Natural stone veneer or manufactured stone veneer

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

 

The choice between natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer often depends on personal needs and preference. In order to make an adequate choice, it is important to be aware of the difference between the two.  When manufactured cultured stone veneer was relatively new on the market, they became extremely popular for building façade cladding and wall finishing. This is probably due to their lower cost and extensive product range. However, natural stone veneer remains a preferred option for homeowners due to its authenticity and natural aesthetics. But what is the difference between these two types of cladding?

Natural stone veneer is, as suggested by its name, made of real stone. The big pieces are then cut in thin profiles and turned into facets. Natural stone veneer differs from manufactured with its imperfections, texture and color variety. On the other hand, manufactured stone veneer is a man-made product that is created to resemble real stone. It is usually made of concrete. From afar, both types of stone veneer are different to distinguish. However, there are several pros and cons to each material that differs from one another and can make your choice easier. 

Appearance
Thanks to advancements in technology, manufactured stone veneer looks quite realistic, especially from afar. They are sold in a wide variety of colors, grains and styles.
However, if you look closely, manufactured stone veneer is nothing like natural stone veneer. You can often notice several stones that look exactly alike, which is something that is not possible in nature.
Moreover, you can notice the hand painted surface that tries to imitate the uniqueness of natural stone.  Although in some cases it might look almost real, nothing can measure up to the appeal of the color and texture of natural stone.

Cost
Contrary to popular opinion, the difference in the cost of manufactured and natural stone veneer is not big at all. Due to the advancements in the appearance of manufactured cultured stone veneer, it is no longer a cost-effective option.
Moreover, the difference in cost of transportation of natural stone veneer and the manufactured one is almost insignificant, although manufactured veneer is lighter.
Depending on the cladding material you have chosen, the cost of installation might be different. For example, professionals say that manufactured stone veneer is easier to install due to the repetitive pattern and ease of installation. Whereas, with natural stone veneer every piece is unique.
Last but not least, the maintenance of natural stone veneer usually costs less than the one of manufactured products. This is because natural stone is more resistant to pressure washing in comparison to manufactured stone.

Durability
One of homeowners’ biggest concerns when choosing between manufactured and natural stone veneer is the product’s durability. Both types of cladding are considered to be durable, yet there are some differences in their long-term effectiveness.
Manufactured stone veneer can deteriorate with time due to exposure to weather impact, such as sunlight, rain, dirt and wind. Therefore, natural stone veneer is considered more durable. This is probably one of the main differences between the two when we talk about durability. Since manufactured stone is usually painted, when it is exposed to sunlight, the color is most likely to fade in a couple of years. Therefore, if you plan on installing the stone veneer on the exterior of your property, the best option for you is natural stone veneer.

The bottom line is that both manufactured and natural stone veneer have their advantages and disadvantages and your choice depends on your personal preference and needs. Manufactured veneer has the upside of being lighter and easier to install, as it can be fixed on various different surfaces. It is also sold in a wide variety of colors, grains and styles you can choose from that will make your stone walls look quite realistic. However, the downside is that its color can easily fade with time. Natural stone veneer, on the other hand, will give your house the appeal and authenticity you desire. Moreover, it will ensure that your stone wall is one of a kind and, with proper maintenance, will last for decades to come.