Who doesn’t love a rustic, warm living room with the perfect stone veneer to complement their fireplace? This decorative, earthy covering accents many interior and exterior wall coverings.
What is stone veneer you may ask? Well, it is simply a synthetic cladding product that replicates the appearance of natural stone. Stone veneers are low-cost, easy to install and durable, which makes them the perfect candidate to complement your fireplace or any appropriate wall space inside or outside of your home.
While stone veneer may not be made from natural stone, its fabrication process has been perfected to offer a similar look at a fraction of the cost. It is created from a mixture of Portland cement, lightweight natural aggregates and inorganic mineral iron oxide pigments. Ironically, most of these comprise the basic components of natural stone.
In the past 15 years, stone veneer has increased in popularity and availability. It can be seen as a great addition to interior spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, hallways and basements. Stone veneer products are relatively lightweight and can be supported by the wall itself. In comparison to traditional full dimensional masonry, stone veneer requires far less prep work and can be installed by a trusted contractor or home re-modeler.
Some considerations should be made prior to selecting the appropriate stone veneer for your home. Look for a veneer with a blend of solid and highlight colours to get the most accurate resemblance of nature stone. Generally, the best products will be hand-painted. In addition, aim to find a stone veneer with little repetition. This ensures authenticity and accentuates the rustic look of natural stone in your home.