Comparing the performance attributes of natural stone with manmade materials

Exterior Design

While design trends come and go, natural stone remains a timeless and flexible option for many exterior applications including cladding, paving, and hardscapes. This is due to the variety of natural stone types available that are beautiful, durable, and versatile. No wonder so many manmade materials try to emulate or replicate these characteristics and qualities.

It is important to know how the material chosen for an exterior project will perform under a variety of circumstances, conditions, and uses. It is also essential to understand how natural stone compares to manmade materials used for the same applications in order to select the material that will perform the best. At the same time, knowing how the material impacts the environment will ensure that you are choosing the most sustainable material for the application.

Photo courtesy of Connecticut Stone.

Performance Matters

A material’s optimal performance is based on a combination of the attributes of the material itself, how the material is installed, and the conditions to which it is exposed. There are many different issues to consider:

• How will the material hold up under freeze/thaw conditions? Continued cycles of freezing and thawing can cause some materials to degrade more quickly.
• Does it have good UV resistance and solar reflectance? Many materials will break down over time or change appearances when exposed to UV light.
• Does the material have a low absorption rate? Materials with lower absorption rates tend to be more stain resistant. Sealing a material can lower its absorption rate and improve its performance.
• Is the material slip-resistant? Slip resistance is the level of traction needed for a walking surface to remain safe for those using it. Slip resistance is impacted by the material’s texture and porosity, as well as any surface treatments used and elements it is exposed to, including water and dust.

Performance attributes should be addressed no matter what material you’re considering or what type of project you’re working on. These factors play an even more important role in sustainability and in the long-term performance of the material. Let’s examine how natural stone stacks up to manmade materials from the perspective of these performance objectives.

Photo courtesy of Gallegos.

Exterior Applications for Natural Stone versus Manmade Materials

Cladding and Veneer
The possibilities for natural stone cladding and veneer are endless. Limestone, granite, marble, travertine, basalt, slate, quartzite, and sandstone are among the many options. These stones are versatile, meaning they can be cut and finished into different shapes, textures, and patterns, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Many stones are durable in extreme weather conditions. When discussing vertical stone applications, the installation standards and techniques can make even vulnerable stones durable. Most stones have a long life span. Light colored stones have a high solar reflectance index, meaning they will reflect the sun well, reducing heat gain on the building or site. Stone also has a low embodied energy, an important consideration for sustainability requirements. This is because natural stone was created by the Earth and very little energy or additional resources are needed to quarry, fabricate, and finish it. Some stones are porous and may stain if subjected to contaminates over time. Depending on the stone’s mineral composition it may be susceptible to the effects of acid rain. Natural stone may sometimes have a higher initial cost than manmade materials, but it often proves to be the most cost-effective choice because it lasts so long. This is especially true because natural stone can also be refinished, repaired, restored, or recycled.

Manmade materials including porcelain, concrete, GFRC panels, metal, and terracotta are also options for exterior cladding.  Concrete and porcelain are durable and UV stable; good choices for the exterior and the exposure to sunlight and the elements they must withstand. However, these materials do not typically last as long as stone. Concrete, in the form of cast stone and cultured stone, is often tinted and can fade heavily from sunlight/UV exposure. Some manufacturers are improving the color fastness of cultured stone, but that adds chemicals and cost to the final product. Some manmade materials can also sometimes look flat since they are often made to be uniform in appearance and lack the natural veining and textures of natural stone. Most of them also have a high embodied energy because they require a wide range of other materials and energy intensive processes to be manufactured.

Paving
Natural stones including granite, sandstone, basalt, limestone, slate, travertine, marble, and porphyry are good options for paving. Again, one of the main performance aspects of using natural stone in this manner is its incredible durability. Surfaces can also be finished for slip-resistance and design options abound with more edging, pattern, surface texture, and color than manmade surfaces. Many natural stones perform very well in freeze/thaw environments and conditions. In some cases, natural stone will cost less than porcelain or concrete imitations. Once again, the low embodied energy of natural stone makes it a great option for meeting sustainability goals. The installation of natural stone may be more costly than some manmade materials and it may need to be sealed, depending on the type of stone, location, and environmental conditions. However, as mentioned previously, natural stone’s long life cycle makes it a very cost-effective choice.

