Whether it’s natural stone from the earth or a manufactured stone veneer, there’s nothing like the look of stone to add visual appeal to a home, office, commercial, or retail space. But it’s important to know the attributes of each so that you can choose the ideal option for your project. Read on for an overview of the two main types of thin stone veneer and what to consider when planning your next build.
In case you didn’t know, we’re big fans of stone, for all kinds of projects. Interiors and exteriors. Residential and commercial. As a main focal point or a subtle embellishment. All it takes is a quick look at our design inspiration page to see all the different ways it can be used to enhance, elevate, and beautify a space.
Thin stone veneer makes it easy to enjoy the look of stone, with minimum hassle. If you’re not already familiar with this versatile building material, it’s well worth it to add it to your building repertoire. Here are the basics on thin stone veneer and how to build with it.
What Is Thin Stone Veneer?
Thin stone veneer is a thin layer of stone that is applied as a decorative element to walls and structures. It has all of the timeless appeal of stone construction, but can be easier to work with than traditional stone masonry and is suitable for a range of budgets. Unlike full-dimension stone, which is optimal for outdoor use, thin stone veneer can be used equally well in both interior and exterior spaces.
What’s the Difference Between Natural Thin Stone Veneer and Manufactured Thin Stone Veneer?
Natural thin stone veneer comes straight from nature. That means it has all of the properties you’d expect from real stone, including mineral content and those stunning natural variations in colour, tone, and shading that build up over centuries.
Manufactured thin stone veneer, sometimes called cultured stone, mimics the look of natural stone, but is made from a combination of concrete and other materials. Because it’s pressed from molds, it has a more consistent appearance than natural thin stone veneer, although some options are carefully designed and even hand finished to avoid identical pieces.
How to Choose Thin Stone Veneer
Here are the most important factors to consider when selecting a thin stone veneer option for your project.
Strength and Durability
For exterior walls and any area that will be exposed to the outdoors, you’ll want to choose a thin veneer stone option that has the strength and durability to stand up to water, wind, sunlight, and temperature changes. You can find this information in the technical data sheets listed on our product pages. Or just get in touch with us and we can walk you through your options.
Look and Feel
Don’t discount the importance of personal taste when selecting the right thin stone veneer for your project. Ashen Weather Ledge or Sienna Stack Ledge offers a rugged, authentic look that makes a real style statement when used in hearths, mantelpieces, and accent walls. If you’re looking for a subtler aesthetic, then manufactured stone veneers such as Whitebark Cliffstone or Casa Blanca RoughCut may be your perfect fit.
Find Thin Stone Veneer for Your Project
Still not sure which thin stone veneer is best for your next project? We can help. Reach out to us directly to start exploring the possibilities. I-XL Building Products is your source for quality building materials at great prices. We’ve been serving architects, designers, builders, and DIYers in Canada for over a century. Browse our selection of beautiful thin stone veneer options and request your free quote today.
