Stone Veneer Siding & Installation

Transform your home's exterior with the timeless beauty of stone at a fraction of the cost of full masonry.

What is Stone Veneer and Why Choose It?

Stone veneer gives you the look of natural stone without the weight, cost, or complexity of full-thickness masonry. It's a thin layer of real or manufactured stone that we install over your existing exterior walls. The result looks just like solid stone construction but costs significantly less and installs much faster.

Your home's exterior makes a powerful first impression. Stone veneer adds instant curb appeal and character. It works beautifully on traditional and modern homes alike. Whether you want to cover your entire facade or create accent areas around your entryway, fireplace, or columns, stone veneer offers endless design possibilities.

Here in Tuscaloosa, we install stone veneer on all types of homes. Ranch houses, colonials, craftsman bungalows, and contemporary designs all benefit from the warmth and texture of stone. We also use veneer for commercial buildings, providing a professional, upscale appearance that attracts customers and increases property value.

The best part? Stone veneer is low maintenance. Unlike wood siding that needs painting or vinyl that can crack, stone veneer lasts for decades with minimal upkeep. It won't rot, warp, or fade. It resists pests, fire, and weather. When you invest in quality masonry work, you're investing in long-term value and beauty.

Natural Stone vs. Manufactured Stone Veneer

You have two main options when choosing stone veneer. Both look great, but they have different characteristics and price points. Let's walk you through the differences so you can make the right choice for your project.

Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer is cut from real stone quarries. It's actual stone sliced thin so it's lighter and easier to install than full-thickness stone. Common types include limestone, sandstone, slate, and quartzite. Each piece is unique with its own color variations and natural texture.

•Authentic appearance: Nothing looks quite like real stone because it is real stone. The depth, color variations, and texture are completely natural.
•Higher cost: Natural stone costs more than manufactured options due to quarrying, cutting, and transportation.
•Heavier weight: While lighter than full stone, natural veneer is heavier than manufactured alternatives.
•Regional variations: Colors and types vary by region, giving your home a distinctive look.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer is made from concrete and aggregates formed in molds. Modern manufacturing techniques create incredibly realistic textures and colors. Most people can't tell the difference between high-quality manufactured stone and natural stone from more than a few feet away.

We work with premium brands like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone. These companies have perfected their craft over decades. Their products come in dozens of styles from stacked ledgestone to river rock to Old World field stone. You'll find options that match any architectural style.

Manufactured veneer costs less than natural stone while still providing excellent durability and appearance. It's lighter weight, which simplifies installation and reduces structural load on your home. The consistent sizing makes installation faster and allows for tighter budgets and timelines. Many of our customers also add stone veneer around their outdoor fireplace or kitchen to create a cohesive look.

Our Professional Installation Process

Proper installation is critical for stone veneer. When done right, it looks beautiful and lasts for decades. When done wrong, it can fail quickly. Here's how we ensure your veneer installation stands the test of time.

First, we prepare your walls. The surface must be clean, sound, and properly prepared to accept veneer. If you have existing siding, we'll advise whether it needs to be removed. We install a weather-resistant barrier to protect your home from moisture. Then we attach metal lath or a scratch coat to provide a secure base for the veneer.

Next comes layout and planning. We dry-fit sections of stone to create an appealing pattern. This step is especially important for natural stone since each piece is different. We arrange colors and shapes for visual balance. For manufactured stone, we ensure we're using pieces from multiple boxes to avoid color clustering.

During installation, we apply mortar to the wall and back of each stone piece. We press the stone firmly into place and ensure good contact. Proper mortar coverage is essential for adhesion and weather resistance. We work from the bottom up, supporting each course as we go. Corner pieces and trim stones get special attention to create clean, professional details.

After the stones are set, we finish the joints. Some styles look best with tight joints showing little or no mortar. Others benefit from visible mortar joints that we tool for a traditional appearance. We clean excess mortar as we work to prevent staining. Finally, we seal the installation if needed to protect against moisture and staining.

The entire process typically takes several days to a few weeks depending on the project size. We protect your landscaping and keep the work area clean. You'll see progress every day as your home's transformation takes shape.

Popular Stone Veneer Design Ideas

Stone veneer offers incredible versatility. You don't have to cover your entire house to make an impact. Here are some popular ways Tuscaloosa homeowners use stone veneer to enhance their properties.

Accent walls create dramatic focal points. Cover the wall around your front door, garage, or chimney with stone to draw the eye and add dimension. This is often the most cost-effective way to incorporate stone into your design. The contrast between stone and your existing siding creates visual interest.

Full facade coverage gives you the ultimate stone look. This works especially well on ranch-style homes and contemporary designs. You can mix stone styles or colors to create horizontal bands or geometric patterns. The result is a completely transformed exterior that looks like solid masonry construction.

Columns and pillars add architectural character. Stone-wrapped columns flanking your entrance create a grand, welcoming appearance. This approach works for front porches, covered walkways, and interior spaces. We can build new columns or cover existing wood or metal posts.

Interior applications bring the beauty of stone inside. Many homeowners add stone veneer to interior fireplaces, accent walls, and even kitchen islands. The installation process is similar to exterior work but uses interior-appropriate materials and techniques. If you're interested in interior applications, we can also help with custom natural stone features throughout your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Transform Your Home's Exterior?

Call (659) 228-0455