Concrete, clay, and porcelain are among the manmade materials used for paving. A few of the pros of using these materials include the possibility of lower replacement and maintenance costs for concrete, and that porcelain is UV stable. There are limited texture options for concrete, which can contribute to a lower cost for the material. Quite often though, concrete fades and the material takes on a very aggregate-like appearance and will lose its color. New technologies are improving surface wear, color fastness, texture, and stain resistance. However, these add quite a bit to the cost and in some cases will make it more expensive than natural stone. For clay, the use of sand mold and wire cut production methods will yield a paver that has a high absorption rate and may have significant issues with salts and efflorescence. These pavers require a more costly installation process due to their larger sizing tolerance issues created by the moisture and firing process. There are pavers created with a compressed production process which perform better but still have performance issues and are not as durable as most natural stones.  High fired or vitrified clay pavers can be very hard and durable, but also very brittle. Porcelain behaves like glass and can also be very brittle, especially in a dry set application in a freeze thaw environment, so it will need to be set with spacers to protect itself in the winter. Porcelain has no absorption, so water will just sit on the surface. The water needs to evaporate or surface drain, so in the winter this can create a very slick surface and be dangerous. These products also have high embodied energy, which creates a negative impact on the environment.

Eden limestone dimensional flagstone. Photo courtesy of Lurvey Supply.

Natural Stone and Sustainability

Natural stone has demonstrated considerable durability in local and regional environments and applications. In many cases, these have lasted for hundreds of years, even millennia. Most manmade materials have not been around long enough to demonstrate that level of performance. The qualities of longevity and durability have proven that natural stone is also a great choice for meeting green building goals. The initial material and installation costs are offset by the long life expectancy and low maintenance requirements. Little to no cleaning or chemicals are required to maintain the material and as mentioned, natural stone can also be refinished, repaired, restored, or recycled. Natural stone is 100% natural. Engineered quartz, concrete, and porcelain require many different materials including chemicals to be manufactured and many of them are not recyclable.

So, as Oscar Wilde once said: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” Choose natural stone and you will be contributing to the long legacy of great, high-performing, sustainable projects in the world.

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Reprinted with permission from Delgado Stone. All photos courtesy of Delgado Stone.

If you have researched natural thin stone veneer or spent any time on the internet seeking inspiration, you already know one thing: there are more options to personalize your space than you imagined! Natural stone is quarried across the world in a variety of types, color schemes, patterns, and shapes.

With the right planning and approach, the range of choices is beneficial because each pattern has different characteristics. The traits you like the most about a particular stone can be enhanced by the pattern you choose. This article covers five popular patterns: The Mosaic, Strip, and Roughly Square and Rectangle patterns feature the stone face, while the Ledgestone and Ashlar patterns showcase the end grain. Here is a closer look at each.

Ashlar

The Ashlar pattern is a combination of approximately 50% rectangular Strip pieces, 25% Ledge pieces, and 25% small squares. The combination of these three patterns provides the mason with the flexibility to create a unique design for each project. In the photo below, Northeast Walls and Patios installed Colonial Tan thin stone veneer in the Ashlar pattern for the new home’s entryway, pillars, and arch siding.

Ledgestone Pattern

Ledgestone (otherwise referred to as Ledge) is made up of thin cut pieces of natural stone often used for siding. These end-grain pieces run in size approximately 1”-4” in height and 6”-14” in length. This pattern creates a unique, layered look when used for stone walls or fireplaces, as you can see in the photo below, featuring design and install by Rockport Post and Beam and Larry Luce Masonry, LLC. The smallest pattern of the five in this article, Ledgestone can be used for a wide range of projects, from home siding to step risers.

Mosaic Pattern

The Mosaic pattern includes irregular shapes that fit together like a puzzle, allowing you to create your own unique design. The face surface ranges from approximately .25 to 1.25 square feet. Mosaic patterns are a popular choice to give projects a more natural, rustic look. The accent wall below, featuring Connecticut Blend thin stone veneer and the talents of JJ Stone Design and Masonry, is a great example of how a little stone makes a big impact.

Roughly Square and Rectangle

Otherwise called Square & Rec, these pieces are roughly 6”x6” and larger, while the rectangle pieces are longer. In contrast to the Mosaic pattern, Square & Rec is used to create a clean and more modern look. Often used for exterior siding, Square & Rec offers a smooth, consistent shape that puts the focus on the color choice and range. The photo below shows a Connecticut project by J. Salvatore & Sons using Square and Rec on the entrance to coordinate with the front of the home.

