Stone Veneer Siding & Installation
Transform your home's exterior with the timeless beauty of stone at a fraction of the cost.
(805) 261-5871
What is Stone Veneer Siding?
Stone veneer gives you the look of solid stone without the weight or expense. It's a thin layer of real or manufactured stone that's applied to your home's exterior walls. From the street, it looks identical to full-thickness stone. But it's much easier to install and costs significantly less.
At SV Simi Valley Masonry, we've installed stone veneer on hundreds of homes throughout the area. We work with both natural stone veneer cut from real stone and manufactured stone veneer made from concrete. Both options look great and last for decades when installed correctly.
Stone veneer isn't just for new construction. It's perfect for updating older homes too. We can cover existing stucco, wood, or other siding materials. Many homeowners use stone veneer as an accent on part of their facade, around entryways, or on foundations. Others cover entire walls for a dramatic transformation.
Benefits of Stone Veneer
- •Dramatically increases curb appeal and home value
- •Costs 30-50% less than full-thickness stone
- •Requires no additional foundation support
- •Installs faster than traditional stone masonry
- •Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- •Available in countless styles, colors, and textures
Natural vs. Manufactured Stone Veneer
You have two main options when choosing stone veneer. Both look authentic and perform well. Your choice depends on your priorities for appearance, budget, and specific application.
Natural Stone Veneer
Natural stone veneer is exactly what it sounds like. It's real stone that's been cut into thin pieces. Common types include limestone, granite, sandstone, and quartzite. Because it's actual stone, every piece is unique. The color variations and natural textures can't be perfectly replicated.
Natural stone typically costs more than manufactured options. It's also heavier, which can affect installation complexity. But many homeowners prefer it for its authenticity and one-of-a-kind character. It's an excellent choice for high-end homes or when you want to match existing stonework on your property.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer is made from concrete, aggregates, and pigments. It's molded from real stone, so it captures authentic textures and details. Modern manufacturing has made these products incredibly realistic. Most people can't tell the difference from 10 feet away.
The advantages are practical. Manufactured stone weighs less, making installation easier. It costs less too. You get consistent sizing and color, which simplifies planning. We work with premium brands like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone that offer warranties and proven performance.
Popular styles include ledgestone with horizontal lines, fieldstone for a rustic look, and river rock for rounded shapes. We can show you samples and help you choose what works best for your home's architecture and your neighborhood's character.
Our Professional Installation Process
Stone veneer looks simple, but proper installation is critical. Poor technique leads to water damage, cracking, and falling stones. We follow industry best practices to ensure your veneer looks great and performs well for decades.
Surface Preparation
We start by preparing your existing wall surface. For wood-framed walls, we install moisture barriers and metal lath. This provides a secure attachment surface and protects your home from water. For concrete or block walls, we clean and prepare the surface for proper adhesion. Everything must be structurally sound before we begin.
Layout and Planning
Good stone veneer installation requires planning. We lay out the pattern on the ground first, mixing stone from different boxes to ensure good color variation. We plan corner pieces and transitions carefully. This prep work takes time but prevents costly mistakes later.
Stone Application
We apply mortar to both the wall and the back of each stone piece. This ensures complete adhesion. We start at the bottom and work up, supporting each course until the mortar sets. We maintain proper spacing and use leveling tools to keep everything straight. For areas around windows and doors, we use careful cutting and fitting techniques.
We can coordinate your stone veneer with other masonry work like brick restoration or patio installation for a cohesive look.
Finishing and Sealing
After the stone is installed, we fill joints if needed. Some styles use tight-fitted joints with no mortar showing. Others use grouted joints for a traditional look. We clean excess mortar before it fully hardens. We can apply sealant to protect the stone and make maintenance easier, though this is optional. Finally, we install proper flashing and weep holes to manage water correctly.