

What care is required?

There is very little care needed for stone veneer, which is yet another advantage of this product. Once the veneer is put into place on your building, you really only need to wash it off a couple times per year to keep it looking great. This is a product which is meant to be a low-maintenance material, and you can see that fact demonstrated in just how little work is required. Once washed off with a hose, you can count on the veneer to look great for another few months before it should be washed off again. Homeowners in harsh climates may wish to wash down their stone veneer slightly more often just to be sure the product maintains its excellent looks.

How difficult is the installation process?

It is actually quite simple and straightforward! Whether you plan to do the work yourself or will be hiring a professional, the job is far simpler when stone veneer is the product of choice as compared to natural stone. The ease of installation is something that will benefit you if you are doing the job yourself, or it will save you money if you plan on hiring a contractor.

How is it produced?

This beautiful product is created by pouring a concrete mixture into molds which have been designed to look like natural stone. The end result is a great looking product which weighs less than natural stone and yet offers many of the same aesthetic benefits. In fact, when looking from even a relatively short distance, most people would not be able to tell the difference between stone veneer and a natural stone siding product.