Strip Pattern

Strip is the pattern that most resembles the layout of brick. The face ranges from approximately 5-8” in height and 12-18” in length. Stones are all cut to almost the same size so they fit together to create a smooth, flat surface. The rectangular shape makes the Strip pattern a good fit for projects needing consistent and longer stones. The fireplace below features the talents of Lakeside Masonry using Spruce Mountain strip patterned thin stone veneer.

Even with a wide range of options, there are no bounds for imagination and creativity. Patterns can be mixed and matched. Homeowners often coordinate with their masons and stone dealers to select a truly customized design that fits their individual project. We love seeing the way these projects maximize the impact of natural stone and showcase the talents of the designers and installers!

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All photos courtesy of Delgado Stone.

Natural stone is mother nature’s oldest building material and has been used throughout history to create countless commercial and residential features. The characteristics of natural stone provide a balance of beauty and functionality to any project. Thin stone veneer was introduced in the twentieth century, but only in the last 5-7 years has it become a premier choice in the natural stone industry.

What is natural thin stone veneer?

Thin stone veneer is a form of natural stone veneer that has been sawn to approximately 1” thickness with a ¼” tolerance allowed. To be classified as thin stone veneer, each piece must weigh less than 15lbs per sq/ft.

Thinstone Thickness

The introduction of these sawn, lighter-weight pieces created ease of installation and provided the appearance of full-depth stone without sacrificing any of the beauty of natural stone. Here are four of the most common applications for natural thin stone veneer.

1. Fireplaces

Natural stone has always been a popular choice for fireplaces, due to its heat-resistant properties and versatile appearance. Designers and stone masons are now often choosing natural thin stone veneer to save time during construction while still offering the beauty and impact of other natural stone options. Natural thin stone veneer can be used on both interior and exterior fireplace projects to create unique designs.

2. Exterior Stone Cladding

Stone cladding is an ever-growing use for natural thin stone veneer because of the material’s durability and look. When building a home, longevity is an important factor to consider and choosing natural stone cladding is a commitment to durability. Natural stone cladding can be used for entryways, to cover cement foundations, or for the entirety of a home’s exterior. Regardless of the amount of natural stone used, choosing natural stone for home design will continue to be a common trend as long as natural stone continues to complement other home design features. As an added perk, natural stone holds 93% of its original value at its peak, which is a higher percentile than most cladding options.

Connecticut Blend Mosaic Exterior Cladding

3. Natural Stone Walls

If you’re ever been to New England, you’ve seen stone walls that look like they have been there forever. Before mortar, wall caps, and decorative walls, property lines were marked by fieldstone walls that also helped keep animals out. Now retaining walls with decorative natural thin stone veneers are more common because of the ease of building cinderblock walls and adhering natural thin stone veneer to the surface. Walls like the one seen here still serve a function, marking the property line while also contributing to the appeal of the landscape design.

Nutmeg Ridge Mosaic Landscape Wall

4. Outdoor Living Features

Landscape and exterior home improvement projects continue to be a major trend, and natural thin stone veneer plays a major role in these types of projects. More outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces are created every day. Even using a small amount of natural thin stone veneer can transform a pool project or turn a fire pit project into a statement feature.

Natural thin stone veneer is only at the beginning of its potential and continues to have a positive impact on many different design concepts and features outside of these popular applications. With the sustainable, beautiful, and functional characteristics of natural stone, we will inevitably see more projects choosing natural thin stone veneer.

TAGS: selecting veneer exterior interior educate

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If you are in the construction business, I’m sure you are always asking yourself how you can take what you do and make it better—whether it’s installation, developing new products and techniques, or finding more efficient ways to get the job done. We have to keep up with the times, and time seems to be moving quickly. Natural thin stone veneer is not new to the market, but it has been growing at a very rapid pace. If you are in the stone industry, you know about all the uses and applications of natural thin stone veneer. If you’re not in the industry or the construction field, then there is probably a lot you don’t know. For those of you who are not familiar with natural thin stone veneer, here is a quick introduction.

Old Reding natural thin stone veneer.

