Modern stone veneer is popular for residential applications and can be used in a number of ways. From a patio remodel to indoor and outdoor renovations, many people are turning to this material.

One reason that stone veneers are more popular is that it has advanced to the point it can be difficult even to tell the difference between natural and “unnatural” stone. More people are willing to take advantage of veneer and use it in their patio remodels and other designs.

Here are 7 things you should know about stone veneer.

1. Lightweight Alternative

Stone veneer is much lighter than actual stone. Building stone blocks are typically 3-5 inches deep. Stone veneers are an average of one inch thick. This difference leads to a considerable reduction in weight for veneers compared to the whole stone blocks used for construction.

This lightweight nature of veneers also makes them a little cheaper (more on that later) as they cost less to transport. Companies tend to pass these savings on to customers.

2. Transforms the Space and Adds Contrast

Stone gives you a chance for a patio renovation that breathes new life into your home. Make the most out of the space and create stunning contrasts. For example, create a feature wall from stone veneer and complement it by keeping the other walls simple. Add seating and build a unique space for guests. Having cooking facilities, fire features, and the like on your patio makes any party you have there more memorable.

In terms of contrast, imagine the elegance of combining a light natural stone where you have a dark exterior color. How about using stone to bring out the traditional features of a vintage siding? The right stones, styles, and colors can create a comfortable and relaxing space.

3. Variety of Looks/Types

The versatility and variety of stone veneer is one reason that it is so popular. You can use a stone veneer for almost any interior or exterior application. Stone will add a lot of charm and style to your home, inside and out.

These veneers are available in a variety of different stone styles and colors to match your needs. You can get just about any look you want. Using stone veneer in your garden and patio is one of the only ways you’ll be able to get the feeling of living in a castle. Take a look through some patio renovation ideas and see what inspires you when it comes to your own garden and patio.

4. Quicker Install

It takes a long time to install whole blocks and sections of stone. This is because stone requires treatments before, during, and after construction. It is a long process that takes a lot of effort. There’s also the fact that stone requires special equipment or a lot of manpower to move into place during construction.

Stone veneers are less thick and much lighter. They are easy to carry around, transport, and install as necessary. In fact, installing a stone veneer can be a DIY project if done correctly. If your project isn’t that big, you may be able to get it done by yourself. Of course, we recommend calling in the experts if you aren’t sure of your skills or need something more complicated.

5. More Affordable

Affordability will be a significant consideration for any kind of product. People want to know they are getting value in exchange for their money. As beautiful as natural stone is, it can be very expensive. Hauling stone out of the ground, shaping it, and transporting it are all costly measures.

Stone veneer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money and invest in something built to last. Not only is it cheaper to purchase veneer compared to natural stone, but veneer costs less to package and ship. If you’re looking to keep the costs of your project as low as possible — and everyone is looking to do that — then you should consider investing in veneer over natural stone. You’d be surprised at the savings you could make.

6. Long-Lasting and Stain-Resistant

You want to know the things you buy are built to last. Everyone knows how durable stone is and how it stands up against all weather conditions. Natural stone can take hundreds of years to erode away. The good news is that the stone veneer inherits this natural resistance to the elements.

When you install stone veneer, you can rest assured that it will last for a long time. Stone veneers will look great for years to come. You don’t even need to do much in terms of maintenance to keep it going. The occasional power wash is all you need to keep your stone looking amazing. Stone is also naturally resistant to stains. You can purchase stain-proofing treatments for added protection and peace of mind.

7. Increased Curb Appeal

There’s no getting around the natural beauty of the stone. Outdoor stone veneers are one of the best ways to boost the curb appeal of your property and showcase a home’s beauty for the world to see. Improved curb appeal means your home looks better at the best of times and means you can fetch a higher price and generate more interest if you plan on selling it.

You can use stone in regular and irregular shapes to give your property a whole new look and feel. There are plenty of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from as well. This gives you plenty of flexibility and variety for the design of your garden. Outdoor natural stone veneers could be used to match the design and texture of other outdoor structures such as patios, driveways, garage walls, and walkways. Use stone to create continuity with the appearance of your property.

Summary

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to choosing natural stone veneers for your project. Natural stone is beautiful, for sure, but the reality is that the nature of the stone makes it complicated to work with. Stone becomes a lot less viable when you consider how much time, money, and effort would be needed to make the project succeed.

Stone veneer, on the other hand, has all of those same benefits and a few others. A veneer is cheaper and easier to install compared to natural stone, for a start. Veneer has all of the benefits of stone and none of the weaknesses, which is why you should consider it for your patio remodel and any other outdoor project you are considering.