How Thick Is Stone Veneer?

Stone veneer, a staple in modern home design, is oftentimes used for accent walls and fireplaces. This material provides natural stone appeal without the expensive costs. However, not all stone veneer is created equal, especially when considering thickness of the material. Stone veneer typically ranges from 3/4-inch to 5 inches thick.

What Is Stone Veneer?

If you are searching for “What is Stone Veneer?” you are most likely trying to learn more about building supplies for your commercial or residential remodeling project. Stone veneer is a decorative and protective cosmetic layer applied to vertical surfaces or walls.

Normally an inch in thickness, the veneer has to be less than 73kgs/m2 or 15lbs/ft2 in weight so that additional structural modifications are not required to support it.

Average Stone Veneer Thickness

On average, the thickness of stone veneer falls within a range of 3/4-inch to 5 inches thick, as mentioned above. This range includes thin-cut natural veneer, manufactured stone, and full-bed masonry stone, all suited for different needs.

Thin stone veneer will have a thickness range of 3/4-inch to 1 1/2 inches. It is possible for this type of stone veneer to be 1/4-inch thick, but this is quite rare.

Why Does Thickness Matter?

Natural thin stone veneer is intentionally sliced thin to offer natural textures in a lightweight package. Manufactured stone veneer, meanwhile, is comprised of concrete or composite materials, designed to look like real stone.

Full bed stone veneer is a full-thickness natural stone used for large-scale masonry projects. Here is why thickness matters so much when it comes to this material:

• Weight and installation purposes.
• Durability.
• Aesthetic appeal.

Different Types of Stone Veneers

Not all brands or types of stone veneers are the same, they can be produced uniquely and have their benefits over one another. Keep reading as this post breaks down and unveils exceptional qualities for the 3 primary different types of stone veneers most used presently – Natural Stone Veneer, Manufactured Stone Veneer (MSV), and Stone Siding.

Natural Stone Veneer

Natural Stone has been utilized as a building product for centuries. An emblem of strength and durability natural stone is available in two forms, traditional full-bed, and natural thin stone veneer. Full bed is a full-thickness stone that is about four inches thick, whereas natural thin stone veneer averages one to two inches in thickness and provides the same look and feel as conventional full bed veneer.

Natural thin stone veneer has become increasingly favorable over the past ten years as it provides greater design adaptability and a wider range of application opportunities. Natural thin stone veneer usually installs much quicker than full bed veneer, increasing project productivity of the experienced masons and installers handling the veneer. This type of veneer has quickly become one of the most recognized natural thin stone veneers in the industry today.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured Stone Veneers (MSV), also referred to as faux stone, is a man-made veneer that is usually made of aggregate materials and concrete that has been compressed into molds. MSV can be molded into just about any shape and size and in any finished color, making it a highly appealing and versatile finishing material.

It comes in a wide range of styles and colors ranging from conventional and rustic to contemporary and trendsetting and is shown to be a reliable and budget friendly veneer option. This veneer is lightweight, is easy to cut and handle, and can be installed in a multitude of locations as it can be adhered to just about any structurally sound surface.

Stone Siding

Imagine reducing the time it takes to install stone veneer, enabling you more time to concentrate on other areas of your project! That’s precisely what Stone Siding does, the beauty of stone with the simpleness of siding. Fitting together like pieces of a puzzle, these panelized stone siding products offers the authentic appeal of conventional masonry with a current installation method. Made of lightweight aggregated materials, this high-quality fastening system installs with or nails screws and can be easily accomplished by a siding contractor, or a skilled DIY homeowner.

These veneers are lightweight meaning additional engineering or structural support is not a requirement. Each of these panel features a G-90 galvanized nail strip in addition to a built-in rain screen allowing for water drainage and required wall ventilation. These veneers are perfect for any interior or exterior project and can be installed throughout the year as there are no seasonal concerns unlike a lot of masonry products.

Why Install Natural Stone Veneer?

You may want to consider trying natural stone veneer rather than manufactured stone because of the following advantages:

• It’s durable. Since it’s natural stone, it’s color won’t fade and it won’t crack easily. Even if it does get chipped, it will be not as evident because the chipped area will retain the stone’s design and texture.
• Superior aesthetic. Since it’s a naturally occurring element and not artificial, it’s look, feel, and texture surpass those of manufactured stone. It also ages better, as moss and lichen growing over the veneer due to moisture over time will ruin manufactured stone but only enhance natural stone.
• It’s not as light as manufactured stone, but is still light enough to not need additional footings or wall ties.

One disadvantage of natural stone veneer over manufactured stone veneer is its high cost. But considering its durability and long lifespan, it could be worth the initial investment.