If you love the look of natural stone but have always found it to be out of your budget, stone veneer options are probably quite attractive to you. These product lines have a number of benefits, but there are also some potentially negative aspects you should take into consideration. As you read this guide, you’ll learn more about the good and the bad of masonry installations involving stone veneer.

Remember, no matter what you think you want, it is important to have a conversation with your contractor prior to making any final decisions. He or she will have a better understanding of natural stone and stone veneer and will be able to direct you towards whichever option is truly the best choice for your project. The more research you’ve done, though, the more comfortable you’ll feel during the course of this discussion.

Stone Veneer Benefits

1. Style and color options – Stone veneer products are made from cement, which can be manipulated to look just like all sorts of different natural stones. As a matter of fact, only expert eyes can tell today’s stone veneer from authentic stonework. Because you can choose the stone veneer style you want, you will never have to wonder how it’s going to look, which can sometimes be the case with natural stone. Furthermore, there are dozens of style and color options, so you are sure to find something that is perfect for you.
2. It is lightweight – One pitfall of natural stone is its weight. Some surfaces simply cannot handle how heavy stones are and eventually start to crack and chip. Stone veneer is lightweight, which makes it a great choice for drywall and other surfaces that may not be able to withstand actual stone facades.
3. It lasts a long time – Stone veneer is extremely durable both indoors and outdoors. Unless your home endures a hurricane or another major weather event, a properly installed stone veneer is likely to outlast your time in your current house!

Stone Veneer Drawbacks

1. Poor installation can cause problems – When stone veneer is installed incorrectly, it can lead to a variety of problems, primarily involving water damage. If water is allowed to get behind the stone veneer, it can cause the product to crack, lead to damage to the surface beneath the facade, and result in mold infestations. To avoid all of these issues, have your stone veneer professionally installed.
2. Chemicals can lead to damage – Certain types of chemical substances, such as de-icing sprays, paint thinners, and some cleaning solutions, can damage stone veneer. If this occurs, you will probably have to pay to replace the affected area, as the appearance of the product will be permanently altered.
3. Shouldn’t be used in pool areas – If you are planning to do any masonry projects in your pool area, it’s best to pay the money for natural stone. Stone veneer products don’t hold up well against chlorine.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of stone veneer and how it can work in your home. If you have questions about your upcoming project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We specialize in masonry services look forward to assisting you in any way we can.