Natural stone is one of the oldest building materials available. However, it’s also become one of the most expensive, causing many builders and homeowners to turn to veneer stone. This artificial stone offers the aesthetics and durability of natural materials at a cheaper price, making it a great alternative.
At Nitterhouse Masonry Products, we offer a wide selection of veneer stone for your construction needs.
What Is Veneer Stone?
Veneer stone is a cast replica of natural stone made from concrete. Since veneer stone is lighter than natural stone, it’s easier to handle and install, making it a great choice for a fast, cost-effective building option. Much like natural stone, veneer stone comes in various shapes, colors and sizes to complement a wide array of color schemes.
Veneer stone is a manufactured stone and combines cement, natural materials and pigment to resemble real stone. These duplicates are very convincing and offer the same durability and aesthetics as a natural option. Manufactured stone veneer is also available in an array of shapes, color gradations and sizes to offer greater visual interest.
How Is Veneer Stone Made?
The veneer stone creation process involves the following steps:
- Combining Portland cement with lightweight natural aggregates and iron oxide pigment.
- Pouring the material into molds that replicate the shape and texture of natural stone.
- Curing the stones until they reach a desired level of hardness.
- Demolding the stones to reveal the stone-shaped veneers.
- Completing finishing processes such as sanding, sealing or painting based on the type of stone and the desired finished product.
- Packaging and shipping the stone for sale.
Types of Veneer Stone
Veneer stone is one of the most versatile building materials, making it a great option for any residential or commercial space. At Nitterhouse Masonry Products, we offer a comprehensive selection of veneer stone styles so you can find an option that complements the homeowner’s current style or architect’s vision for a commercial project. Our veneer stone options include:
Summit Ledge
Summit Ledge features textured rectangular pieces at different heights to create a natural stone look and feel. If you want a more natural look, you can dry stack the Summit Ledge stones. Some of the color options include hickory, oyster and mineral.
Edge Weathered
Capture the feel of aged brick while enjoying a structurally sound option with Edge Weathered veneer stone. This stone option is excellent for a dry stack application and comes in colors such as moneta and sedona.
Scenic Ledgestone
Scenic Ledgestone is ideal for numerous applications throughout a home. Depending on your project goals, you can dry stack it or mortar in joints. The realistic-looking textures and shapes, as well as color options like afton and harvest, create a unique aesthetic.
Rustic Fieldstone
Embrace a more natural look with Rustic Fieldstone, which features stones in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose from options ranging from sage to maple which allows you to create stunning color combinations.
Ridgestone
Ridgestone is an eye-catching style combining shapes and patterns from Ledgestone and Fieldstone. The large and small stones create a realistic feel with distinctive color options that include harvest, toasted wheat and sligo.
Chiseled Limestone
Transform any area of a home with a hand-chiseled stone look. While the hand-chiseled style features cohesive rectangular shapes, they still vary in size and color to add visual interest to any space. When you choose Chiseled Limestone, you have over seven color blends available, such as maple, chambers and toasted wheat.
French Country Limestone
French Country Limestone is a great choice if you’re looking for a bold look. This rough, texture stone option replicates the look and feel of natural limestone with many different shapes and colors, including bastia, monaco and provence.
Stackstone
As a versatile rectangular stone, Stackstone is great for homes and commercial properties. Choose from colors such as hickory, sligo and winchester to give a home or commercial property a contemporary look and feel.
Forest Ledge Stone
Forest Ledge Stone adds a soft yet natural look to any space. Each stone has a sandy face to add an element of charm to any room. Some of the many color options you can choose from include yorkshire, dundee and aberdeen.
Cutstone
Cutstone offers a distinctly stately appearance, making it a great way to add a traditional element to homes and commercial properties. Some of the many earthen-inspired color options include birmingham, dublin and sage.
Ledgestone
Ledgestone has a narrow, irregular shape which adds a rustic feel to any space. Whether you dry stack Ledgestone or use a traditional mortar, this stone can transform any project. Some color options include mineral, torino and simmons.
Fieldstone
Fieldstone is a great way to add European flair to a home or commercial building. The stone’s random sizes and shapes create a rustic feel, and you can choose from a variety of colors, such as darlington, levante and barcelona, to complement any style.
Stackpanel
Elevating a home is easy with Stackpanel thanks to its easy-to-install process. With a simple panel design, you can quickly install the stone without the need to mortar each joint. Explore color options like athens, pennhook and charleston to transform the interior or exterior of a home.
Barnwood
Enjoy the benefits of stone with a wood appearance with Barnwood. Barnwood is a concrete veneer stone resembling weathered wood with a grain texture and natural knots and nail holes. Choose from color options like farmhouse and overcast to add a classic and beautiful element to a home.
Veneer Logs
Veneer Logs combine the best of real-looking wood with the strength and durability of concrete. Highly durable and termite-proof, Veneer Logs last decades longer than real wood, making them ideal building materials.
How to Use Veneer Stone
Given how versatile veneer stone is, it may take time to decide where this material would have the most impact. Some of the many applications of veneer stone to add a wow factor to a home include:
Enhance the Exterior
While the days of building castles are over, you can still capture some old-world magic by adding veneer stone to a home’s exterior. Instead of traditional siding, you can use veneer stone to add a unique mix of tones and colors to boost curb appeal and make a home feel even more inviting.
