Stone Veneer Siding & Installation

Why Stone Veneer Is Perfect for Your Home

Stone veneer gives you the stunning look of natural stone masonry without the massive weight, extensive foundation work, or high cost of solid stone. It is one of the smartest ways to upgrade your home's exterior because you get all the visual impact for about half the price of full-thickness stone installation.

Modern stone veneer looks so realistic that most people cannot tell it from natural stone unless they get very close. The manufacturing process has improved dramatically over the past decade. Today's products capture the natural texture, color variation, and dimensional depth of quarried stone. You can choose from dozens of styles that mimic everything from weathered fieldstone to precisely cut ledgestone to rustic river rock.

Here in Murrieta, we see homeowners using stone veneer to completely transform their curb appeal. Popular applications include accent walls that highlight your front entrance, full facade makeovers that cover old stucco or siding, outdoor fireplace surrounds, and foundation wraps that add visual weight to your home's base. The difference is dramatic. Homes with stone veneer stand out in the neighborhood and typically sell faster and for more money than similar homes with plain siding. You are making an investment that pays you back both in daily enjoyment and eventual resale value.

Understanding Your Stone Veneer Options

You have two main choices when it comes to stone veneer: natural stone cut thin, or manufactured stone veneer. Both look great when installed properly, and each has advantages depending on your priorities.

What Makes Each Type Different:

• •Natural Stone Veneer: Real stone cut into thin pieces, typically 1 to 2 inches thick. Every piece is unique because it comes from actual quarries. Slightly more expensive but undeniably authentic. Works beautifully for high-end homes and historic properties.
• •Manufactured Stone Veneer: Concrete-based product molded from real stone to capture authentic textures and colors. Lighter weight makes installation easier and faster. Consistent sizing reduces waste and speeds up the process. Excellent warranties from major brands.
• •Color and Style Range: Both types come in dozens of colors from warm earth tones to cool grays. Styles include stacked ledgestone, random fieldstone, cut ashlar, river rock, and more. We help you choose options that complement your home's architecture and existing colors.
• •Cost Comparison: Manufactured stone typically costs $8 to $15 per square foot installed. Natural thin stone runs $15 to $25 per square foot. Both are significantly less expensive than solid stone masonry which starts around $40 per square foot.

We work with premium brands like Cultured Stone, Eldorado Stone, and Coronado Stone that have proven track records for durability and appearance. During your consultation, we bring physical samples so you can see how different options look against your home's exterior in natural light. This helps you make confident decisions about the style and color that will look best on your property.

How We Install Stone Veneer That Lasts

The difference between stone veneer that looks great for decades and veneer that fails after a few years comes down to proper installation technique. We follow manufacturer specifications exactly and never take shortcuts that could compromise long-term performance.

First, we prepare the surface where the stone will be installed. If you have wood siding, we install a moisture barrier and metal lath to give the mortar something to grip. For concrete or block walls, we clean the surface thoroughly and sometimes score it to improve adhesion. This preparation work determines how well the veneer bonds to your home.

Next comes the actual stone installation. We apply a scratch coat of mortar to the wall, then press each stone piece firmly into place. Unlike some installers who just smear mortar on the back of stones, we make sure mortar completely fills the space behind each piece for maximum bond strength. We pay careful attention to joint spacing and alignment so the finished wall looks natural and balanced.

As we work, we install proper flashing at critical points like windows, doors, and the base of the wall. This directs any moisture that gets behind the stone safely out and away from your home's structure. Many veneer failures happen because installers skip flashing or install it incorrectly. We also add weep holes at the bottom of the wall to allow drainage and ventilation. Finally, we grout the joints between stones if needed, tool them for a consistent appearance, and clean the entire surface. The result is a professionally installed stone facade that enhances your home's beauty while protecting the underlying structure from weather.

Stone Veneer Questions We Hear Most Often

Here are straightforward answers to the questions homeowners ask us about stone veneer siding projects.