Stone: Natural or Veneer?

Stone, with all its natural beauty and versatility, is an excellent way to change the look and feel of a home both inside and out. On the outside, stone works well as cladding on the façade of the home, on columns or the chimney, or even on a single accent wall. Inside, stone can cover a fireplace and hearth, a kitchen backsplash, or accent wall in just about any room where you wish to establish a focal point and make a statement. Stone can be natural, that is, quarried from the earth, or it can be manufactured, meaning it is man-made to look just like real stone. Once installed, natural stone and veneer stone are hard to tell apart in terms of their shape and coloring. But, before deciding which to use, you should understand the differences and know the pros and cons of both types of stone.

Natural Stone Versus Stone Veneer

Natural stone is 100% stone. Its coloring is uniquely all its own and the stone comes in different shapes, such as river stones that have been rounded over time. Natural stone, though hard to cut, can also be cut to the size and shape you need, whether for flooring, stacking as building blocks of a wall, or using on sheets intended to cover walls. As expected, natural stone is dense, heavy, and can be difficult to locate. But, once installed, this stone is durable and retains its natural coloring virtually forever. Good uses for natural stone include slate tiles or stone for a walkway and travertine, which is often used on floors, walls, and pathways.

Depending on your project, natural stone can be installed directly on top of other stone or on porous concrete. You can use grout or, for a straight stacked look, leave the grout off. Natural stone is usually more expensive to install than stone veneer, given the differences in their weight and density that affect their cutting and handling. However, if you want to replicate an original or historic design or look, natural stone is the way to go.

Veneer, or rock, stone is known by other names as well: manufactured, architectural, faux. One brand labels it Cultured Stone®. Veneer stone is typically comprised of cement, natural aggregates such as minerals, and iron oxide pigment, which gives the stone its coloring. The product is baked in molds that are textured to resemble real stone. Keep in mind, inferior manufactured stone, while it may cost less, can also result in a less-than-natural look. For example, the coloring might be monochromatic or the pattern of the stone be overly repetitive, a characteristic that does not occur in natural stone.

Veneer stone is easier to work with in terms of installation because it is lighter weight – approximately half the weight – and easier to cut than natural stone. Where size, uniformity of look, and availability matter, stone veneer is the best option. Manufactured stone is not used for building projects such as walls, as it cannot hold any additional weight beyond its own. Nor is veneer stone ever used for flooring. Perhaps the biggest advantage of stone veneers is the selection of stone types, textures, sizes, and colors that are available. These options allow homeowners to find just the right stone to match or complement the look and design of the rest of the house or individual space or room where it’s being installed.

If you would like to learn more about the differences between natural stone and veneer stone, home remodeler Steve Rush can help. Steve is owner of Sovereign Construction Services, a full-service home construction and renovating company. He has years of experience in home design and home building and renovating services. Steve is available for consultation on any type of home renovating project you have in mind. Call Steve today at 610-639-2986