Before exchanging a home’s siding for veneer stone, however, you will want to consider the house’s style and construction. If you are working with a modern home, you may want an option that’s more uniform in shape, style and color. For a more rustic home, you may want to use stones in earth tones or various sizes and shapes. Regardless of what look you’re trying to achieve, veneer stone’s versatility makes it easy to obtain any look.
Give the Fireplace a Facelift
Veneer stone is a great option for enhancing the interior of a home and creating warm, comfortable spaces. Fireplaces are great places to start transforming the interior of a home by adding a natural element. You can choose a color that matches the color of other home elements, such as wood floors, or you can implement veneer stone with varying colors and sizes for a rustic, cozy feel.
If an outdoor fireplace is present, you can still use veneer stone to enhance the space. Since veneer stone is durable, you can choose any option and have the peace of mind that the fireplace will continue looking stunning throughout wind, rain and snow.
Transform the Bathroom
Bathrooms are calming, restful spaces, and one of the best ways to elevate a bathroom is by adding veneer stone. Use veneer stone to create a dramatic accent wall or create a rich spatial effect by combining stone veneer with decorative mirrors.
You can also use the colors of the veneer stone to generate a relaxing atmosphere. Choose natural-looking, calm colors to create a sense of serenity or match the veneer stone to specific pieces, like the vanity or flooring.
Liven up Unexpected Elements in the Home
One way to make a house unique is to add visual interest to unexpected areas. For example, you can use stone to add some color to a kitchen island. Or, if there is an outdoor grilling station, you can use the stone to create a rich, natural look.
Other options include covering wooden planters with veneer stone. You can also use the stone to create an accent around the home’s doorway or wrap the pedestal of the mailbox in stone siding. No matter your choice, there are plenty of options for creatively transforming a home with veneer stone.
Benefits of Veneer Stone
If you want to add earthy elegance to a home, veneer stone is a great choice. Some of the many benefits of using veneer stone include:
- Cost: Choosing veneer stone allows you to make a cost-effective choice without sacrificing durability, making it a great investment option for any home.
- Lightweight: Veneer stone is not as heavy as whole natural stones, so you can install it without worrying about adding structural reinforcement. You can also add them to existing walls and fireplaces using a metal lath and layer of mortar for a more straightforward installation process.
- Durable and long-lasting: Since veneer stone contains concrete, it’s incredibly durable, fire-resistant, and recyclable. Once you install veneer stone, it is nearly maintenance-free, making it a simple way to increase a home’s value.
- Ideal for interior design: Veneer stone can help certain elements of a home pop for a simple way to add accents and other unique features. This stone comes in many different textures, types and dimensions to create a variety of color variations as well.
How Does Veneer Stone Compare to Natural Stone?
When it comes to enhancing a space with stone, natural stone and veneer stone are often the two most popular options. Each type offers distinct characteristics, and there are a variety of factors to consider with each choice, such as:
Maintenance
In most applications, veneer stone is easier to clean and maintain than natural stone. You can clean veneer stone with mild soap and water without damaging its surface. Veneer stone also has a lower risk of staining and discoloration, making it a low-maintenance choice for residential or commercial needs.
Natural stone often requires periodic sealing to protect it from stains or the natural weathering process. The type of natural stone you use may also have different maintenance requirements. Practices such as resealing and avoiding harsh chemicals can also help maintain the natural stone’s beauty.
Installation
Veneer stone typically has a more straightforward installation process than natural stone as it is lighter. This lightweight allows you to install it directly to a wide variety of surfaces without additional structural support.
Due to its composition, natural stone is typically heavier. Because of its weight and irregular shape, proper handling, cutting and placement techniques are required to ensure the final product is secure and aesthetically pleasing. You may also need skilled labor to guarantee the final result meets your needs.
Durability
Both natural stone and veneer stone are durable stone options. Natural stone often requires minimal upkeep and is more resistant to wear and weathering, making it ideal for outdoor applications. With proper care, natural stone can last for generations.
Veneer stone is thinner than natural stone and contains cementitious materials, which may make it more likely to chip or fade over time. While veneer stone can withstand daily wear and tear and weather events, it may require more maintenance to do so.
Appearance
Veneer stone mimics the appearance of natural stone through molds and various coloring techniques. While veneer stone comes in multiple styles and colors, it can lack the authenticity and depth of natural stone. Many people choose veneer stone as an alternative for a specific aesthetic while still meeting budget and installation needs.
Natural stone, however, gets its appearance from a geological process that causes variations in color, veining and texture to make each piece unique. This natural look and feel can transform any space while adding a unique sense of character.
Explore Our Full Selection of Veneer Stone
Since the creation of Nitterhouse Masonry Products over 100 years ago, we’ve been a leader in creating innovative specialty concrete products for any project. We understand just how important it is to find a building material that allows you to transform a space while being durable, which is why we offer a wide selection of veneer stone. Explore our wide range of colors and styles to find the best option for your next building project. Find a dealer near you, or contact us today to learn more!
