Stone Veneer Siding vs. Stone Siding

Stone veneer, also known as manufactured stone, has become an increasingly popular siding option for building façades and feature walls, mainly due to cost and versatility. Natural stone remains a favorite, however, among builders and homeowners who value its natural aesthetic. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the two and weigh their pros and cons so that you can get a firm sense of which type of cladding may work better for your project.

The Primary Difference

As the name implies, manufactured stone veneer is a man-made product designed to resemble natural stone. It’s typically made of concrete and aggregate materials that have been pressed into molds. One reason premium stone veneer looks strikingly authentic is that it’s cast from special molds of real stone.

Natural stone siding, by contrast, is made from real stone quarried from the earth. Large pieces are sliced into thin profiles to create the siding. Natural stone siding features imperfections, textures, and tonal variation that have formed over thousands of years.

Appearance

Advancements in molding and color application mean that stone veneer can replicate natural stone down to the smallest details and nuances. And stone veneer options today offer virtually the same range of textures, colors, sizes, and shapes of natural stones. There is also a wide variety of styles and patterns available to achieve a unique, yet authentic, appearance.

When it comes to natural stone siding, no two pieces look exactly alike. This variety, along with the interesting textures and rich color variations of natural stone, is one major reason many people still prefer stone siding, despite its higher price tag.

Versatility

While it’s true that both cladding materials are great for creating impact with a feature wall or for completing a façade, stone veneer is slightly more versatile. Lighter than natural stone, it requires no additional footings for support and can adhere easily to a variety of surfaces. For projects that would make natural stone difficult and costly to install, stone veneer is an ideal solution.

Cost

Stone veneer is much easier to handle and cut than natural stone. Its light weight also makes it simpler to transport and install. Considering these practical advantages, you can see why stone veneer installation can cost up to 50% less than real stone siding. Because there is no need to paint, coat, or seal stone veneer, maintenance costs are also on the low end.

Stone Veneer From Home Improvement Professionals

Alure Home Improvements offers and installs two outstanding stone veneer siding options for homeowners throughout Long Island, New York. Our Versetta Stone^® panelized stone veneer features the natural beauty of traditional masonry and a tongue-and-groove interlocking system for ultra-secure installation. Our Eldorado stone siding—The Most Believable Architectural Stone Veneer in the World™— comes in an array of appealing colors with authentic tones, from mossy greens to golden umbers. To learn more about our stone veneer siding products and our expert installation service, contact Alure today.