Top Rated Stone Siding Contractor
What is stone veneer made of? The term “manufactured stone” is often used to describe stone veneers. These are man-made, molded mixtures intended to re-create stone. These mixtures are normally made up of natural stone and cement. Some use recycled materials. Boral Versetta Stone® is one example that uses a minimum 50% recycled material in it’s stone veneer. Manufacturer, J&N Stone, uses only natural stone in their molding process in order to produce the most authentic look possible.
Not all stone veneers are natural mixtures. Cheaper and less-authentic looking products may be made of molded plastics and foams that create a stone-like appearance. These are more often called faux stone, because they contain no real stone. This type of veneer is often less durable and very different in nature.
It’s important to make the distinction between “manufactured” and “faux” stone veneers. We’re going to focus on the qualities of manufactured stone veneer, since this is what we offer at Opal Enterprises.
Only high-quality materials from trusted manufacturers when handling siding installation
High quality finished products will have the look and feel of authentic stone. When combined with proper installation, good veneers are often indistinguishable from natural stone walls. They can produce any style of stone wall or brick. Some people use stone veneer products as accents and some on an entire exterior. You can make your very own castle with stone veneer.
Here’s a look at one of the most popular product lines we install, Boral Versetta Stone®! It’s installed with only mechanical fasteners, much like siding, and without any mortar.
How long does stone veneer last? Most good quality stone veneers last a very long time with warranties ranging from 20-50+ years. It really depends on the product and brand. Versetta Stone, for example, comes with a 50 year warranty and is said to have 60 year corrosion resistance.
Only high-quality materials from trusted manufacturers when handling siding installation
How much does stone veneer cost? Pricing varies widely based on manufacturer, installation method, and style chosen. Manufacturer, Centurion Stone’s FAQ states that manufactured stone is normally 30% to 50% less the installation cost of natural stone. Manufactured Stone Veneer has an impressive ROI. According to a 2017 Remodeling Magazine report, 2016 stats showed an average of 104.5% cost recouped for homeowners who invested in stone veneer.
How do I get stone veneer installed? Installation of stone veneer is best done by a contractor with masonry skills. Most manufactured stone products require mortar and some are more specialized than others. Look for a contractor who has experience with installing the product you’re interested in. Recommendations and reputation are also key indicators of a good contractor.
For service in the Chicago suburbs, Opal Enterprises is a top-rated choice for stone veneer installation. Versetta Stone® and J&N Stone products are the most common types of manufactured stone installed by Opal crews. Our team has masonry specialists who will give you a top-quality finish.