Natural thin stone veneer is real stone cut to approximately one inch thickness, weighing no more than fifteen pounds per square foot. This is important because it enables your contractor the ability to install stone without building a block or concrete base that has to support the weight of a full bed stone. Full bed veneers are stones that range from four to six inches and are used in any vertical application. They can weigh up to fifty-five pounds per square foot, which is a lot of weight to support. This is one of the reasons why natural thin stone veneer has become so popular. Another great thing about natural thin stone veneer is most products have corner pieces, which means if the job is done right it should look just like a full bed veneer.

The options of color and cut have increased dramatically with the growth of the business and with more players coming into the marketplace. The cut is very important in your design, so let’s break it down.

Liberty Hill natural thin stone veneer.

Round: These are natural shaped round and ovals that have a balance of size. They’re great for that old farm look or for oceanside communities. Farm walls or country fireplaces are a very desirable look, especially in the northeast and mountain areas.

Square and Rectangular: This cut enables you to get an excellent ratio of size which is a plus for larger applications. It’s a great choice for a classic “old world” look.

Rectangular: This is rustic or a finely cut shape; a very universal cut that can be used in most applications large and small. It has a balance of size but not as dramatic as the square and rectangular.

Ledge Cut: Ledge cuts are smaller in width two to four inches and have varying lengths. If used alone they can create a “stacked” look and are an excellent choice for contemporary designs.

Mosaic Cut: This is a cut with points and angular shapes that have a mix of large, medium, and small sizes. Mosaic is another great option for larger areas where you can show the contrast of the shapes and size.

One last point on cut: you don’t have to be married to just one. Some of the best stone work has a mix of all cuts, so if you are bold in your design, mix it up!

Multi-colored round natural thin stone veneer.

Let’s talk about application. To make it simple, I use this rule: “Masonry on Masonry.” Natural thin stone veneer cannot be applied to wood, drywall, or any other surface that is not masonry. It must have some kind of moisture barrier, unless being applied to a solid concrete surface. The mortar mix you use to set the stone is also very important. There are a lot of great products on the market that are made for thin stone installation. Some are premixed mortars with everything you need in the mix. There are also different types of fortifiers on the market that are used to mix in the mortar to give them a stronger bond and more flex for changes in temperature and moisture. Most natural thin stone veneer suppliers will have all this information in their brochures and on their websites. The more you educate yourself on the stone, cuts, and installation the better off you will be. When you hire your contractor you will have enough information to ask the right questions, get the look you want, and save you and your contractor a lot of leg work.

When you incorporate stone in any type of construction, whether it’s commercial, residential, inside, or outside, nothing can compare to real natural stone. Rustic, high end, contemporary, or something in between, natural stone is a must for any design and natural thin stone veneer can make any job happen.

Natural Stone Thin Veneer vs Cultured Stone

You have multiple options when considering materials for your home’s exterior. Many are first-rate. If you’re looking for materials that are beautiful, durable and versatile in their use for a large variety of exterior applications, natural thin stone veneer might be a surprisingly affordable choice.

From the Pyramids to the Parthenon, natural stone has been used in exterior applications for thousands of years. It suggests a status of wealth that even in its lighter weight version, as in the case of natural thin stone veneer, it is equally as majestic as the mountains from which it’s quarried. Natural thin stone veneer, which has only been widely marketed for about a decade, was created specifically for ease of use in veneering and remodeling construction.

Because its offers beauty and value, more builders and homeowners construct homes using natural thin stone veneer. As home exteriors extend living spaces, the popularity of natural thin stone veneer is increasing. “It opens the door for a lot more people to use natural stone in their project, explains Greg Osterhout, VP of Northern Stone Supply in Oakley, ID.

How Does Thin Stone Veneer Differ from Full Thickness Veneer?

Natural thin stone veneer is cut to replicate its full thickness stone counterpart, from 100% natural quarried stone. Building code requirements for adhered veneer specify the vertical load of the veneer assembly weigh no more than 15 lbs./square foot. Conversely, full thickness stone veneer is typically between 4” – 6” thick and weighs 40-73 lbs./square foot. After cutting, natural thin stone veneer maintains the same durability, low maintenance and aesthetic qualities as the thicker version.

Because of its reduced weight, it has exceptional versatility in use over traditional full-thickness stone, which requires structural support in the form of foundations or support ledges. Natural thin stone veneer requires no additional support and installs, often easily, over existing rigid materials like brick and concrete block. Natural thin stone veneer is a readily available solution for both interior and exterior renovation projects where natural stone is desired but structurally, can’t easily be supported.  Although its installation usually doesn’t require a master stone mason like some full thickness stone projects might require, it’s best to use a masonry professional to install the product.

