It is not difficult to understand why almost everyone likes the look of natural stone. It just looks good and creates the feeling of value and longevity wherever it is installed. That appearance has been added to what is now called stone veneer. Veneer is defined as a thin layer of material to be clad or embedded over another material. Veneers are typically applied to the exterior of homes and can be seen on brick-fronted homes. When the houses are built, the walls are first framed, and then the exterior is covered with an OSB siding. After this, some kind of lining is installed. This is where a siding comes into play, and that siding can be brick, stone, or other forms of siding for the home.
Brick and natural stone make wonderful cladding for exterior home walls, and it is common knowledge that they add value and stability to any home, but there are some drawbacks to using these materials to cladding any home. The cost alone is sobering for many homeowners who are considering using brick or natural stone for this purpose. Another option for the homeowner would be stone veneer, which provides the same value and structural integrity that comes with installing brick or natural stone, but costs one-third to one-half of what it would cost to install them.
While brick and natural stone are more expensive than man-made stone, it’s not just the cost of materials that drives the cost up so dramatically. The home owner must also factor in the cost of the installation. Hiring a mason is the best way to achieve the application of a brick and natural stone facade to the exterior of any structure. They are highly trained in all the techniques necessary to install these materials correctly. A faulty installation will cost much more in the long run, so hiring a professional, rather than doing it yourself, is much more cost effective. With stone veneer, a DIY project is simple and easy to accomplish, and you don’t need to be an expert.
Choosing to install artificial stone is a great option for those who are on a budget or prefer the sense of satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful that will last for years.
Installation is not as complicated as you would find with brick or natural stone, as there is no need for ties or footings, and the adhesives used are environmentally friendly. Another interesting feature of stone cladding is that it can be found in a variety of designs and colors that are not always present in the natural stone that can be found nearby, which is where natural stone is used the most due to the cost of shipping. .
