Enhance Your Home’s Style with Stone Veneer
(Family Features) One essential step in planning a home renovation is choosing the right materials. Natural and textured materials continue to be trendy choices, but many building pros and homeowners are gravitating toward stone veneer, or manufactured stone, to add comfort, character and beauty.
With a wide range of exterior and interior applications, stone veneer can complement almost any home style. Exterior stone veneer, in particular, can boost curb appeal and provide a solid return on investment.
Although stone veneer is commonly used on home exteriors, indoor applications are gaining popularity as homeowners are increasingly interested in bringing natural elements inside. Given its design flexibility, ease of installation and affordability, the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products recommend stone veneer as an ideal option for interior and exterior applications like these.
Siding
If you love the look of natural stone but want a more affordable siding, stone veneer offers an authentic look. Some homeowners choose to mix stone with other exterior materials to create a one-of-a-kind appearance. For example, adding stone veneer to existing brick can create visual texture, dimension and impact. Complementing the colors can provide a more balanced, traditional look while contrasting colors present as modern and bold.
Entryways and Walkways
Lining your front door posts or columns with stone veneer can make your home’s entrance a focal point, adding curb appeal and creating a welcoming effect. In addition, stone veneer can create a rustic effect in place on traditional brick-laid pathways and walkways.
Accent Walls
Stone veneer can also be used to elongate the appearance of a wall while bringing texture and contrast into the home. Warmer tones can make the space more inviting and cozier while cooler-toned stone veneer can bring a modern, industrial feel.
Fireplaces
To give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point, use stone veneer to change the look and feel of a room. Available in a variety of colors, textures and shapes, stone veneer can elevate your living room’s style and create a more inviting area.
When using manufactured materials, many homeowners prefer the authentic, hand-crafted look of traditional stone masonry. An option like Versetta Stone from Westlake Royal Building Products offers a desirable aesthetic in a panelized format that is easy to install. While it’s technically a siding product, it also works for interior accent walls, fireplaces and more.
The panels provide the beauty of hand-laid stone with virtually undetectable joints and seams for world-class design featuring timeless colors and textures, natural shapes and hand-crafted details. It’s a practical choice for experienced DIYers since there’s no need to paint, coat or seal once installed. What’s more, unlike mortared stone applications, the tongue-and-groove interlocking system can be installed in any weather.
Learn how stone veneer can bring your vision to life at VersettaStone.com.
Sidebar: How Stone Veneer Stacks Up
If you have your heart set on a design that incorporates stone materials, you may be surprised to learn how stone veneer outperforms some natural products.
Affordability – Stone veneer resembles natural stone but for a fraction of the cost. Not only are natural stones more expensive than stone veneer, but since they are heavier, they also cost more to transport.
Easy Installation – Stone veneer is lighter than natural stone, making it easier and faster to install. Unlike natural stone, stone veneer doesn’t require structural supports like footings or tie-ins. No specialty masonry tools are required, and stone veneer can be installed on nearly any surface in or around your home.
Low Maintenance – Long lasting and durable, stone veneer requires little maintenance after installation. Many stone veneers are resistant to water, fire and extreme temperatures, standing up to years of weathering with little change in color.
Design Flexibility – Unlike real stone, stone veneer allows more control over design factors like color consistency and texture. You can choose from a wide range of design styles, making it easy to infuse your personality into your home.
