Stone Veneer: Manufactured vs. Natural
When it comes to building and renovation projects, you don’t want a bland look. You want a surface that has personality and draws compliments. You want something welcoming. So there’s a big decision to be made: Do you use natural stone or stone veneer? Both have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of the structure, and they act as a layer of protection on your home or building. Whether you’re warming up to do a home-exterior makeover or simply a fireplace update, knowing the pros and cons of each material is important.
What Is Manufactured Stone Veneer?
Definition and Composition
Manufactured stone veneer—known by some as faux stone or cultured stone—is a mixture of cement, iron oxides, and aggregates. They’re combined and molded into shapes that mimic natural stone. They’re then colored to replicate any number of various natural stones.
Aesthetic Appeal
As we just mentioned, there’s a huge variety of styles, colors, and textures available to be created with manufactured stone. No matter if you prefer a rugged fieldstone or smooth river rock, it can be emulated to match your vision!
Cost and Installation
This is generally more cost-effective than natural stone, in terms of installation and the price of the material itself. It’s less labor-intensive and much easier to cut and shape.
Durability and Maintenance
Manufactured stone veneer is durable, for sure, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never have to perform maintenance. Now and then, it’ll become necessary to apply sealant to prevent moisture damage. On the flip side, it’s more resistant to chipping and cracking than other options.
What Is Natural Stone?
Definition and Types
Natural stone is exactly what its name implies: natural. It’s quarried straight from mother nature herself and cut into the shape and size required by whatever project it’s a part of. Common types include granite, limestone, marble, and sandstone. Each one has its own distinctions.
Aesthetic Appeal
It’s difficult to match the natural beauty of stone, thanks to its unique variations in veining, texture, and color. No two pieces are the exact same.
Cost and Installation
Natural stone is almost always more expensive than stone veneer, due to its weight and irregular shape. Special equipment is often required for both shaping and installation, making the process take longer.
Durability and Maintenance
That higher price point isn’t for nothing, though. One big benefit of natural stone is its incredible durability. If it’s properly maintained, it can last for centuries! That said, regular upkeep—cleaning and sealing—is required to protect it from staining and weathering.
Comparing Natural Stone and Stone Veneer
Cost
Manufactured stone veneer is more affordable than natural stone, from purchase to installation. This is thanks to its lighter weight and compatibility with standard equipment, as well as shorter process times. Natural stone will come at a higher price point due to its weight and the process involved to get it from the quarry to its final destination.
Appearance
While cultured stone can imitate the look of natural stone, it lacks the unique, organic variations provided by the real thing. With that in mind, there is more design flexibility to work with here, meaning it can be tailored to achieve a more consistent look.
Durability
While both options offer a decent level of durability, natural stone is the winner when it comes to lifespan. As we mentioned earlier, it can last centuries, which makes sense when you consider how long a stone can last in nature—it takes a very long time for erosion to run its course. Cultured stone is resilient, for sure, but it will wear down more quickly in extreme weather conditions.
Environmental Impact
Stone veneer generally has a smaller impact on the environment than natural stone. This is thanks to materials that are easily sourced being used in the process. Quarrying for natural stone, depending on the extraction process used, can take more of a toll.
Versatility
Manufactured stone veneer is much easier to shape and work with, making it a common choice in several architectural applications—from accent walls to outdoor fireplaces. Natural stone is frequently limited by its weight and the process required for installation.
Choosing Between Natural Stone and Stone Veneer
Project Requirements
What are the needs of your project? What do you want out of the end product? If you’re working on a large-scale project on a tight budget, cultured stone may be your best—or only—option. If you’re working on a smaller project with a luxurious design, it’s probably worth the investment in natural stone.
Personal Preference
Of course, when it comes to any kind of construction or renovation, the end user’s personal preferences should have a significant impact on the materials used. If you prefer an authentic look, it may be difficult to replicate it with artificial stone. If you’re looking for a specific style or color, veneer may be the better option.
Long-Term Considerations
Consider the long-term durability and maintenance of your material. Natural stone can last well past a lifetime, but it requires more commitment of both money and maintenance effort. Manufactured stone, though, trades longevity for ease of upkeep.
So What’ll It Be?
Both stone veneer and natural stone offer unique advantages and pitfalls. While manufactured stone is more cost-effective and versatile, natural stone provides beauty and longevity that’s near-impossible to match. Make sure you take sufficient time and care to consider all of these angles before making your decision.
For more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’ll be happy to guide you through the process and provide valuable advice!