It is not difficult to understand why almost everyone likes the look of natural stone. It just looks good and creates a sense of value and longevity wherever it is installed. That look has been added to what is now called stone cladding. Veneer is defined as a thin layer of material to be coated or embedded in another material. Veneers are generally applied to the exterior of houses and can be seen on houses with brick facades. When the houses are built, the walls are first framed and then the exterior is covered with OSB cladding. After this, some kind of cladding is installed. This is where veneer comes in, and that veneer can be brick, stone, or other forms of home siding.

Brick and natural stone are wonderful coatings to place on the exterior walls of the house, and it is common knowledge that they add value and stability to any home, but there are some drawbacks to using these materials to cover any home. The cost alone gives pause to many homeowners who are considering using brick or natural stone for this purpose. Another option for the homeowner would be stone siding, which provides the same value and structural integrity that comes with installing brick or natural stone, but costs one-third to one-half what it would cost to install.

While brick and natural stone are more expensive than artificial stone, it is not just the cost of the materials that drives the cost up so dramatically. The homeowner must also consider the cost of installation. Hiring a bricklayer is the best way to achieve the application of brick and natural stone facades to the exterior of any structure. They are highly trained in all the techniques necessary to install these materials correctly. A faulty installation will cost much more in the long run, which is why hiring a professional, rather than doing it yourself, is much more profitable. With stone cladding, a DIY project is simple and easy to accomplish, and you don’t need to be an expert.

Choosing to install artificial stone is a great option for those who are on a budget or prefer the sense of satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful that will last for years.

The installation is not as complicated as that of brick or natural stone, since there is no need to use flanges or footings, and the adhesives used are environmentally friendly. Another interesting feature of stone veneer is that it can be found in a variety of designs and colors that are not always present in natural stone that can be found in the local surroundings, which is where most of the natural stone is used due at shipping cost.