According to Osterhout, a skilled do-it-yourselfer can do the work in many cases. “There is no need for special equipment or tools for installation. You’ll need to learn some basic skills, pay attention to details, and take your time,” he says. The adhesives used to apply and bond natural thin stone veneer are safe to use in homes. It’s important, however, to make certain you use the right product for the project. For example, some natural thin stone veneers do better around water and heat than others.

Additionally, because of its lighter weight, natural thin stone veneer not only requires less professional labor than full thickness veneer, it can cost considerably less to ship, reducing the overall cost of using the product in your projects.

Beauty Meets Versatility with Natural Thin Stone Veneer

The thinness and weight of natural thin stone veneer make it possible to incorporate it in almost any outdoor design project. Common natural thin stone veneer applications include siding, columns, outdoor kitchens, water features, landscaping, garages, entryways and gates. Whatever your decorating desire, there’s probably a natural thin stone veneer to fit.

Natural thin stone veneer is available in a multitude of stone types, styles, textures, cuts and colors and, like full thickness veneer, it retains its natural tones and hues eternally. It’s easy to integrate into existing design schemes or structural features and for builders it’s relatively easy to integrate into design plans. “It can be applied over a wide variety of base substrates and installed in places where it would otherwise be considered impractical,” says Mike Sylvia, Director of Marketing of Champlain Stone in Warrensburg, NY.

There are numerous educational tools available for builders wanting to incorporate the product into their projects. Joe Buechel, VP of Natural Stone Veneers International in Fond du Lac, WI, says, “The speed of the installation is much faster than full veneer. Because it’s a lightweight application, it allows the installer to do it faster.”

Osterhout adds, “Because it doesn’t require additional footings or engineering, the product can be installed on the standard framing leaving options wide open for remodels, retrofits and clients making design changes halfway through projects.

Major Benefits Over Manmade Veneers

Unlike manmade or concrete veneer which comes in a defined and predictable number of patterns and a limited number of molds, natural thin stone veneer allows countless creative and custom patterns. It’s abundantly available and offered in all natural stone types including limestone, granite, bluestone, sandstone, quartzite and others. Without the limitations imposed by concrete veneers, users can freely select a stone that fits their design aesthetic and needs.

It contains no oxide colors, aggregates or other chemicals which mean it doesn’t fade or chip over time. Because it is a natural stone product, it is virtually indestructible, rarely needs repair and is easy to maintain and clean. Even in the rare case when it does chip, its colorful inner beauty shows through – it doesn’t look damaged and chalky like manmade products would. Any imperfection only adds to its character.

“Manmade stone looks its best the day it’s finished and deteriorates over time,” says Osterhout. Natural thin stone veneer is just the opposite,” he continues.” It becomes more beautiful over time.”

In fact, the difference is obvious with most concrete veneer products. “Natural thin stone veneer is much longer lasting and a much greener material that doesn’t off-gas and is minimally constructed, “ Sylvia explains. “It’s like the difference between a cubic zirconia and real diamond,” says Buechel.

Moreover, there’s really little cost-savings using a manmade product. The difference is about $1-2/sq. ft. This is beneficial to both builders and homeowners but builders should consider that “More stone can be installed per ton of stone with natural thin stone veneer,” says Osterhout. That brings the costs down further for builders.

Additionally, because manmade products may require repair or replacement over time, it’s smarter to invest in natural thin stone veneer when you’ll be staying in your residence long term or if you want to increase the resale value.

Natural Thin Stone Veneer Adds Immediate Value

Even a small amount of this product added in the places where buyers most want this feature increases the warmth and elegance of the outdoor space in a home. It also raises resale value on the home. “The addition of natural thin stone veneer adds value to a property and elevates its perception to the viewer,” says Sylvia. “Natural stone is a great way to boost the overall aesthetic,” he continues.

“Developers use it because they can set themselves apart in the marketplace and get a higher sale price for a home,” adds Osterhout. It brings a different feel to the home causing a buyer to make the purchase decision and that means homes turn over quickly.”

Because natural thin stone veneer is 100% natural stone, most buyers seeking the aesthetics of stone prefer it over manmade materials, especially if they’re investing in the home long term. Using high-quality products like natural thin stone veneer, installed properly and applied in the right outdoor spaces, should bring your home’s value up accordingly.