Stone Veneer Siding Installation

Get the Look of Stone Without the Weight or Cost

Stone veneer gives your home the elegant, upscale look of natural stone without the structural requirements or expense of full-thickness stone. Modern stone veneer consists of thin pieces of real stone or manufactured stone products that attach to your existing walls. The result looks just like solid stone construction but weighs a fraction as much and costs significantly less.

Most homes cannot support the weight of full-thickness stone walls without expensive structural modifications. Stone veneer solves this problem. It adds only a few pounds per square foot compared to 15 to 20 pounds or more for full-thickness stone. You get the dramatic visual impact and lasting value of stone without tearing into your walls or reinforcing foundations.

• Authentic appearance: Quality stone veneer is virtually indistinguishable from full-thickness stone when properly installed.
• Cost savings: Stone veneer typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than full-thickness natural stone.
• Easy installation: Veneer attaches to existing walls with mortar or mechanical fasteners, no structural changes needed.
• Maintenance free: Quality stone veneer never needs painting, staining, or sealing and resists weather, insects, and rot.
• Energy efficiency: Stone veneer adds thermal mass that helps moderate indoor temperatures and can improve energy efficiency.
• Increased home value: Stone exteriors significantly boost curb appeal and property values, often returning 90 percent or more of the installation cost.

At AGM Augusta Masonry, we specialize in stone veneer installation for homes throughout Augusta, GA. We work with both natural stone veneer and premium manufactured stone products to create the exact look you want.

Natural Stone Veneer vs Manufactured Stone

Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer consists of thin slices of real stone, typically cut to about one inch thick. Every piece is unique with natural color variations and textures. Popular options include limestone, sandstone, quartzite, slate, and granite. Natural stone veneer offers authentic beauty that cannot be replicated, though it costs more than manufactured alternatives and requires skilled installation to handle irregular shapes and sizes.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Also called cultured stone or faux stone, manufactured veneer is made from concrete mixed with pigments and aggregates, then molded from real stone. Modern manufactured stone is remarkably realistic, with natural-looking color variations and textures. It offers several advantages: lighter weight, more uniform sizing for easier installation, wider range of colors and styles, and lower cost. Quality manufactured stone from reputable manufacturers looks great and lasts just as long as natural stone.

Style Options

Stone veneer comes in many styles to match different architectural looks. Ledgestone features long, horizontal pieces stacked for a contemporary linear appearance. Fieldstone mimics rounded river rocks for a rustic, natural look. Ashlar patterns use rectangular stones in organized layouts for formal, traditional style. Dry stack has tight joints with minimal visible mortar, while mortared joints show more traditional pointing. We help you choose the style, color, and pattern that best complements your home.

Where to Use Stone Veneer on Your Home

Stone veneer transforms any part of your home's exterior. Here are the most popular applications:

Full Facade Coverage

Cover your entire home exterior with stone for maximum impact. This works especially well for ranch-style homes and creates a dramatic transformation. Full coverage costs more but delivers the biggest change in appearance and value.

Accent Walls and Features

Many homeowners use stone veneer as an accent on specific areas. Popular spots include the front entrance and facade, garage door surrounds, gable ends, lower portions of two-story homes, and chimney exteriors. Strategic accent placement creates visual interest and boosts curb appeal without covering the entire house.

Foundation and Base Coverage

Stone veneer on the lower three to four feet of your home creates a solid, grounded look while protecting vulnerable areas from water and impact damage. This traditional approach works with any architectural style and costs less than full coverage.

Interior Applications

Stone veneer is not just for exteriors. We also install it on interior fireplaces, accent walls, and architectural features. Interior applications are easier and faster since we do not need weather-resistant details.

Professional Installation

Proper installation is critical for long-lasting results. We prepare the substrate with moisture barriers and metal lath. We apply mortar backing and set each stone carefully, ensuring proper adhesion and alignment. We install weep screeds at the bottom to allow drainage and use proper flashing details around windows and other penetrations. Like all our masonry work, we follow industry best practices to ensure your stone veneer looks great and performs well for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions