What You Should Know About Thin Stone Veneer

We have been using stone for various construction projects for centuries at this point, and for good reason: stone is versatile, durable and relatively easy to work with. Natural stone can create amazing aesthetics that fit with numerous designs and color schemes. However, natural stone can be both heavy and expensive and this is why many contractors are turning to thin stone veneer. It is the perfect alternative with numerous benefits for contractors and homeowners alike.

So, What is Thin Stone Veneer?

Thin stone veneer is stone that has been cut to a thickness of about 1 inch. Because of its small area, thin stone veneer weighs about 15 pounds per square inch. Because of its weight, thin stone veneer is easy to work with as a contractor does not have to build a concrete base or block that has to support the weight of the veneer.

Types of Thin Stone Veneer

There are two types of thin stone veneer: natural and synthetic.

Natural thin stone veneer is made out of thin slices of natural stones that are sourced from various quarries depending on the company you engage with. Because of this diversity, natural thin stone veneer comes in lots of colors, textures and looks which makes it easier to find the exact thin stone veneer you need for your project.

Synthetic thin stone veneer is formed from various products so that it mimics the look and feel of natural stone veneer. These veneers are often made out of concrete and other aggregate materials. Because of the use of concrete, synthetic veneers are prone to cracking and fading over time. They are also sensitive to certain chemicals.

Because natural stone veneer is sourced from different locations and even layers of rock, there are vast appearance differences between one stone and the next. This allows unique patterns that cannot be replicated or repeated. Because it can be washed easily and does not fade over time, natural stone veneer is very cheap to maintain.

Indoor and Outdoor Uses

Natural thin stone veneer can be used both indoors and outdoors. For indoor applications, contractors use smaller veneers. These are usually about a foot in length and 6 inches in height. These veneers can be cut to the right size when working with them so there is no wastage, and so they fit wherever they need to. 

For outdoor use, contractors use natural stone veneer that lies either horizontally (as in steps and stairs) or vertically (as in support walls). The veneer used outside can be cut the same way as the one used indoors if a contractor or homeowner is going for a specific look, or it can be left in an irregular shape if they prefer.

Thin stone veneer often comes with corner pieces so that it looks great once the job is done. Skilled contractors can also scribe the veneer and split it to form corner pieces if they are missing. 

Thin stone veneer is an interesting construction material due to its versatility and workability. The individual stones are all different so that homeowners and contractors can create unique finishes and is light enough that they do not have to worry about supporting the veneer’s weight.