Stone is a highly resistant material that is also waterproof and doesn’t change over time with continuous exposure to the elements. Stone veneer panels are the top choice for people that want to combine aesthetics and durability.
This material easily passes the test of time, as many prehistoric monuments were created from stone. Some still stand today, like Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. When properly used, it can last for several lifetimes.
Summary
Yes, exterior stone veneer panels and siding are worth it. The biggest pro to exterior stone veneer panels & siding is its cost relative to real stone. The biggest con of exterior stone veneer panels & siding is the potential moisture issues.
In this article, we’ll also talk about the following topics:
- What is a stone veneer panel?
- Are stone veneer panels & siding worth it?
- Pros & Cons
- Real vs. fake
- Cost
Continue reading
Continue reading below if you want to reinforce your home and make it durable. We discuss whether the exterior stone veneer panels and siding are worth it. You will find out if they are ideal for you, and we also have 6 pros and cons facts about these panels.
What is a stone veneer panel?
These siding are decorative coverings intended for exterior and interior use. These protective coverings can increase the resistance of your walls while also giving a stylish and aesthetically pleasing look.
Most people will choose plastic siding for their homes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. But stone siding also offers a natural look to the home’s exterior. They are more expensive than plastic alternatives, but the investment is worth it and the value is superior.
These sidings were created out of real stone when they first came out. It was sourced from entire slabs of flagstone that did not need to be cut. As this option increased in popularity, some companies started producing natural stone siding at a standard thickness.
Are stone veneer panels & siding worth it?
When installed correctly, we believe stone veneer panels & siding are worth it and help a home stand out in a landscape of vinyl.
These sidings are stacked tightly to minimize the joints between them. Mortarless stone veneer sides have many advantages for homeowners and professional workers who fulfill several projects daily.
It installs fast and lowers labor costs. Because there is no mortar mess, the workspace is kept clean and the surrounding area is protected. With an easy installation, anyone can do it regardless of their experience.
Pros & Cons
Stone veneer comes with various advantages and disadvantages. Below, we will look at 3 specific examples from each category.
Pros
- It is relatively cheap.
Stone veneer is always cheaper than natural stone siding. While natural stones will cost you between $28 and $50 per square foot, the veneer will cost between $2.50 and $8 per square foot for bricks and just a little more for panels.
The installation process is also easier as they are lighter than real stones. Masons can be expensive to hire, and labor costs will eat up your budget. Luckily, the easy installation allows you to hire any experienced worker without needing specially qualified contractors.
For example, a 2,000-square-foot home will cost up to $76,000 for real stone installation. A veneer will only take $27,000 out of your budget.
- It is found to be extremely versatile.
You don’t need extra footings to support them, as they can easily stick to the surface. This siding can be used for wood, metal, or other stones. Each brick or panel has a special design at the back, which makes the installation easier.
Some of them even come with special shapes to fit in the corners. This way, you can install them correctly and fix them in place for a long time.
- Long-lasting durability is ensured.
They will last you a long time simply because it is made from sturdy materials that can pass the test of time. The elements of nature will not affect stone veneer, as harsh weather does not damage the siding.
It does not matter if you live in a desert area with burning hot temperatures or if you are from a damp place with high humidity and recurring rains.
They can easily withstand severe conditions and keep your home safe. Some companies producing these siding will offer up to 75 years warranties, which means they will last you at least a lifetime.
Cons
- You might encounter moisture problems.
Their biggest problem is that they can let moisture build up in the interior wall. However, this only happens when the installation is not done properly. Unfortunately, most companies will focus on how their products look rather than how they perform.
While the product is designed to look like real stone, it is made of concrete. It means there should be an added moisture barrier beneath it.
- Vent issues
While normal siding will have a sealant around the vents of your house, these ones are pressed directly into the mortar. It can develop several problems over time.
Mortar is not as flexible as a sealant, which might break your vent cover. A vent cover will be difficult to replace if it is broken and has its edges set in the mortar.
- While the performance is long-lasting, the visual aspect is not.
After a couple of years, your siding will look different than how they were when you installed them. It applies both to real ones and manufactured stone veneers.
The color will start to change after 30 years, and the aspect will become old. The performance is still there. The high durability and efficiency of stone veneer siding are still at their maximum potential.
Real vs. fake
There are many differences between real and fake stone veneers, and a trained eye can spot them easily. Fake stone veneer has many names: faux, artificial, and manufactured are just some of them. For someone that is not experienced, choosing between fake or real veneer can be confusing.
The main difference between them is the product itself. Fake stones are cast in molds to create specific shapes that make them look real. This mold is created from a mix of cement and specific aggregates that try to recreate the look of natural stone.
No chemicals are added to create a real stone veneer. The final product is made from real natural stone. This stone is sourced from quarries or harvested directly from the fields. Our planet is responsible for the manufacturing process.
Cost
On average, stone veneer siding costs from $5.50 to $10.75 per square foot installed. This cost does not include the labor and transportation costs. To install it on your home, you should expect to pay between $8,250 and $16,125.
This price range varies based on the total size of your home. For example, a 1,500-square-foot home would require $12,188 on average to install stone veneers on its walls. This material is the cheapest, costing less than natural stone sides, reaching up to $48 per square foot.
The final cost of installing stone veneer siding will vary depending on multiple factors. It includes things such as the design and size of your house or whether you are doing a full or partial installation.
